Alexander Armstrong: What has been your biggest disappointment?

The question

What has been your biggest disappointment?

Originally asked

The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A

This exact question recurs in The Guardian's institutional Q&A pool.

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Alexander Armstrong

English actor, comedian, broadcaster and singer

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

To do more films. I’ve made a few but for some reason I haven’t been asked to do any lately.

Rob McGibbon, The Definite Article, Rob McGibbon, 29 December 2012 source ↗

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Rose Ayling-Ellis British actress

I didn’t email my grandfather enough before he passed away.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 24 August 2024 source ↗

Bill Bailey Comedian and musician

Not being chosen as the next Bond.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 October 2016 source ↗

Bryan Cranston American actor

That I couldn’t bridge the gap with my parents before they died. My mother died 10 years ago of Alzheimer’s, and my father died two years ago. He left when I was 11 and we got back in touch when I was 22.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 22 October 2016 source ↗

Philippa Gregory

I was very sorry to stop at two children – I would have liked to have had a third – and I am very sorry to have got divorced.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 30 March 2024 source ↗

More from Alexander Armstrong

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Question Who most deserves an apology from you, and why? Failure & regret

My brother. I was a precious child and had this competitive thing with my older brother, which I don't think he had with me. He was very innovative and I would steal his thunder.

Recorded Rosanna Greenstreet, The Q&A, The Guardian, 27 November 2010 source ↗

Question What song would you like played at your funeral? Death & what remains

I’d have Nunc Dimittis in G, followed by Gute Nacht and Be Thou My Vision.

Recorded Rob McGibbon, The Definite Article, Rob McGibbon, 29 December 2012 source ↗

Question What is the trait you most deplore in others? Values & belief

Bad manners, which extends from people dropping litter to people trawling the hell out of the oceans.

Recorded Rosanna Greenstreet, The Q&A, The Guardian, 27 November 2010 source ↗

Question What did you want to be when you were growing up? Identity & self

When I was little I wanted to be a conductor. I knew there was a man in a smart coat who waved his arms around at the opera and I thought: "There's the job for me."

Recorded Laura Potter, This much I know, The Guardian, 13 March 2010 source ↗

Question When were you happiest? Time & hindsight

Now. Although I am on tour and I will be deliriously happy when that finishes, because I'll be back home.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 27 November 2010 source ↗

Question Aside from a property, what is the most expensive thing you have bought? Money & investment

A Maserati.

Recorded Rosanna Greenstreet, The Q&A, The Guardian, 27 November 2010 source ↗

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