The question
As a child, what career or life did you imagine for yourself?Originally asked
The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A
This is a standing question in The Guardian's decades-long The Q&A and also recurs independently in career and life interviews.
You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.
I wanted to be a vet, and then realised it’s only really dogs that I adore, and if someone had a poorly mouse, I would be the one needing medical assistance.
The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 25 May 2024 source ↗
A ballet dancer. I danced from age two to 19. Giving up was not a choice; I had complications in an ankle operation.
A drunk woman who threw epic dinner parties.
A spy, a witch and a nun.
A criminal pathologist. Then I saw a show called Quincy ME and realised I just wanted to play one on TV.
“You were amazing in Game of Thrones.” I say it’s the worst thing – it’s also the best!
Relief and an achy feeling in your cheeks from smiling.
Endless acting jobs.
Talk to people. Learn from them. And put your phone away.
Losing out on a role, any role. I get so invested. I can take rejection, but only when useful feedback is given.
A few of my exes.
Jenny Agutter, Bertie Carvel, Griff Rhys Jones, Aidan Gillen, Paterson Joseph, Martin Freeman
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