Ciarán Hinds: What is the harshest thing anyone has said to you? — FLAPSS

The question

What is the harshest thing anyone has said to you?

Originally asked

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

A fixed Guardian Q&A prompt asked directly across respondents and years.

You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.

CH

Ciarán Hinds

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

As a young actor, again at the Citizens theatre, I was making an exit and a theatregoer leaned over the balcony and said, “You’re terrible!”

The Q&A, The Guardian, 26 July 2025 source ↗

Others on this question

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Is that the final mix?

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 24 May 2025 source ↗

When I was growing up, my mother would accuse me of showing off. That’s the most shaming, humbling, horrible thing. What was I doing? Showing off!

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 18 April 2026 source ↗

Maggie O'Farrell Irish-British novelist

“You’ll never walk again.” This was when I was eight or nine and recovering from viral encephalitis.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 25 March 2023 source ↗

I love you but I hate your lifestyle.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 22 November 2025 source ↗

More from Ciarán Hinds

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Question Which book do you still mean to read, and why has it stayed on your list? Taste & recommendation

Ulysses by James Joyce, but I might make a start next week – or the week after that …

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 26 July 2025 source ↗

Question How would you want people to remember you? Death & what remains

As not being a total bollix.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 26 July 2025 source ↗

Question What worries you about getting older? Time & hindsight

Not being able to fend for myself and being a burden to others.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 26 July 2025 source ↗

Question What do you fear most? Identity & self

I’m not fond of snakes.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 26 July 2025 source ↗

Question What lesson has mattered most in your life? Time & hindsight

We’re not here for long so don’t be wreaking havoc along the way.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 26 July 2025 source ↗

Question How would you sum yourself up in three words? Identity & self

Hopeful, egalitarian, overweight.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 26 July 2025 source ↗

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