Billy Crudup: When were you most embarrassed?

The question

Originally asked

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

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Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

Giving a speech in high school at a pep rally that wasn’t going so well and the dean unplugged the mic. Apparently, I was rambling and the spirit of the cafeteria was being weighed down.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 February 2026 source ↗

Others on this question

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Edward Enninful Ghanaian-born English editor and stylist

When my trousers nearly fell down at Buckingham Palace. I was there to collect my OBE, and the suspenders for the beautiful Alexander McQueen suit I’d had made for the occasion went missing. Naomi Campbell was with me and we had a good laugh about it.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 24 December 2022 source ↗

Chris Bryant

An earthquake in Peru forced me and a young man into the street, where he had to introduce me to his family at three in the morning.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 13 September 2025 source ↗

Natalie Imbruglia

Forgetting the words to my own songs on stage. I’m a very good mumbler of my own songs. You’d be surprised how few people notice – if you smile and do it confidently, they’re none the wiser.

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

Mark Radcliffe