Christopher Eccleston: Which living person do you most admire, and why?

Which living person do you most admire, and why?

Originally asked

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

The Guardian's Q&A repeatedly uses this prompt, sometimes dropping 'living' while retaining the same comparative judgment.

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

Recorded Christopher Eccleston said elsewhere, not written here

Elsie Eccleston, my mother, for her emotional intelligence, kindness, intense curiosity, and chicken and leek pies.

The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 5 October 2019 source ↗

Others on this question

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Cuba Gooding Jr American actor

President Obama: he was the first to accomplish something so great in our country as an African American.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 8 June 2012 source ↗

Stephen K Amos

John McCarthy, the journalist who was held captive for five years in Beirut. I’ve met him and he was so full of peace, humility and forgiveness – it was inspiring.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 20 September 2025 source ↗

Martin Sheen American actor

My wife Janet: she is the most scrupulously honest human being I have ever encountered.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 18 March 2017 source ↗

kd lang Canadian musician

My mother. I am always fascinated by her, and I get schooled every time I’m around her.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 22 May 2021 source ↗