My default will always be to go for the worst-case scenario and that is something that I am unlearning.
Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 March 2026 source ↗
Which trait do you most dislike in yourself?
Question
What is the worst job you have done?
Craft & work
Question
Which moment embarrassed you most?
Failure & regret
Question
What is your greatest fear?
Identity & self
Question
What is the worst thing anyone has said to you?
Failure & regret
Question
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Time & hindsight
Question
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Craft & work
Originally asked
The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A
The Guardian's The Q&A has retained this Proust-derived prompt from at least 2007 through 2026, and ABC independently put it to the Obamas in 2011.
You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.
I’m rabidly indiscreet. If you tell me an embarrassing story, it will probably end up in one of my scripts or standup routines.
The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 April 2023 source ↗
Others on this question
View all 242 →
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen
English interior designer and television personality
I am crucified by my modesty: it’s terrible.
Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 8 October 2022 source ↗
Gayle King
Broadcaster
I’m disorganized.
Recorded Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, July 2016 source ↗
Conflict aversion.
Recorded Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, October 2024 source ↗
More from Jack Whitehall
View profile →It’s also one of the best jobs I’ve done, but two hours in, when everyone’s pissed and ignoring you, hosting the Brit awards can be a tough gig.
Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 April 2023 source ↗
I was bumped as a guest on The Justin Lee Collins show for Bianca from EastEnders.
Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 April 2023 source ↗
Turning into my father.
Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 April 2023 source ↗
“You look like a fat Jack Whitehall.”
Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 April 2023 source ↗
Don’t make jokes at the expense of Little Mix. They have an ardent fanbase.
Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 April 2023 source ↗
Tricking my dad into doing naked yoga.
Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 April 2023 source ↗
More on identity & self
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Adam Kay, Adam Lambert, Adele Parks, Adrian Dunbar, Al Franken, Alex Hassell
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