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 Brian Cox said elsewhere, not written here
My friend Billy Connolly, for his incredible sense of humour and wit. But greater than that is Billy’s courage and sheer chutzpah, to take his Parkinson’s and make it central to his brilliance as a performer.

The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 23 July 2016 source ↗

Others on this question

View all 401 →
Richard Wilson Scottish actor and theatre director
Jeremy Corbyn – for his honesty and the possibilities he offers the Labour party. And he visited the refugees in Calais, so good on him.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 27 February 2016 source ↗

Gabby Giffords. She’s a survivor of gun violence and a relentless champion of sensible gun safety measures.

Recorded Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, September 2025 source ↗

Vinnie Jones English professional footballer and actor
David Attenborough, because he gets to do all the things with wildlife that I dream of.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 11 June 2016 source ↗

More from Brian Cox

View profile →

More on values & belief

Also answered this · A–Z

Abi Morgan, Adam Clayton, Adeel Akhtar, Adwoa Aboah, Alfre Woodard, Alice Eve

Search the directory for somebody in particular.

Explore further

Report this answer