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 Kirsty Wark said elsewhere, not written here
People in their 80s who are still volunteering and giving to the community.

The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 11 December 2010 source ↗

Others on this question

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Kevin Rowland British singer
Gerry Adams, because he’s got incredible integrity and vision, and he’s had to put up with so much flak.
Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 9 August 2025 source ↗
Natalie Imbruglia
Alanis Morissette because, in my earlier career, she was a big influence on me and had a feistiness that you didn’t see much of in women in the industry. Also, she has been very vocal about mental health issues.
Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 18 July 2026 source ↗
Ashley Walters British actor and rapper
My mum – I've watched her struggle financially, emotionally, mentally even, and she's come through it.
Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 27 January 2012 source ↗
Vicky McClure English actress
Paul Irons, the deputy head at my school, Fernwood comprehensive. He was an inspiration, and still is.
Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 17 March 2018 source ↗

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Monica Lewinsky, Gloria Steinem, Caroline Lucas, Tina Brown, Andrew Marr, Desmond Tutu

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