Mischa Barton
British and American actress
When I got my dogs, Charlie and Ziggy Stardust. One is a pomeranian mix and the other is a rescue mutt, and, oh my God, he's so cute.
When were you happiest?
Question
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Identity & self
Question
Which living person do you most admire, and why?
Values & belief
Question
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Values & belief
Question
Which trait do you most dislike in yourself?
Identity & self
Question
What do you value most in your friends?
Relationships
Originally asked
The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A
Asked in 52 of the 131 consecutive instalments of The Guardian's The Q&A harvested on 2026-08-29.
You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.
I remember thinking, when I was in my early 30s, that this is the best age to be, and I still believe your 30s are a wonderful time. But I think I am pretty happy now.
The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 6 December 2008 source ↗
Others on this question
View all 577 →
Joshua Ferris
American author
Whenever it was, I didn't realise it fully.
Jerry Springer
American TV personality and politician
When my daughter, Katie, was born and when she got married.
Greta Scacchi
Italian-born actress
Now. When I see my two children enjoying each other's company.
More from Helen Mirren
View profile →To sit by a clear river on a warm day in early July with the smell of cut grass in the air.
Sister Alice Marie Quinn, who runs St. Vincent Meals on Wheels in Los Angeles.
Serially telling endless boring jokes and sexism and racism and homophobia (they often go together).
Laziness and procrastination.
Their ability to open a bottle of wine.
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