Originally asked
The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A
This is a standing question in The Guardian's decades-long The Q&A and also recurs independently in career and life interviews.
You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.
The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 September 2024 source ↗
In African families, you can be one of three things: a doctor, a lawyer or a failure. I wanted to be an Egyptologist, but things worked out in the end.
A comedian or rapper. You can tell by the way I’m dressed that I’m a frustrated rapper.
A private detective.
I remember really wanting to go into space. I liked the idea of flying.
I can’t bear people who lie.
Living life to the full, not having regrets and not trying to plan your future too much. Just enjoy every minute.
I don’t know and I don’t really care, because I’ll be dead, so it won’t really matter.
Years ago in a safari park in South Africa, and getting all dressed up for dinner. Walking across the lawn, I didn’t realise there was a swimming pool that hadn’t been lit and walked straight into the shallow end fully clothed. It still haunts me. I remember trying to get out as if no one would notice.
Fiercely loyal, funny, easy-going. I’m sure my daughter and stepdaughters wouldn’t agree with the last bit, but I think I am.
When my daughter and my stepdaughters were feeling unhappy, we used to pretend to unlock something in their heart and then pour golden liquid into them, and it always warmed them. For me, that’s what love feels like – a warm feeling inside.
Sofia Coppola, Shaznay Lewis, Toyah Willcox, Ben Okri, Nish Kumar, Michael Stipe
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