James Bay: Which living person do you most admire, and why?

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 James Bay said elsewhere, not written here

My dad, for providing for the family for 20 years – he was a wine merchant and recently retired.

The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 9 January 2016 source ↗

Others on this question

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Sam Ryder

Brian May, because of his love of wildlife and love of music. He’s a kind, gentle soul.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 26 August 2023 source ↗

Zack Polanski

Chlöe Swarbrick who is co-leader of the New Zealand Greens. She’s demonstrating the bold leadership that I look to do every single day.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 6 December 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 ↗

Russell Howard British comedian and presenter

Billy Connolly, who is a brilliantly funny man. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t adore him.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 8 February 2020 source ↗