Paul O'Grady: What did you want to be when you were growing up? — FLAPSS

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

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.

Recorded Paul O'Grady said elsewhere, not written here

To work in a dry cleaner’s.

The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 27 November 2021 source ↗

Others on this question

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Adwoa Aboah British fashion model

I wanted to be a cooker. Not a cook: I wanted to actually be the stove.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 2 March 2019 source ↗

I wanted to be in the circus.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 23 December 2023 source ↗

Adrian Edmondson English actor, comedian, musician and writer

I only ever wanted to be an actor or a rock star. I was suspended from school in the sixth form and allowed back only when I promised to join the army. But I lied.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 July 2018 source ↗

Before I knew what being an actor was, I wanted to be one.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 10 November 2018 source ↗

More from Paul O'Grady

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Question How close have you come to death? Death & what remains

I had a bad heart attack 20 years ago: I think I slid off the mortal coil for about 30 seconds.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 27 November 2021 source ↗

Question What has been your biggest disappointment? Failure & regret

Too many of my friends, family and peers dying.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 16 May 2009 source ↗

Question What would you like to be remembered for? Death & what remains

I don’t care, because I won’t be here.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 27 November 2021 source ↗

Question What most recently made you cry? Identity & self

When I watched a series called Pose. The hospital scenes took me right back to when we were going through the Aids years. It’s the same with It’s a Sin.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 27 November 2021 source ↗

Question Aside from a property, what is the most expensive thing you have bought? Money & investment

I had a midlife crisis and paid 70 grand for a Morgan AeroMax which looked just like Cruella de Vil’s car. I was in a permanent state of terror and soon sold it.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 27 November 2021 source ↗

Question When were you happiest? Time & hindsight

When I hit 30 and managed to get a council flat in London. It was in the most terrible state, but it was bliss to have a flat of my own.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 27 November 2021 source ↗

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