Monica Dolan: When were you most embarrassed? — FLAPSS

The question

When were you most embarrassed?

Originally asked

The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A

A verbatim recurring question in The Guardian's Q&A series.

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Monica Dolan

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

I once walked up to Harriet Walter while she was having lunch on her own because I thought I knew her, and then when I got up to the table I realised I didn’t know her, I just recognised her because she was Harriet Walter.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 6 January 2024 source ↗

Others on this question

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Marina Abramović Performance artist

Pretending I’m happy when I’m not.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 5 October 2024 source ↗

Clive Myrie British journalist, newsreader, and presenter

Being called upon by President Bush to ask him a question at a press conference when I wasn’t there. He called my name … and there was no response!

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 8 June 2024 source ↗

Appearing on US breakfast radio. I heard the DJ say that after the news we would hear from the author Lincoln Child. I had to choose between making a guy with a mixed-up PR release look like an idiot or pretending to be Lincoln. I pretended.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 June 2025 source ↗

I called Elizabeth McGovern Elizabeth Montgomery throughout a show. But, bless her, she didn’t say anything.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 18 April 2026 source ↗

More from Monica Dolan

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Question What is the harshest thing anyone has said to you? Failure & regret

Another actress once said to me, “I’ve told you huge lies to make you feel good about yourself.” I’m not going to say who.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 6 January 2024 source ↗

Question Which book do you still mean to read, and why has it stayed on your list? Taste & recommendation

Any unread book a friend bought me.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 6 January 2024 source ↗

Question What do you believe happens when we die? Death & what remains

Our friends are sad and miss us for a bit but, hopefully, they find other people at the party.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 6 January 2024 source ↗

Question Which trait in yourself do you like least? Identity & self

I try too hard not to get things wrong.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 6 January 2024 source ↗

Question How would you describe what love feels like to you? Relationships

Knowledge seeping into adventure, with a thin layer of giddiness, hysterical laughter and loss of control.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 6 January 2024 source ↗

Question If you could revise one chapter of your past, what would you change? Failure & regret

My friend Fritha Goodey wouldn’t have committed suicide.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 6 January 2024 source ↗

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