Before thirty

Said by people who had not yet done most of what they are now known for. The thinnest band here, because an interviewer rarely asks a person these questions until after they are famous.

12 people · 181 answers

Who alive today do you admire most, and what draws you to them?

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.

Lil Nas X

American rapper

Recorded · The Guardian · 2024

I have to say myself, because I know everything that he’s been through and still continues to go through. I admire him. So I vote me – I like him.
Adwoa Aboah

British fashion model

Recorded · The Guardian · 2019

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – everything she writes speaks to me. Her Ted talk, We Should All Be Feminists, inspired everything I do with Gurls Talk.
Billie Piper

English actress and former singer

Recorded · The Guardian · 2011

My mother. She raised four children pretty much on her own. My father was around, but always out at work.
Russell Tovey

English actor

Recorded · The Guardian · 2010

This changes every day. Presently I really admire Rebecca Warren, the artist. She continues to keep creating wonderful sculpture. And I met her and she is really cool.
All 19 from before thirty → or everyone who answered it

What song would you want played at your funeral?

Originally asked

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

A fixed Guardian Q&A prompt asked directly across respondents and years.

You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.

James Bay

English singer-songwriter and guitarist

Recorded · The Guardian · 2016

Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd – the greatest guitar solo ever.
All 7 from before thirty → or everyone who answered it

What thought won't let you sleep?

Originally asked

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

A long-running fixed question in The Guardian's weekly Q&A questionnaire.

You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.

Adam Peaty

British swimmer; Olympic champion 2016 and 2021

Recorded · The Guardian · 2022

The realisation that I am not the best version of myself.
All 8 from before thirty → or everyone who answered it

Everyone here · A–Z

Adam Peaty, Adwoa Aboah, James Bay, Jonnie Peacock, Laura Kenny, Lil Nas X, Louis Smith, Malala Yousafzai, Maya Jama, Rafael Nadal, Simone Biles, Yaa Gyasi

Other ages

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