Olivia Colman, 39, was born in Norfolk. She studied at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and then played Sophie in the Channel 4 sitcom Peep Show. She appeared in Shane Meadows’s film Le Donk & Scor-zay-zee and was Carol Thatcher in The Iron Lady. In 2011 she starred in Paddy Considine’s directorial debut, Tyrannosaur, and won a special jury prize at the Sundance film festival. Her latest film is Hyde Park On Hudson and her recent television roles include Rev, Twenty Twelve and Broadchurch. She stars with Considine in the ITV period crime drama The Suspicions Of Mr Whicher II, which begins tomorrow.
When were you happiest?
When my husband and I first said we loved each other, in our student flat in Cambridge.
What is your earliest memory?
I think I remember being held by my mum as a baby.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I get cross and shout.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Being impolite and unkind.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
When I wet myself on stage – it’s in David Mitchell’s book. We were doing The Miser and there were a lot of quick changes and David never quite managed to get his bow tie in the right place. It became too much to bear, wondering what he would have under his chin each time I turned round.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
My eyebags and the middle bit between knee and armpit.
What would be your fancy dress costume of choice?
Superman – but he doesn’t have a mask, so Batman.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
If I am allowed to pick someone much hotter and taller than me, Phoebe Waller-Bridge. She is one of the funniest women I have ever met.
What is your most unappealing habit?
I don’t know. I’ve been with my husband and friends for so long, I’ve forgotten what is unappealing to new people.
What is your favourite smell?
First smell of spring and my children’s faces.
Which words do you most overuse?
“Um.”
What is your favourite book?
The Time Traveller’s Wife, by Audrey Niffenegger.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Booze. My favourite is gin, tonic and elderflower cordial. It’s summer in a glass.
What does love feel like?
Proper love should be utterly supportive and comfortable, and it feels like a raincoat or a jacket potato.
What has been your biggest disappointment?
As a child, I thought, “Once I am a grown-up, there will be no more fear, no more worries”, and it turns out that’s not true.
What keeps you awake at night?
Worry that I am not going to work.
What song would you like played at your funeral?
Summer Breeze, by the Isley Brothers.
How would you like to be remembered?
As a good egg.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Don’t take anything for granted.
Where would you most like to be right now?
Actually, having a wee.
Source: guardian.co.uk – Olivia Colman Q&A
