Tamsin Greig: ‘What is the worst thing anyone’s said to me? “And for you, sir?” It happens a lot’

Born in Kent, Tamsin Greig, 58, studied drama at the University of Birmingham. Her television work includes Black Books, Green Wing, Episodes and Friday Night Dinner, and she won the 2007 Best Actress Olivier award for her role in Much Ado About Nothing. Until 21 June, she stars in The Deep Blue Sea at Theatre Royal Haymarket in London. She is married to actor Richard Leaf, has three children and lives in London.

Which living person do you most admire, and why?
Nick Cave for his determination to hold a space for public discourse on the deep and difficult and mysterious elements of life.

What was your most embarrassing moment?
Throwing up all over the red velvet seats in the House of Lords on a school trip, aged nine.

Aside from a property, what’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought?
Therapy.

What is your most treasured possession?
The ring with three faded amethysts that my husband bought me after the birth of our first child.

Describe yourself in three words
High-functioning introvert.

What would your superpower be?
Not seeing the mess.

What makes you unhappy?
The mess.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?
To quote a Mavis Staples line from one of her songs, “I like the things about me that I once despised.”

Who would play you in the film of your life?
Sharleen Spiteri.

What is your most unappealing habit?
Interrupting.

What scares you about getting older?
Not knowing who my family are.

Who is your celebrity crush?
Julie Walters.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A ballet dancer.

What is the worst thing anyone’s said to you?
“And for you, sir?” It happens a lot.

Would you choose fame or anonymity?
A lovely cocktail of both.

What was the last lie that you told?
How lovely to see you.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Giant salt and vinegar Hula Hoops.

What do you owe your parents?
An apology for all the worry I caused.

What does love feel like?
Bees humming in a tree of blossom.

What was the best kiss of your life?
The first time my husband kissed me. We met at a wrap party on a TV show called Neverwhere. Lenny Henry was the exec producer; his band was playing – and it was him, Hugh Laurie, and Ben Elton’s wife on bass, but all I could see was this wild man dancing, and he became my husband.

What has been your biggest disappointment?
Not standing up to bullies.

If not yourself, who would you most like to be?
More of myself.

When’s the last time you changed your mind about something significant?
When I decided that Mavis Staples was right – I don’t need to despise myself.

How often do you have sex?
Whenever.

Would you rather have more sex, money or fame?
I’d probably go for Hula Hoops.