Born in London, Chiwetel Ejiofor, 47, trained at the National Youth Theatre and Lamda. In 2008, he won an Olivier for his Othello at the Donmar Warehouse, London. His performance in the 2013 film 12 Years a Slave gained him an Oscar nomination and the best actor Bafta. His other work includes Rob Peace, which he also wrote and directed, Endgame and Doctor Strange. His latest Marvel movie is Venom: The Last Dance, out on 25 October. He lives in London with his partner and child.
What is your greatest fear?
It’s actually people knowing how fearful I am.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Hoarding.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Sophistry.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
Being torn to shreds by a very elderly woman for driving badly on the Isle of Man, maybe 15 years ago. She stopped in the middle of the road and really let me have it.
Describe yourself in three words
Curious, affectionate and sensible.
What makes you unhappy?
Not getting the joke.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I could be taller – 6ft would be nice. I’m 5ft 10in.
Which book are you ashamed not to have read?
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying by Marie Kondo.
What is the worst thing anyone’s said to you?
“You’ll never do well as an actor unless you change your name.” I’m not going to say who.
Would you choose fame or anonymity?
Anonymity, but I do love what I do.
What was the last lie that you told?
I did tell someone recently that I ran 400 metres in 59 seconds at school. I don’t know where it came from or why I said it, but it’s not true – I did not do that.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Wine gums, cheese and onion crisps and coffee – sometimes together.
What do you owe your parents?
Teaching me about the importance of sacrifice.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My partner, Sacha.
What does love feel like?
As vital as breathing.
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Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Hopefully.
What is the worst job you’ve done?
At King’s College hospital when I was 16; the job was putting hundreds of pieces of A4 paper into A4 transparent envelopes. I lasted one day.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
Teleportation.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Still to come, I think.
What keeps you awake at night?
The different areas of global catastrophe.
How would you like to be remembered?
As an optimist.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
To do the very best you can and then let it go.
What happens when we die?
Hopefully something so magical it’s impossible to describe.