Pauline McLynn: ‘I disgraced myself in the Japanese ambassador’s home in Dublin’
Born in Sligo, Ireland, Pauline McLynn, 60, joined the drama society while studying at Trinity College Dublin. From 1995 to 1998, she played Mrs Doyle in Channel 4 sitcom Father Ted. Her other television work includes Bremner, Bird and Fortune, Inside No 9, Doctor Who and Rosie Molloy Gives Up Everything; her films include Angela’s Ashes, Iris and Gypo. She is also a novelist. Until 7 October, she appears in Dr Semmelweis at the Harold Pinter theatre, London. She is married and currently lives in London.
When were you happiest?
I hope the happiest moment is still ahead of me.
What is your greatest fear?
Not being able to breathe – I get very panicky at the thought.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I talk over people all the time.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
Eight or nine years ago, I disgraced myself in the Japanese ambassador’s home in Dublin, at a celebration for my late mother-in-law’s book about living in Japan. Afterwards, when I had to apologise, she told me it was the worst night of her life and, because I was drunk enough not to remember the details, it will never not be the most embarrassing night of my life. People are filling in details even now – “Remember when you fell under the table during the first course?”
Describe yourself in three words
Loud, giddy, positive.
What would your superpower be?
I have a superpower – and it’s knitting.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
The fact that the years – and, particularly, gravity – have not been kind. There are so many bits going south.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
Whoopi Goldberg.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Harry Styles.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A hairdresser – I still want to be a hairdresser.
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What was the last lie that you told?
I probably lie a little every day. That’s what actors do, we lie for a living.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Buying yarn to add to my stash. I have been knitting tea cosies for 10 years and I knit three a week.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My lovely husband – I am very fond of him. We live apart a lot of the time, and that makes me even fonder.
Which living person do you most despise, and why?
Big game hunters. I mean really, stop it.
What has been your biggest disappointment?
Actors live in a constant state of disappointment. I’ll never be happy with what I’ve done.
When did you last cry, and why?
Walking along Oxford Street on Saturday pulling a shopping trolley that my mother bought me. I remember saying, “I’m never going to use that!” and there I was, very grateful to have it in my life. She died before Christmas and I can’t ring her to tell her that she was right.
How often do you have sex?
It is a distant memory, even sex with myself. I have got to an age where I’m just not interested. It’s almost like a burden has been lifted – with apologies to my husband.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Never be rigid in your thinking, be open.
• Dr Semmelweis is at the Harold Pinter theatre, London, until 7 October.
