The Proust Questionnaire is a series of questions about personality that became popular in the late nineteenth century. While French author Marcel Proust did not write the questions, his answers (and the questions) were published in 1890. Modified versions of the questionnaire have been used over the years by James Lipton as part of his show “Inside the Actor’s Studio” and Vanity Fair magazine, which features the answers of celebrities in the back pages of each issue.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Surrounded by friends and family on a Sunday afternoon with something delicious cooking in the oven and a single malt Scotch in my hand.
What is your greatest fear?
Spider attack. I don’t mess with them and they don’t mess with me.
Which living person do you most admire?
Tiger Woods. Tiger isn’t without his controversies but his path to redemption is part of the American story. I love golf and Tiger inspired me to take up the sport. But beyond that, he broke barriers and introduced a new generation to a segment of American culture that wasn’t always so welcoming. He is an incredible athlete and proud winner and I’d love to hear his thoughts on everything.
What is your greatest extravagance?
I love to indulge in golf. New equipment, playing beautiful courses around the world, and lots and lots of golf balls...unfortunately.
What is your greatest regret?
Not continuing to play the violin. I grew up playing most of my life. I love music, but the violin wasn’t the coolest instrument you could play in high school, so I stopped. I wish as an adult I still knew how to play as well as I once did.
What or who is the love of your life?
I love my family. They are my rock and support system.
Which talent would you most like to have?
To have the vision and creativity of an incredible artist. I am a cine- phile and film would be my medium of choice.
What is your current state of mind?
I am excited! The President of the MDA has the honor of representing our neighborhood and imparting some small impact on the City. The City and Commonwealth are undergoing dynamic change. I am excited at the incredible opportunities this presents us to help shape the place we call home and make it reach its full potential.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Passing the Virginia Bar Exam. It represents a lifetime of work, intense studying, and dedication. Being a lawyer has opened so many oppor- tunities for me and I could not be more proud of that achievement.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
I would love to come back as an astronaut in the Apollo program. I am fascinated by the cosmos. To explore space and be the first to travel off our planet and walk on the surface of another celestial body is one of the most audacious things you could do.
What’s your most treasured possession?
A picture of me and my Fox Terrier, Pepper, planting a pear tree together at my childhood home.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Seeing injustice in the world but lacking a voice or the ability to do anything about it.
What is it that you most dislike?
People who aren’t genuine. Be authentic and tell me how it is and I will do the same for you.
How would you like to die?
Doing something great.
What is your motto?
I hate losing more than I love winning.
What’s the most Richmond thing you can do?
Tubing down the James River, while listening to No BS! Brass Band while drinking a Hardywood IPA and growing a beard.