Ed Harris, 56, was born in New Jersey. Having attended Columbia University in New York, he then studied acting. He worked as a house painter and got small television and film roles, before being cast as John Glenn in The Right Stuff. He has been nominated for an Oscar four times: for Apollo 13, The Truman Show, Pollock - which he also directed - and The Hours. An established stage actor, Harris made his European debut in Ireland last year in Neil LaBute's Wrecks. The film Copying Beethoven, in which Harris plays the title role, is released on August 17. He has been married to the actor Amy Madigan since 1983. They have one daughter and live in Malibu.

When were you happiest?

The day our daughter was born, or maybe fishing on the Colorado river with my wife and brother and his buddy Earl.

Which living person do you most admire, and why?

My father. He has treated every person he has met with kindness and respect.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Asking my wife questions that don't need to be asked.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Greed and stupidity.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

Modelling tuxedos at the Oklahoma State Fair in 1971.

Where would you like to live?

Montana. Maybe New Zealand.

What would your super power be?

Being able to fly.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

The little toe on my left foot.

Would you rather be clever and ugly, or thick and attractive?

Clever and ugly.

Who would play you in the film of your life?

There wouldn't be one.

What is your favourite smell?

My wife's skin.

What is your favourite book?

The Grapes Of Wrath is one of them.

What is your favourite word?

Today? Um... FREEDOM! - when it's shouted with abandon and sincerity.

What is the worst thing anyone's said to you?

'You're not free.'

Cat or dog?

Both.

What do you owe your parents?

Fifty-six years of love and support.

To whom would you most like to say sorry, and why?

Dick Cheney for hating him for being one of the most destructive people on Earth.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Other than being a decent father, Pollock.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Bob Dylan, Bill Clinton, Vanessa Redgrave, Bill Murray, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Tim Spall, Dolly Parton, Muhammad Ali, Barack Obama, Jane Fonda, Bill Maher, Louise Erdrich, Peter O'Toole, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bernie Williams, Neil LaBute, Beth Henley, Yo-Yo Ma, the Dixie Chicks, my wife and Dick Cheney.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My wife.

What does love feel like?

A lazy swim.

What was the best kiss of your life?

A great wet lick by my dog, Sunny, after a good romp on the beach today.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Fuck, fucking, motherfucker.

What has been your biggest disappointment?

The distribution of Copying Beethoven in the US.

When did you last cry, and why?

Couple of days ago, reading a thank-you note my parents had left after we celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in Wyoming.

How do you relax?

I sleep.

How often do you have sex?

None of your business.

What is the closest you've come to death?

Near head-on collision driving from Oklahoma to California back in the 70s.

What single thing would improve the quality of your life?

A new administration here in the US.

What keeps you awake at night?

Not much.

What song would you like played at your funeral?

Mr Tambourine Man.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

Don't let MGM distribute a film you care about.

Where would you most like to be right now?

In another part of the house, having answered all these questions.