January 28, 2008
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Once again, I must begin my blog with gratitude to all of you who have gone to the time and trouble of reading my thoughts and, most important, responding to them with yours.
As I’ve moved into cyberspace, like Alice venturing warily through the looking glass, I’ve discovered its foremost virtue: It breaks through the television screen and brings us face to face. Since Inside the Actors Studio is in 84,000,000 homes in America and 125 countries around the world, the audience is a vast, mysterious, faceless crowd. Cyber-space pierces the darkness and shines a light on both of us: on me because the blog is, literally, a glimpse into my thinking, for whatever it’s worth -- and is equally a forum for your thoughts, which are worth a great deal to those of us who launch each episode of Inside the Actors Studio on its voyage into uncharted waters.
Among the many responses to my last blog, I was moved by John Hewitt’s modern-day version of “The Gift of the Magi,” as, in his words, “On Christmas morning two copies of your book were revealed -- the one I’d bought her, and the one she’d bought me…. I read the final two chapters aloud to her as we drove home today, and when we got to the Martha Graham story, and the final poem, we were both weeping.” That is, of course, music to an author’s ears, as are all the other kind words about Inside Inside, like Karen Sucher’s: “My son, Kevin, gave me a copy of your book for Christmas -- and I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it”; and Susan Hopman’s “Thanks for all the time and effort you put into making a great book…. It is now my favorite book, to be reread many times.”
To Jane, I promise that, once the strike is over (I’m a member of the Writers Guild), we’ll be back in our slot at 8 p.m. on Monday nights on Bravo with an exciting lineup of guests who have been waiting to come to our stage since the strike began. Wait till you see what we plan for our 200th episode!
To Tony in the UK: Our next DVD will be the storied Robin Williams episode -- with more than thirty minutes of his unique genius that’s never been seen before, since time limitations in the original two-hour show meant leaving some gleaming treasures behind in the edit room.
Comments
Kristen wrote:
Though I don't know what it is that I feel i should express to you, i did feel that I should thank you for writing your book; and giving (along with the thousands of other people) me the opportunity on your show to be introduced and somewhat participating in the film world. However your book makes me speechless it has been truly an enjoyment to read it. I am a huge fan of the classic film genre along with the movies of today (though nothing can beat Cary Grant, Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn or Humphrey Bogart in my book along with the pairing of myrna loy and william powell) and though I am not an aspiring actor or director, I too am educated by you and I thank you for that. If I could make my living as a 22 year old film historianI certainly would. and I am really looking forward to your show returning at the end of the strike.
Theatre and film fan,
Kristen Gately
posted on February 4, 2008 at 9:48 PM
Darlene Uhlinger wrote:
I have always enjoyed watching "Inside the Actors Studio". I realized that James Lipton was a very well educated man. Until I began reading "Inside 'Inside" I had not understood that I was watching a real Renaissance man at work. I reserved a copy of your book at our library. I will be purchasing the book because I will be reading it again. There are few biographies that present a positive approach to all of lifes lessons, even the tough lessons. "Inside" presents all of that and allows the reader the opportunity to experience, through the authors' eyes a life well lived. Not to make a pun, Bravo!
posted on February 5, 2008 at 2:43 PM
dave wrote:
dear mr. lipton,
i've just finished reading your excellent book and wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for sharing your amazing life with us.
i usually don't write to (famous) people i admire or to whom i want to express thanks to, since 99% of the time it is (understandably) quite impossible to reach them. but here it seems that you are actually reading these comments yourself.
so i want to THANK YOU for writing the book, for hosting your FANTASTIC show and enriching the lives of many.
in short: 'thank you for being YOU!'
;-)
warmest regards from vienna/austria
dave (33)
PS: wishes for the future: expansion of episode length to 90 mins; release of every episode on dvd
:-)
PPS: in case you need a subject for your next blog-entry - if it were possible, which late artist(s) would you like to have on the show?
posted on February 6, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Neil J. Klemek, MD wrote:
I recently discovered your program a few months ago and enjoy it immensely. I just watched the 1944 movie To Have and Have Not and wondered what an interesting time it would be to interview Lauren Bacall. How many legends of the 40s and 50s are still around and still acting in their 80s? Looking forward to your next episode.....
posted on February 6, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Patty P. wrote:
When I was shopping for Christmas gifts, I came across your new book. I was so exicited that you wrote this book that I purchased it and gave it to my husband and daughter to give to me for Christmas! I just finished reading it last night. I am a legal secretary. I am not an actor, and, rather than skip the areas of "method" and whatever else you discussed about acting, I really took my time reading it because everything you wrote was so enjoyable to read. So far, you have lived such a full life! You are amazing! That book was great. I will keep it always and I plan to re-read it.
Have a great day!
posted on February 8, 2008 at 10:29 AM
tabitha hedgecock wrote:
Any thoughts on having Roger Corman on? I recently saw him on John Favreau's Dinner for Five and was impressed by his eloquence, as well as his span of work. He is another aspect of acting that would do well in the spotlight.
posted on February 9, 2008 at 11:11 AM
Karina Sparks wrote:
Dear James,
Hello from Rome, here your show comes and goes, I miss it a lot. Just wanted to say that i just started on your book and so far is such a great book. Now that the strike is over when will you be coming back? I really hope to see more new interviews!
Ciao Ciao
Karina
posted on February 12, 2008 at 7:10 AM
Susan Hopmans wrote:
I love your Geico Ins ad. You are stellar as the barefoot intellectual.
The news of the return of Inside The Actors Studio is most appreciated. I find it to be the very best that television has to offer.
Lastly, one of my favorite episodes, Robin Williams will be on DVD!
Hooray!
Thanks for all that you give us.
posted on February 12, 2008 at 3:05 PM
G. E. Bouscher wrote:
Mr. Lipton, I would like to praise your work, however the right words escape me. It is far superior to my humble abilities.
We are the luckiest audience in the world because you took us on your journey, openly. I grew up in the same Detroit area under strangley similar conditions...and had a similar experience going back years later. (Minus the degree from Wayne State)You put on paper what I could never imagine attempting. I hope you will find the time to strike the keyboard again after the next 180 guests. The Fisher was quite a place wasn't it?
G
posted on February 19, 2008 at 6:48 PM