February 20, 2008
The strike is over!!!
Some reflections … but first, the best part of blogging: the opportunity to meet our audience -- you -- and share some thoughts.
To those of who have read my book and been kind enough to e-mail me about it, my deepest thanks. Writing a book (or a movie or a play or a television show) is, I suspect, like giving birth to a child. After the long period of gestation, you emerge with it in your arms and a wary, hopeful smile on your face. What will people think? What will they say? Will they welcome your creation or shun it?
The critical and public reaction to Inside Inside has been all I could have hoped for -- but nothing can beat the immediate, person-to-person response of a Web site.
Kristen, Darlene, Dave (from Vienna!), Patty P., Karina (from Rome!), my heartfelt thanks for your kind, considerate words.
Susan, we’ve just finished editing the Robin Williams DVD, and have been able to restore nearly forty hilarious minutes that we were heartbroken to leave behind when it aired in 2001. There were moments in the edit room last week when we were laughing so hard that we couldn’t hear Robin on the screen, and had to take a break before resuming the edit. I think it will be available to you in June.
Now -- to the strike. 100 days -- that’s how long it lasted -- and of all the interview programs and talk shows on television, Inside the Actors Studio was the only one that honored the strike from first day to last -- which wasn’t easy since Inside is the only show that is wholly owned by a not-for-profit educational institution, the Actors Studio.
But the strike is over, and we’ve resumed casting this Spring’s shows, and soon we’ll be shooting them. One thing I learned from the strike (which I already suspected) is that I’m not designed for leisure. Since, once again uniquely among shows like Inside the Actors Studio, I do my own homework, it takes me two full seven-day weeks of 10- to 14-hour days to prepare the three or four hundred blue cards you see in front of me on each show.
Comments
Sherry wrote:
Please ask Leonardo DeCaprio to be a guest on Inside the Actor's Studio
posted on February 27, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Lon wrote:
Classic and wonderful story of Latin translations. I marvel at your shows and am deeply sorry I missed many of the earlier ones that portrayed more actors with which I am familiar.
I guess it shows my age, but some of the younger actors of today don't seem to display the depth or experience of a Robert deNiro or Robin Williams or Al Pacino. It's like they have it too easy; no school of hard times experience.
I took German rather than Latin in my school days and I hated every minute, wondering when I would ever use it. I don't speak or write any German today, but I recognize that the discipline involved in learning something that wasn't all that important was the real education.
posted on February 27, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Susan wrote:
Finally! An answer to my unspoken question! I've been on the verge of meltdown, wondering whatever happened to Inside the Actor's Studio, at the top of my favorites list. It never occurred to me that the show would be impacted by the writers' strike. Looking no further than the surface, I just assumed that all onscreen conversation was extemporaneous, therefore free to continue during the strike. I hadn't thought about your need/desire to honor another union's picket line. Thanks for mentioning the reason for your absence in your blog -- I'll be patient a bit longer. Please know there ARE those of us out here who have missed you dreadfully. Hurry back!
posted on February 28, 2008 at 4:33 PM
Judy Wright wrote:
I think James Lipton is the best talkshow host on television. He lets his guests talk without interruption. I love the show. I would like to know when Mr. Lipton sat in the guest's chair and who asked him the questions? Do you think you would have unknown actors like Oded Fehr from the Mummy movies and please ask Brendan Frasier to be a guest. Keep up the excellent work!
posted on March 3, 2008 at 7:01 PM
Judy Wright wrote:
I think James Lipton is the best talkshow host on television. He lets his guests talk without interruption. I love the show. I would like to know when Mr. Lipton sat in the guest's chair and who asked him the questions? Do you think you would have unknown actors like Oded Fehr from the Mummy movies and please ask Brendan Frasier to be a guest. Keep up the excellent work!
posted on March 3, 2008 at 7:02 PM
Joseph Angelotti wrote:
On April 07, 2008, James Garner will turn 80 years old. Please Mr. Lipton consider him for Inside The Actors Studio.
A great actor, a great man.
Thank you,
Joe Angelotti
posted on March 5, 2008 at 7:45 PM
Bonnie Scott wrote:
At last, a way to communicate with the great James Lipton! I have been trying to find a website where one might post a comment or compliment, and here it be!
I mostly just want to tell you how much I've enjoyed the Inside the Actor's Studio over the years. These are, without a doubt, some of the best and most refreshing interviews I've seen. So often, interviews on other programs--such as talk & "Hollywood" magazine shows -- are too short, and dreadfully repetitive. Yours are always unique and informative.
As an aspiring writer, no one is happier to see the Writer's Strike end, and see some, if not all, the writer's demands being met. I was particularly thrilled to see so many actors offering their support as well. As a future hopeful member of the WGA, it's good to know.
Lastly, like everyone else, I guess I will add my vote for the actor I would most like to see interviewed -- Ewan McGregor. I think his above-average acting talent and uniqueness would make for an especially interesting interview. I believe he is possibly the most underrated actor of his peer group -- and his acting does not get the attention it deserves in this country (USA).
I won't take up any more of your time, Mr. Lipton. My best to you and to all your loyal fans. Looking forward to future interviews!
posted on March 6, 2008 at 5:29 PM
Nicki Baker wrote:
Would be fun to hear and see Don Johnson. He hasn't been around for a while and I used to just LOVE him in Miami Vice and Nash Bridges. He also had some great movies - would be nice to have him as a guest.
posted on March 8, 2008 at 1:24 PM
D. Allen Gray wrote:
Mr. Lipton,
I am an aspiring actor. Thank you for allowing me to pick the minds of those who have already accomplished what I strive to reach. I have a five year plan and it includes being a guest on your show.
Keep me in mind when casting for season 18.
posted on March 9, 2008 at 8:53 AM
Susan Hopmans wrote:
I so respect your stand on the writers strike. I keep checking to see when the new episodes of Inside the Actors Studio will air - meanwhile I like watching the reruns, airing unfortunately so late in the evening.
It remains my opinion that Inside the Actors Studio is the very best television has to offer and it is my fond wish that the new and old interviews be aired at better times and more frequently.
Is there anything the audience can do to influence Bravo to show more often and in better time slots the fabulous episodes of Inside the Actors Studio?
My late husband and I always made sure we watched IAS together when it was on Sunday nights, we just so looked forward to that.
He was always so impressed with the diplomacy and kindness you show to the guests and was amazed at the ease with which you drew out the shyest of them.
Thanks for all the great work
Susan Hopmans
posted on March 10, 2008 at 11:38 PM
Kristen Gately wrote:
I know i'm supposed to avoid using all caps but I"M SO GLAD YOU"RE BACK!!!!!!!!!!! though I hoping to see more repeat episodes on more than once a week but that just shows how much i enjoy your show. and hopefully this won't get me kicked off from posting a blog comment ever again but my great aunt passed away very recently but she loved watching your show (I would watch with her every time it was on) and Loved the Tom Hanks episodes she would watch them constantly. but she always said her favorite cuss word should be in the show and hoped some famous person might have it (though I highly doubt it because it contains 4 words) but I'll say it anyways in hoping she will be watching from up there and know that i did write it as a reccomendation for other actors. so again please don't kick me off for this but she'll get a kick out of me sending this...here it goes...."goddamn son of a bitch motherfuckin bastard" I know this seems odd coming out of a 73 year old woman's mouth but it's true. lol.
Oh and i work at Blockbuster video and have left my copy of the book in the backroom for people to glance at and now every employee...including my boss owns a copy of Inside Inside! Thank you again and sorry for the language
posted on March 17, 2008 at 3:04 AM
Kristen Gately.....again wrote:
On an entirely different note do you know if by any chance the bravo website will begin podcasting or making it so we can veiw our favorite actors on your show online? I can't believed i missed one of my favorite actors...and little crush...lol Robert Downey jr.'s episode. will his episode be airing again anytime? or can i see it some other way? his journey through film and ability to take on any role (he was Amazing in Chaplin!) and is range of acting in heart and souls. i would just LOVE to see it.
thanx again for bringing the show to life!
posted on March 17, 2008 at 3:14 AM
Steve Ghilardi wrote:
Mr. Lipton,
Do you entertain plans of ever having Mr. Christopher Lee on your show? After all, he is the cinema's most prolific living actor, and at 85 years of age is still going strong.
posted on April 29, 2008 at 1:12 AM
Wesley Goo wrote:
Mr. Lipton,
First, thank you for all you do. I'm a huge fan of your show. My only frustration is that we, the television audience, do not get to see the shows in their entirety. I know the DVDs are being released slowly but even they do not include the entire interviews. Is there a reason for this? Will entire interviews ever see the light of day?
Also, can you add a FAQ section here ... so many people probably ask the same questions (I have a question as stories I hear about you conversing with Brando but him never joining the show).
Thanks again, please keep doing what you're doing. You inspire so many.
Wesley
posted on July 1, 2008 at 3:01 AM