June 24, 2008
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My last blog celebrated Spring, so it’s been a while. For a reason. After the 100-day writer’s strike, which Inside the Actors Studio honored from first day to last, my team and I have been working night and day to catch up, shooting five episodes in twenty-one days, an unprecedented schedule, given the two weeks of preparation I normally devote to each guest.
No one was given short shrift. By working ahead, and devoting sixteen hours a day to the task, I was ready for Brooke Shields, Sarah Jessica Parker, Mike Myers, Goldie Hawn, and Dave Chappelle -- and you’ll be seeing the results on Bravo. They are five exceptional guests, and they’ve provided us with five exceptional episodes.
Dave returned to our stage to help us celebrate our 200th episode, and I can confidently promise you that when you see this show, it won’t look or sound -- or feel -- like any Inside the Actors Studio episode you’ve ever witnessed.
Because of the 100-day gap in our schedule last fall, we still owe you a few episodes, which we’ll be shooting this summer. So … no rest for the weary Inside the Actors Studio staff, but on the other hand, no complaints. Meeting these artists on our stage, as we have for fourteen fascinating years, and listening to the unguarded, unabridged, uncensored accounts of their lives, is a rare and precious privilege that we enjoy as much as our audience in 84,000,00 homes on Bravo and in 125 countries.
One of the most frequent remarks I hear from strangers is, “You’ve got a great job!” -- and I agree -- which often leads to the question, “How did it start?” which I address in my book Inside Inside:
In September, 1994, once we had assembled the full-time faculty of Studio members for our school, one category remained: those Studio members and colleagues whose lives were so circumscribed by their work schedules that they could give us, if they were willing to participate, only one evening.
I set out to enlist them, sending dozens of letters, explaining and describing our school, and inviting them to come for one evening to teach our students. The response to my letter startled and heartened me. Paul Newman said yes, as did Alec Baldwin, Sally Field, Dennis Hopper, Shelley Winters, Sydney Pollack.
With a sheaf of acceptances in hand, I sent word back into the professional world from which I’d come. It was a simple message: “These are the people who are coming, and it’s possible that they may say something worth preserving. The only way to preserve it is with cameras and microphones.” In an existential leap of faith for which I’ll be forever grateful, the Bravo cable network stepped forward.
Now, suddenly, we were a master’s degree program and a television series, owned, at my insistence, entirely by the Actors Studio, and licensed, like any other television series, by a network. The day after the contract negotiation was concluded, I got a call from a Bravo executive asking, “By the way, what’s the series called?”
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Comments
Melinda wrote:
I am so thrilled you are blogging again and anxiously await the new season.
posted on June 25, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Beth wrote:
When does the new season start? I love to watch and love to hear what everyone has to say.
posted on June 29, 2008 at 10:56 PM
Joanne Bittner wrote:
Have been looking for Inside reruns, this summer! Why can't I find them?
posted on June 30, 2008 at 2:29 PM
Judith wrote:
James, you were sorely missed and I am a happier person knowing that once again you are only as far away as a "click" on my computer, as well as eye candy when I watch ITAS.
Thank you for the insight on how the show was created. Perfect title for a show and host than never disappoint.
I can't wait to read more!!
Judith
posted on July 2, 2008 at 1:56 PM
Robert wrote:
I just saw the commercial you did for the new Hellboy movie and I thought it was an absolute scream. You're not only a great (perhaps the best currently) interviewer, but your wit and self-effacing humour comes across clear as a bell in this new spot.
I don't know if you hear a lot of garbage about 'commercialization' or 'selling out' but please, for all our sakes, just ignore them! You're a treasure!
Personally I look forward to the new season of 'Studio' with great anticipation, but I also look forward to seeing your next cameo.
Keep up the great work!
posted on July 3, 2008 at 9:31 PM
Patricia E. Creed wrote:
Please update your tv schedule.
thanks.
posted on July 3, 2008 at 9:44 PM
Cindy Garcia wrote:
Mr. Lipton,
I am a huge fan of your outstanding show and always look forward to watching it. Each time I do, I'm never disappointed.
Thanks for your continued and continuous effort in bringing to our homes such thoughtful insight into the lives of our celebrities.
Over the years that I've watched your show, I always wondered how a celebrity gets to be in your show. Any chance for one of my most favourite actresses, Ms. Stephanie Zimbalist to be on your show? Just a wishful thought on my part.
Cindy
posted on July 7, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Halyna wrote:
Dear Mr. Lipton, I am so glad you will be coming back with your fascinating show. I will keep looking at this website to see the schedule...
posted on July 11, 2008 at 4:49 PM
Diane wrote:
Dear. Mr. Lipton:
I greatly enjoy your show. While life had other plans for me than making a living on or back-stage, I have used those high school theatre experiences in many different ways in my current profession - public speaking, memorization, dedication to study/understanding, ensemble with coworkers, radio shows, etc. How wonderful it is to see gifted actors passionate about their craft put into words and (especially Robin Williams) action how they create art. Our society has in many ways lost the teaching of the art inherent in all professions - thank you for providing a forum for all of us to see the people behind their craft, and how they make it so.
posted on July 14, 2008 at 2:18 PM
Patty wrote:
My husband I are very big fans of your show.
It is so nice to have a show that not only holds our interest but our children's as well.
I have always wondered what brought people to acting and Inside the Actors Studio has given me many varied answers. I am looking forward to a new season and maybe one day I will see Emma Thompson and or Alan Rickman sitting across from you.
Again thank you for bringing this wonderful show into our home.
Patty
posted on July 15, 2008 at 12:40 AM
Jen wrote:
Hi Mr. Lipton,
I just read your book: Inside, Inside. It was very interesting to learn more about the creative process that actors, directors, etc. go through.
I think it would make anyone who reads it appreciate the art of filmmaking much more. What an incredible opportunity for the students of the Actor's Studio to be there for these interviews as well.
As a broadcast reporter, who LOVES in depth interviews with people, I have a request...you're such a great writer and interviewer, how about writing a book focusing on just the techniques you use in your interviews? I am sure anyone in the business would learn a lot from you and anyone who is not in the business could use the skills in other aspects of their lives.
Thanks for writing it and for sticking with your gut, from the beginning, on the format of your very successful show.
posted on July 18, 2008 at 7:44 PM
Rosie Walker wrote:
Oh I must say I too have missed your show and will be glad to see you back and I just read what the previous poster said and think Emma Thompson and/or Alan Rickman would be wonderful guest if you could manage to grab them. They've both done marvelous work as actors and in other capacities as well and they've worked with some marvelous peopel as well. Plus in Rickman's case he doesn't too often give in depth interviews but he might for Actor's Studio.
posted on July 19, 2008 at 2:00 PM
Gio wrote:
Mr. Lipton, It is great to have you back on these "boards" again. Might I suggest a future guest: Betty Buckley. I think should would make for an interesting interview. She has a diverse career in film/television/theatre/music. I see no reason as to why she would not meet your criteria for a guest. I mean come on, great actors like Billy Joel, Jay Leno and Elton John got there time with you.
posted on July 23, 2008 at 12:51 AM
Beverly Stagg wrote:
Hey, Mr. Lipton - so wonderful to read your blog. I still rank the episode with Robin Williams as one of the funniest things ever to hit the airwaves. My second favorite is of course, Meryl Streep's visit.
I agree with Gio - please, please have Betty Buckley on! (You had Bernadette..) She's done it all - TV, Broadway, film, concerts. She has twelve solo albums out and she gets amazing reviews. She's funny and articulate and I think she would LOVE talking to you and the students. Plus she could sing - and the jazz great Kenny Werner could accompany. It would be memorable.
Thanks for a tremendous show!
posted on July 25, 2008 at 12:26 AM
pattymolero wrote:
please come back on t.v. i miss your shows and guests i would love to see hugh laurie again you are the best
posted on August 3, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Janice Latoza wrote:
Hello Mr. Lipton
I am a huge fan and have missed the show. When will the new season start? Please update the schedule on your website. Thank you.
posted on August 6, 2008 at 3:23 PM
Nicki Baker wrote:
Please post something on this website telling us when the new season will start. You are keeping us guessing and hanging!! Give us something!!!
posted on August 6, 2008 at 10:39 PM
Mario wrote:
Dear Mr. Lipton,
Thank you for being the inspiration I needed today and yesterday.
I've finished reading InsideInside and I feel so much better for doing it. The time was 3:22 pm at a YMCA swimming pool in Auburn, WA. I was fully clothed, watching over my little brother while noticing that I had already finished a great book.
It was a joy to spend my nights reading about your time in France, your childhood, and the people you love and think of as heroes. Thank you for the invitation into another life. It was something I'll sorely miss now that I have finished.
I'm 18 today and I'm currently going to the University of Washington. After I finish my studies in creative writing and drama there, I will seek my Masters degree at Pace University. I really want to be a part of the craft, to know what Meisner, Adler, and Stanivslavsky meant. That world seemed so far away from me, but now it has drawn closer.
I feel like a new world has opened up to me.
Thank You Mr. Lipton.
posted on August 7, 2008 at 6:42 AM
Sherri wrote:
Mr. Lipton,
I want to thank you for the wonderful show. It's such an awesome opportunity to get to know these actors more extensively and to learn more about their creative process. As a writer, I am always anxious to hear how someone else approaches their work. As a fan, I love to see and hear more about the faces that we have come to know and adore.
posted on August 9, 2008 at 12:13 AM
Tara wrote:
Hello Mr.Lipton,
I was wondering why you have never interviewed Julie Andrews??? ican't wait for the new season to start!!
posted on August 16, 2008 at 7:56 PM
Christine wrote:
I really miss Inside the Actors Studio, and I cannot wait for the new episodes. It is my favorite program and the best show on the Bravo channel. While the fans wait for the new interviews, would it be possible to air some of the prior interviews, and post on the website when these shows can be seen? Every Monday night, I hope to come home and be plesantly surprised to see a new Actors Studio episode. I know I am not the only one who feels the loss.
posted on August 18, 2008 at 3:13 PM
kim johnson wrote:
please try to get some of the older actors who have had so much experience other than the ones under 30
please try to get someone like james garner thank you
posted on August 18, 2008 at 10:57 PM
Kathy Waldrep wrote:
When does the new season of "inside the actors studio start?
posted on August 26, 2008 at 3:12 PM
joel eiaenberg wrote:
why has bruce dern never been invited on the show?
posted on August 29, 2008 at 5:27 PM
Michael Oser wrote:
I am a fan of your show and would like to suggest your adding one additional question to all of your interiews. This will give more insight into the actor's real personality and how easy or hard it was for them to adapt to the characters they have played.
"Of all the parts your have played, which one, if any, is most like your real personality?"
posted on August 29, 2008 at 9:52 PM
Glynis Snow wrote:
Mr. Lipton,
Reading the requests for various interview options, I only wish there were some way for you to interview James Lipton.
What would his favorite swear word be? And just what would he wish God would say to him if he were to go to heaven?? I could only imagine God saying, "Bravo!"
posted on September 5, 2008 at 10:17 PM
Myrna Ortiz wrote:
Let me know when the new season begins. I just change my cable in order to see your program. It is one of my favorites.
posted on September 8, 2008 at 4:32 PM
Michael McQuown wrote:
Why, when American actors and actresses work so hard on their talents, their bodies and their hair, do so many of them neglect their most-used asset -- their voices?
If one listens to British performers, their voices are warm, resonant and pleasant to listen to. Many AMerican actors' voices are harsh, whiny, denasal and unpleasant.I would have to think hard to note the exceptions, and many of the newer ones, especially the women, all sound as if they're twelve.
posted on September 15, 2008 at 3:20 PM
Rosanne Del Vecchio wrote:
Love your show and look forward to the new episodes. Along with Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman, I would love to see Michael Kitchen the brilliant English actor who stars in Foyle's War. His range is incredible and I would find his insights facinating as he plays so many different type roles. He never does interviews and I would love to see you do one of the rare ones.
posted on September 15, 2008 at 3:25 PM
Margaret Frenette wrote:
It seems there is no street address for James Lipton or his manager/agent on the net, so I'm using this format to contact you. My mother may have worked with you (Mr. Lipton) on The Lone Ranger on Detroit radio in the 1940s. Her stage name was Gloria Fleming (nee Evelina Bertini). I would like to send a photo of her to see if you remember her - she would have been about 20 years older than you.
posted on September 24, 2008 at 3:29 PM
Tausif Khan wrote:
Mr. Lipton,
I know it is rare that you interview an ensemble cast on your stage. However, I feel a prudent choice for exploring the realms of creativity within art and acting were best expounded by the creators and cast of Arrested Development (in which, some know, you also had a small part as a prison warden). Would you be averse to interviewing Mitchell Hurwitz and the cast of the show?
posted on September 27, 2008 at 6:32 AM
Kevin Cooke wrote:
Mr. Lipton, I have no doubt that you and your staff are working feverishly inside the Actor's Studio, to pay tribute to the life, career and tragic passing of Paul Newman. I can think of no one more deserving, and wait with bated breath for such a production. In the mean time, I was not one of those so fortunate to have Bravo available to me in 1994, and have never had the chance to see the episode with Mr. Newman. I would truly LOVE to see it... it has been one of my life's dreams (Sort Of). Actually - if need be - I would gladly place my keyboard on the floor and ask pleadingly on bended knee for you to play that episode. But, for now, I will forgo doing such a demeaning act until I am sure that all other avenues have been exhausted.
I am sure that others feel the same way, and if you see fit to post this on your blog - many of them will find the courage within themselves to post their own request. Trust me.
Thank You for such a wonderful program! ------------>KC
posted on October 4, 2008 at 5:52 PM
Ann Haaland wrote:
Dear Mr. Lipton, I have just tuned into your blogsite though I had been a fan of Inside for quite a while. My husband tapes your shows as a special treat for me so that we can watch together and savor each piece at our leisure. Sans the commercials!
This past Friday I finished reading your delightful book. If I wasn't in love with you before, I am now. Oh how you write! Delicious!
As I am a visual artist, I don't experience the awful one on one rejection of actors and those in entertainment. However I do feel you speak for all of us in the arts and how challenging it is to follow the creative path. No matter who you have written about or who you speak with, your admiration and joy come forth. And with each tribute or interview I am inspired again, I feel hope..not only.to hang in there and to not quit but that there is a forum that respects the dignity of talented people.Thank you! I remain tattooless, Ann Haaland
posted on November 11, 2008 at 4:46 PM