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James Lipton
What Is It Really Like?: Mr. Lipton turns to Andre Gide and Mike Nichols for some inspiriation.

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This is my seventeenth blog. Hard to believe. And even harder to believe is the heartwarming array of responses from you.

As I write this, it’s a Sunday evening, and I’m alone in my study. It’s utterly silent – which is my favorite “sound,” as those of you know who have heard my responses to the Pivot Questionnaire. You’re somewhere out there, your names and thoughts unknown to me until you elect to make them known by responding to whatever will pop up on this screen in the next few minutes.

At this moment, I have no clearer notion of what it will be than you do. You’re busy with your own lives, blissfully unaware that somewhere in Manhattan, I’m reaching out to you. And I’m facing a nearly blank screen with a nearly blank mind, which for a writer is a pleasanter state than you may think – because anything is possible.

In his novel “The Counterfeiters,” André Gide, created a character named Uncle Edouard, a writer who kept a diary. In short order we discover that Edouard is in fact Gide, performing a remarkable triple task: creating the novel, playing a character in it, and, through the diary, describing the process of doing both, thus giving us, in addition to a masterful work of art, one of the greatest essays ever written on the literary craft.

Comments

13 Comments

: 11/15/2009 - 7:31pm; Maria Skarzynski; Hi Mr. Lipton
Is it possible to buy DVD's of your shows, and if so - how? Can't seem to find it anywhere. Love your show! (in Calgary, Alberta, Canada)

11/09/2009 - 3:34pm

F BROOKS

Greetings Mr Lipton;

I am wondering when you will have either Mel Brooks and or James Earl Jones on.

You've done a wonderful job with the show. Keep up the good wrok.

Thanks

11/03/2009 - 4:43am

Sean B

What is it really like?
I feel like the best piece of work I've ever seen that unashamedly tried to honestly answer that question was The Wire.

OMG, great idea for a special episode of Inside! A THE WIRE EPISODE could be very special indeed. Best show of all time in my opin.

ps. love the show+blog mr. lipton

: 10/22/2009 - 8:09am; Mary Ellen Kinkel; I am a devoted fan. Thank you for the marvelous interviews you have conducted. I am a major fan of musical theater and especially enjoy all of the musicians and singers you have had on the show. Is there any thought of a compedium of musical guests. My home recording of the Billy Joel episode is failing, I am afraid. An my copy of Bernadette Peters episode is also getting worn. Please let me know your thoughts. thanks again. Mary Ellen

: 10/16/2009 - 1:26am; ellen; I have big a fan since the first episode!! My sister is a musical theater actress & I had to tell her about this wonderful tool for learning more about her craft. What strikes me the most time and again is when your guest is someone who's work is not my favorite movies/etc, but I learn so much about them and how they work, that I come away appreciating them! Kudos to your research...how do you find the time and stamina to watch so many films, read so many articles, etc and prepare your famous stack of cards??
How can someone become an audience member? I would love to see the show live, I've heard that each session can go for hours & I want to see what I miss by being the home audience.

: 10/10/2009 - 7:14am; Ulrika; Love the show it´s now on Chanell 9 in Sweden. Thank You

10/06/2009 - 10:57pm

Stephen Burnett

"Inside the Actors Studio" is a favorite of mine going back to your very first episode and season, Mr. Lipton [Jim/James?]. I have been a fan that long.

The show and your interviewing style and always-on-the-mark questions represents my choice as the leading information conduit on the theatrical arts in the world. It also constitutes the paramount example of erudite and meaningful conversation in the entire history of broadcasting. No, I am not trying to be cloying; I am serious about every word here.....

With all these episodes and seasons "in the can", I notice one actor whom I have always wanted to see on "Inside the Actors Studio" but who has never been a guest. Outside of the 7 years of TV and then a few more with Star Trek movies, he has compiled a truly massive portfolio -- over 50 years in theater, film and television in a dizzying labyrinth of roles. I don't know if it would be possible, but I will ask: could you please book Patrick Stewart?

He is an actor of breathtaking skill and range who would make a perfect subject for the show; and as you may know, he is himself the Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield, so he has a great deal of experience and expertise in the show's basic mission: education.

Thank you for all these years in all of my living rooms.

Sincerely,
Stephen Burnett

: 10/05/2009 - 4:09pm; Elana; Hi James I love the episodes on the show hope Actor Jeffrey,Donovan of hit series of "Burn Notice be on their real soon love his work! amasterpiece actor Love BN.

: 10/03/2009 - 2:10am; Patty Haertlein; Dear Adorable Mr. Lipton,
My youngest son graduated from the New School and was lucky enough to have earned a degree from a university that provided him with the best creative and artistic outlook of life possible. I absolutely love your interviews with the brightest artists of our time. I laughed out loud when you interviewed Mickey Rourke and still have it saved on my DVR so that my oldest son can see it with me this weekend! Lol! Thank you so much for many years of very special times and incredibly entertaining moments. (P.S. Never worry about cursing. It lets me know that you too are human :)
With Much Love and Caring,
Patty Haertlein

10/01/2009 - 10:12am

Marina

Dear Mr. Lipton,

Thank you for your blog. Could you please let me know how can I attend one of your shows as part of the audience? Thank you. Marina

: 09/30/2009 - 11:44pm; dave; dean stockwell...is there a better person to discuss acting during the last 60 yrs with...well, maybe amy poeller..sp

: 09/30/2009 - 12:23pm; David & Sharon Robinson; My husband and I enjoy your evocative theme music. May we learn more about the composer, and if there are any commercial cd's available? We'd love to hear more ~

: 09/29/2009 - 3:10pm; Joe Camicia; Love the show! In the Amy Poehler episode there is mention of an important book about comedy. I went by so fasy I of course missed it. Do you have the name and author? Thank you,