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James Lipton

A Mad Mad Mad 'Mad Men'

James Lipton discusses the intense preparation he (gladly) underwent to interview the cast of 'Mad Men.'

May 7, 2012

The title of this blogs tells the story. On May 14th you'll see the largest cast ever assembled on our stage. Eight -- count 'em, eight -– members of the Mad Men cast arrayed in front of me and our students and you the viewers.

If you've been watching our show you know we've interviewed casts before -- The Simpsons, Law and Order, Will and Grace, Everybody Loves Raymond, Modern Family, Family Guy, Glee -- but this one breaks the population record: Jon Hamm, January Jones, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Jared Harris, Kiernan Shipka and the show's co-creator Matt Weiner, lined up and ready to go.

And bear in mind that when I have groups like this on stage, I prepare for each member of the group as if he or she were my only guest. Since it normally takes between seven and 14 days to prepare for a single guest, this show took. . .well, you can do the math. And you know what? I loved every minute of it. I normally watch everything a guest has put on film. In the cases of television series, I watch selected episodes from each season. In the case of Mad Men, I watched every frame of every episode, from their premiere to the night they walked on our stage -- 54 episodes. Not because I was obliged to do so, but quite simply because I was hooked.

In a little more than three years, Mad Men has won three Best Drama Emmys and three Best Drama Golden Globes, and for good reason. It's that good. The writing, the acting, the direction -- every element of the series is fresh, different, and constantly surprising.

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Just Get Me There James shares why the 'Glee' episode feels so special. May 7, 2012 Inside the Actors Studio Season 18 / Episode 1 / James Lipton
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jknyc 5 pts

Funny to see all the comments about not being able to figure out when the show is on to watch.  I am not alone..

scaber_nestor 6 pts

There are a few people coming of age that i feel should be on the show. But one in particular.

 

Max von Sydow

 

He was one of the late great Ingmar Bergmans favourite actors. He has been casted in countless awarded movies, some concidered the best of all times. Such as "The seventh seal" , "The Exorcist", Pelle the Conquerer", "Hamsun" and the recent "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close".

 

There are few, in the history of movies, that deserves the recognition more than this actor.

rebecca.gill.100 5 pts

Every once and a while you have a young actor on your show.  Not many of the young actors these days are able to rise above their fame and let their roles speak for themselves. Dakota Fanning has provided us with an amazing display of talent for someone barely out of high school and has had the opportunity to act along many of the great actors that already appeared on this show.  It would be a highlight for me to here from her on your show. I hope that you will consider her as a guest.  

I stumbled across this show online after seeing James interview Bradley Cooper, I’m in New Zealand and can’t find it on TV here but I have watched nearly 50 so far and I’m loving every minute of it. James I’ll be getting your book soon too and I can’t wait to read and re-read it many times. You have an extraordinary ability to research the actors on your show and I love learning new things about each actor that you interview.

timbowland@bell.net 5 pts

After about 2 years I have finally discovered when Inside The Actors Studio airs.  I am with Bell in Ontario, Canada and it airs Wednesdays at 9pm.  Check that time if you cant find it in your area.

sakarihei3 5 pts

You have GOT to get Leonardo Dicaprio to your show!! Is he coming any time soon?

What time is this airing at on May 14th? Its not listed on Bravotv.com Schedule.

Thanks,

Nancy from MPLS, MN

There should be a Inside The Actors Studio with Eminem (Marshall Mathers)

Dear Mr. James Lipton and to all the people! Who had this GREAT IDEA coming from GOD, to produce Inside the Actors Studio who give a wonderfull happiness to our hearts to see all this marveleous creations of God - THE ACTORS!!! Thank you very very much !!! Be all blessed!!! Raluca from Romania

I have the same question. The Madmen cast episode is not showing up on my guide. What time is it airing on May 14th?

I thought the choice to show that scene of Christina Hendrix getting raped was in poor taste. That is not a demonstration of her best work as was supposed to be of the male actors. I like the show in general, but that was really sexist. I am truly disappointed.

Sunday it showed up on my Comcast DVR to be recorded tonight - May 14th... now it does not show on the DVR or the guide. What's up? MPLS, MN

Its also on Tuesday the 15th at 7:00 a.m.

RE: MAD MEN - Wow - I guess you had to be there to get the full experience of what was left out of the TV broadcast. Having so many cast members requires at least a two hour show. The edits felt abrupt and disjointed and not much was learned by the TV viewer. I was looking forward to it and was highly disappointed. I got more out of a recent Entertainment Weekly article.

Great show all the actors are wonderful. What a great show Mad Men is. Please let us see all of the show not just the hour you showed. Thank you and so appreciate Inside The Actors Studio thank you so much. Since I was a little girl have always been in love with Movies and Actors and the acting process..

James, I have your book. You are a fascinating man. I love you! I have to say that I am not a big fan of the series episodes. I much prefer a lone actor. I love the Sean Penn episode, along with so many others, but I found his to be opinion changing for me and taught me a lesson on looking beyond the press and at the body of work only. I have enjoyed his performances immensely over the years. I am one who truly regrets not pursuing a career as an actor and I love to see the actors on the show individually. It always brings tears to my eyes when I see a great performance on the screen. I recall seeing "As Good As It Gets" in the theater. I walked out and said to my brother, Helen Hunt is going to get the academy award this year. Sean Penn, in Mystic River, OMG! Love your book, it feeds my soul. Love, Pam

Just happened to check Bravo (San Jose Ca. comcast) and The Actor's studio was on with Mad Men cast which I really enjoyed. How often is it shown in this area (95125) as I never see it listed by Bravo. All they ever have listed are The Housewives OC...over and over which I never watch. The Actor's Studio was always a favorite of mine but cannot find it.

THANK YOU FOR THE MAD MEN INTERVIEW!!! ALTHOUGH I ALSO THOUGHT IT WAS TOO SHORT . LIKE YOU MR. LIPTON I TOO AM HOOKED ON THAT SHOW. WHEN THAT IS ON THERE IS NO QUESTION AS TO WHAT MY BOYFREIND AND I WILL BE WATCHING. OR SHOULD I SAY NO ARGUMENT LOL!!!

One of my favorite tv shows is Inside the Actors Studio. Unfortunately, I have not been able to watch it because I have not been able to find out the day and time where this shows plays in the Dallas, TX area. Can anyone help me? thanks