"Inside the Actors Studio" (1994) TV series 1994-????

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | unknown

Release Date:

1994 (USA)

Genre:

Talk-Show

Plot:

Famous actors, directors and writers reminisce about their careers and the philosophy behind their careers.

Plot Keywords:

Show Business | Actors Studio | Acting | Film Making | Film Industry

Awards:

Nominated for 14 Primetime Emmys. Another 1 win & 2 nominations

Cast

James Lipton

...

Host / ... (215 episodes, 1994-2009)

Also Known As:

Inside the Actors Studio: The Craft of Theatre and Film (USA) (first season title)

Runtime:

65 min | 60 min (including commercials)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Argentina:Atp | Australia:M (some episodes) | Australia:PG (some episodes) | Brazil:Livre

Filming Locations:

John L. Tischman Theater, The New School, New School University - 65 West 12th Street, Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Actors Studio, The

Trivia:

When asked who he'd most like to interview, living or dead, James Lipton replied Judy Garland. Lipton had the opportunity to have Garland's daughter, Liza Minnelli as a guest.

Quotes:

James Lipton: What is your least favorite word?
Mark Wahlberg: Is "Marky Mark" one word?

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Gilmore Girls: Swan Song (#3.14)" (2003)

Fun look inside the business

I've been watching this series for several years. When it's good, it's really good, and when it is bad, it is still usually interesting. The best shows, in my opinion, are those from very experienced top-dog actors and directors, but "lesser" actors usually have interesting things to say too. My favorite shows were those that featured Stanley Donen, Norman Jewison, Mike Nichols, Spike Lee, Ron Howard, Anthony Hopkins, Matt Dillon, Meryl Streep and Gary Sinise. These interviewees really let you into their working process and career history without a lot of bloated self-importance. When the interviewees don't say much: "Duh, I don't know," act too cool, or start waxing philosophical about dumb movies, then it can be pretty dull. Worse is when guests like Robin Williams agree to be on the show and then don't cooperate with the format, turning it into an opportunity to show off. It doesn't happen often, but it grates when it does. James Lipton is ideal as the very knowledgeable but groveling sycophantic host, and he seems to relish playing the part. At least he is consistent in his praise (over overpraise) of every guest equally, whether they have had a 10 year or 60 year career. He doesn't focus on flops or bad reviews, so the guests aren't defensive, and on balance, that's probably the best way to do it. It's clear that he just loves the business. My favorite part is when he reads some question from his stack of blue cards that shows he has REALLY done is his research, often stunning and amusing the interviewee. I've heard more than one person say, "Where did you get THAT?" or "Have you been speaking to my mother/therapist?" I usually turn it off when the students get up to ask their questions because often they are too fawning and embarrassing.