Inside the Actors Studio 

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

Stars:

James Lipton, Bradley Cooper, Ellen Burstyn

Won 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 4 wins & 34 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
James Lipton	...	Himself - Host / ... 249 episodes, 1994-2017

Storyline

James Lipton interviews some of today's most talented actors, directors and writers. In the audience are students and famous alumni of the Actors Studio's master of fine arts program. The interviewees talk about their childhood, how they got started in show business, their early career and behind-the-scenes trivia. The interview concludes with a standardized questionnaire that includes such questions as "What is your favorite word?" and "If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive?" After that, Lipton and the interviewee move to a classroom where the M.F.A. students can question the interviewee directly.

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Plot Keywords:

actor | writer | director | interview | audience | 

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Genres:

Talk-Show

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Details

Official Sites:

Bravo Official Facebook

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 June 1994 (USA)

Also Known As:

Inside the Actors Studio: The Craft of Theatre and Film

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 Credits

Production Co:

In the Moment Productions Ltd.,The Actors Studio,Bravo Cable

Technical Specs

Runtime:

65 min 60 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Although every single seat is filled at each of the Actors Studio seminars featuring a celebrity, James Lipton recalls the auditorium was filled beyond capacity when Johnny Depp and Harrison Ford were guests on the show.

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Goofs

For every guest James Lipton is inconsistent on which acting credit is noteworthy to acknowledge.

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Quotes

Martin Sheen: I love being Spanish as much as I love being Irish, and I *really* love being Irish.

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Connections

Featured in Saturday Night Live: Bradley Cooper/TV on the Radio (2009)

User Reviews

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.