Inside the Actors Studio (1994– ) User Reviews

Hit or miss, with a good (if full of himself) interviewer

[Quinoa1984 · 10/10 · 13 September 2005]

James Lipton would be really just a good Film and acting professor at the New School in New York City (it may be a different school now) if not for his show Inside the Actors Studio, where he brings on a different big name actor (and occasionally the infamous director, comedian, or even TV show cast or musician) and interviews them about the process. It ends then with his 'questions', which usually bring out hilarious responses, then leading to the students asking questions.

It's hard sometimes to watch the show to not think of Will Ferrel's dead-on imitation of Lipton from SNL; there is something to Lipton that is full-of-himself, that he's so honored to be interviewing these highly revered celebrities and actors about their craft. Sometimes this is a worthy place to be that he's in; interviews with Robert De Niro, Meryl Street, Martin Scorsese, Robin Williams, Tom Hanks, and Steven Spiebgerg are very worthwhile to hear from. But sometimes the questions asked by the students themselves end up having some more worth, as they're the ones who will want to know more for their lives than Lipton; also, some of the interviewees are either still on their way in their careers, or make you scratch you head thinking 'why is HE on the show'? But for the most part, it is a consistently interesting program past the overly serious and sad points, and for film buffs it is always of some fascination to hear their favorites speak about the craft and the process and the actors they work with. Sometimes it is a little too full of bull, but then that is countered with the funnier guests (people like George Carlin and the cast of the Simpsons have appeared).

Very unique interview show

[Maniac-9 · 9/10 · 4 February 2012]

Inside the Actors Studio is a show that airs on Bravo and hosted by James Lipton. It's a TV show but is also used as a teaching class for prospective actors and directors learning their craft at Pace University in New York City.

The show gives you a far more in-depth interview with famous actors/actresses about their careers from start to present day and what lead them to be where they are today. This isn't your pre-interviewed talk show interviews with actors where they're just using it to promote their most recent project and then also some trivial funny thing that happened in their day to fill time. You can really get in the head of the actors and see what their motivations for a particular role were.

At the end of the show the actors get to take questions from the audience of students and in a way become a teacher to them.

Inside a masterpiece

[Atomic_Peace · 10/10 · 6 August 2012]

When I first watched this, I believe it was the Cast of The Simpsons, after this, it was my new favorite show!

Inside The Actor's Studio is hosted by James Lipton (with the exception of the 200th episode in which Lipton was interviewed by Dave Chappelle). The show has not one, but more than hundreds of actors and actresses.

From Anthony Hopkins to Jane Fonda, actors and actresses recount their lives to what brought them to being an actor, actress, writers, and directors by birth to the seat they sit in.

It is a fantastic show with a wonderful ending Q & A. The show is wonderful, it is funny and informative!

A wonderful & unique approach to celebrity interviews.

[MattMan79 · 29 February 2000]

"Inside the Actor's Studio" offers something that virtually no other interview program does: an interview. The actors, directors, and writers that appear as guests get a chance to actually discuss their craft and their particular approach to it. James Lipton is a great interviewer, offering up questions & observations that you're not going to hear from the majority of other television interviews, as most of those are usually 4 or 5 minute snippets that rarely get past the current projects. Either that or its the same stupid anecdote that has been given on every other show. You don't have to be an actor or director to appreciate & enjoy this program. You don't even have to be a big movie fan to enjoy Lipton's insightful interviews. And for those who are interested in this business, what better way to learn than by hearing it from the masters.

the amount i love julia roberts is just doubled like hell

[harrsh85 · 10/10 · 2 June 2007]

this is the only show ( at least i watched until now ) that not only helps to know how our favorite stars are... but also helps to develop the craft for professionals ( being and wanted to be ) and know the difficulty of the craft for non-professionals, you may ask why general public should know how difficult the craft is and that is because they are the people who comments ( usually bad ) on them.

i really admire James Lipton a lot , i never admired a interviewer before. what i really like him about, is the way he presents himself dominating even in front of legends. i really show my gratitude for that kind of admiring attitude.

i recommend " 100th guest special " show ( if u have not seen )bec it is the only show where u can clearly understand how actors are.., i mean he complete mixture of sentiments, humor, professionalism, attitude, he way they were, etc.., and for general audience, it is Aone ENTERTAINMENT, especially when they show JULIA ROBERTS in between smiling, VOW... the amount i like is just doubled like hell, vow, hats off to Julia Roberts, well not only that, u will be finding your own favorite stars doing stuffs like that especially KEVIN SPACEY, STEVEN SPIELBERG, ROBIN WILLIAMS, JERRY LEWIS, man the list goes on...

great TV show - inside the actors studio

inside the actors studio's best - 100 guest special

continue enjoying the show

see u guys...

Wonderful!

[maurice_84 · 10/10 · 17 May 2013]

I've come to this show late, as I haven't had television for over 16 years, but I am sooooo grateful to have found it through Youtube. Lipton deserves all the praise that can be given for his "character" as the interviewer who actually allows the interviewee to speak. He asks intelligent questions and shuts-the-eff up after that (unlike the smarmy and intrusive C. Rose, per ex). I would love a full DVD set to become available. I would love Lipton to be given many lifetime achievement awards. All the good (and none of the bad) reviews here are accurate: this is a great show, created by a great (and really modest) man that allows the profession and its many practitioners to SHINE.

best interviews ever

[moeu628 · 9/10 · 11 January 2007]

I discovered this show only months ago, and was so mad that it had been on so long without my knowledge. I am not interested in becoming an actor or director, but I am a movie lover to the core and am always interested in what actors have to say. These interviews are wonderful because they are not the average "hollywood" interview. It's not about who the actor is sleeping with, and how hard they've been partying. The interview explores the reasons behind the career choices, and experiences of filming. It is much more real, and deep, and interesting then any others. You really feel like you are part of the audience, and you get to see a different side to some very incredible actors and learn something new. I love it!

Great Watching Actors Talk in Front of MFA Students

[shelbythuylinh · 10/10 · 16 December 2021]

The late James Lipton interviews the guests and tries to make them feel at home. And that usually very hard to get guests there. Really seem normal enough on it there.

And that those MFA students want to learn acting as the only way to learn acting is to learn from the acting veterans themselves. They ask very interesting questions and that actors and actresses share how they do things when taken on a role.

In particular those method actors and actresses seem to be the most interesting ones.

Inside the Vomitorium

[onepotato2 · 3/10 · 28 July 2004]

I have known actors and I dislike them for so many reasons. When done well, there's no denying acting IS a skill. But too many people think they should be actors, mainly because they see it as a lifestyle and a way to be the center of attention, not a job - laziness & privilege are what appeal to them. Most actors cannot stop acting, and they are constantly attempting to shine attention on themselves. This plays out on the show as actors "method-act" their answers.

The actors I've known are needy, awful, empty-headed people. These qualities are enervating. This is the TV show that confirms the truth of every unflattering cliché about actors AND liberals and makes everyone else do a slow-boil. When they answer Lipton's limp questions, actors reveal the self-impressed minutia & trivial crap that their minds are pre-occupied with; the things that have stunted their growth.

There are no more unkind words to waste on the hideously self-impressed and fawning sycophant James Lipton. The dynamic he provides is revolting.

The coda of each episode is a grotesque display of touchy-retchy posturing and self-disclosure: "Hello my name is Sierra, I'm the product of my parents most delirious self-indulgent baby-boomer dreams. I'm a 2nd year acting student, and I haven't thought deeply about anything but myself for over a decade...." (Although this sounds like a conservative rant, I'm a liberal)

Fun look inside the business

[Kathryn-3 · 12 February 2002]

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.

Rosie O'Donnell, Barbara Walters, What has this show turned into?

[Sylviastel · 2/10 · 25 January 2006]

I'm sorry but Rosie O'Donnell talking about her mother's death and Barbara Walters (who has never really acted) on the actors studio. I have suggestions as to who should be on the Actors Studio in the future. What about your former wife, Nina Foch? What about the following? Kim Novak (retired and very much alive in Oregon. I bet she can teach acting), Dame Elizabeth Taylor, Barbara Windsor, Susan Lucci, Erika Slezak (she has 6 daytime Emmys), Jeanne Cooper, Emma Thompson, Susan Flannery, Helen Wagner (she celebrates 50 years playing one role on AS the World Turns), don't forget your soap roots, John Lipton. You spent 10 years on daytime with some of the finest around. You could have some longtime actors and actresses on your show. I bet they have better stories and can teach about acting. I look forward to your Liza Minnelli interview which will be a deservedly 2 hours long. Don't forget the Redgraves as well, Lynn, Vanessa, and Corin? What about Broadway stars like Cherry Jones, Zoe Caldwell, Angela Lansbury, John Lithgow, Oprah Winfrey, etc. There are plenty of wonderful actors and actresses out there waiting to be interviewed for your show. Kim Novak is a good example of somebody. She is a golden girl from the golden days of Hollywood. She would be worth watching as well. Come on, Lipton, you can do better than Rosie and Babs.

Inside the Actors Studio

[Coxer99 · 22 March 1999]

One of the most informative shows on television right now. It allows actors, directors and writers to express their craft to the geniuses of tomorrow. James Lipton should also be commended for the large amount of time and work he puts

into the research of every guest that has visited the studio from Paul Newman to Sidney Lumet to Robert DeNiro. It's an important show that deserves to be honored.

Can't believe this is popular!

[bangzinga · 1/10 · 4 March 2013]

I really can't believe that this show is popular! James Lipton has wonderful guests appear on the show but his manner is so boring and stagnant that it is painful to watch! The questions that he asks the guests are typical non confrontational boring questions! On occasion James asks a good question but doesn't follow up and delve deeper! I really find James Lipton boring and his voice is aggravating! When the questions are directed by the audience the questions are even more safe and predictable! The apprentice actors in the audience don't want to offend the accomplished actor by asking a controversial question! I understand this but James Lipton could attempt to show the viewers a different side of the guest but this never happens! Boring interviewer with a boring demeanor!

Bravo!

[macpherr · 16 February 2000]

"Inside the Actors Studio" is considered a television series but to me it is an acting class taught by the best actors in the world. Some of the guests: actors, directors, are members of Actors Studio, which is a school that offers training in both Alexander and Feldenkrais body technique, speech, and Linklater voice technique. The School has a training program for actors that gives equal value to Stanislavski and Strasger-based training. In the series the guests talk about their own views on acting techniques such as Lee Strasberg, Stella Adler methods. One of the productions companies is called "In the Moment Productions" meaning another technique, if you will, of acting from "moment to moment". We have recorded most of the shows and have enjoyed the tapes very much. I think that James Lipton (The Guiding Light) does such an incredible amount of research into the life of each guest that is fascinating to see how the actors react about this guy who knows all about them. Another plus for these wonderful acting classes is that one can see the guests as people working really hard on their craft, and not mere humans who make an enormous amount of money. I highly recommend the show, specially for people who are interested in the business, because television can be a wonderful teaching tool. Those who are not interested in the acting business will enjoy an interviewer who is really well prepared and knows what he is talking about. I wish all interviewers would pursue the James Lipton interviewing method. That is what I call quality entertainment. Bravo!

Disparaging remarks about Audrey Hepburn

[aceellaway2010 · 2/10 · 14 February 2013]

This is a basically interesting show, however the host is pompous to say the least and also based on his interview with Hugh Jackman, poorly researched or ignorant.

I am so tired of the ongoing disparaging remarks about the lovely Audrey and her dubbed singing in My Fair Lady. Last night he host in attempting to praise the singing of Hugh Jackman and cast of Les Miserables, had to do so by pointing out that Audrey Hepburn had not done her own singing in My Fair Lady or Funny Face, well, for a start she did do her own singing in Funny Face and also sang a lovely definitive Moon river in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Why this constant reference to My Fair Lady, let's discuss Julie Andrews who everyone sees as the "wronged" victim. Sorry but she was not the originator of Maria in The Sound of Music but nobody ever refers to the fact that she took the part originated by Mary Martin, Deborah Kerr was dubbed in The King & I, Cyd Charisse singing was dubbed, so was Rita Hayworth' Natalie Wood in West Side Story, but it is the lovely Audrey who is criticized. Repeatedly. The musical is called My Fair lady, Jullie Andrews was well cast in The Sound of Music as a plain nun and as a nanny in Mary Poppins, but Audrey is heart stoppingly lovely in her transformation in My Fair Lady, with the best will in the world I don't think anybody would call Julie Andrews one of the movie great beauties. Audrey did want to sing in My Fair Lady and the documentary shows her singing "Wouldn't it be Luverly" just fine. But her voice probably would not have been suitable for some of the other songs.

"Brillaint"-James Lipton

[Opion8d · 30 June 2002]

*Inside The Actor's Studio*

I haven't seen Inside The Actor's Studio very many times, but the ones I have seen were fabulous. I love this show because instead of going into the celebrities personal lives (which all of E!'s shows do, and it's so BORING), they discus their films. Hosted by the wonderful James Lipton, who asks all the right questions.

Here are some of the people who were being interviewed when I watched it. Steven Speilberg, Jack Lemmon, Sarah Jessica Parker, Anthony Hopkins, Ben Affleck, Meryl Streep, and Tom Hanks. As you can see, they have a diverse list of accomplished actors. For some reason, before I watched her on Inside The Actor's Studio, I disliked Sarah Jessica Parker. I always associated her with the character she plays on Sex In The City (rich, clothes obsessed, spoiled). After watching her on Inside The Actor's Studio I realized she grew up poor and with the dream of becoming an actress. She didn't make it on her looks like most actors. She struggled. When Jack Lemmon was interviewed he admitted he was an alcoholic. That really touched me. This show goes deep.

Another thing I love about the show is James Lipton covers about every one of the actor's films, one by one. This is a great show for anyone interesting in film and the actor's craft.

*9/10*

A pretentious show with a pretentious snotty host!

[collegedude3 · 3/10 · 1 June 2012]

I have watched a few of these over the years only because of they had a guest on that I was interested in seeing.

It is understandable why they would have amazing actors on like Robert Deniro, Robert Redford, Denzel Washington, MTM, or Kevin Costner. But then the next day you have on like moron actors ...some of whom I don't even consider actors. I don't like to mention names but you know the types of guests I mean. So any respect I had for the show I lost after the lame guests they started having on.

I find it very hard getting over Mr. Liptons superior, snotty, and pretentious attitude he has towards the guests he is interviewing. He is a real snob and is pretty obvious to anyone.

But unless it is someone you are absolutely wanting to see, I say skip the show unless you can get back the show's pretentious attitude.

The Secrets of ITAS.

[elshikh4 · 20 September 2007]

Maybe it's the only comment here which has a spoiler alert, because I'll reveal some real secrets from this show; like how (Robin Williams) is an intellectual actor, not only a clever clown, who quitted drugs because the love of his child, and the death of his fellow (john Belushi), and how he could answer every question by a long, breathtaking and totally improvised sketch! How (Ben Affleck) reacted when he first saw a screenplay for him in shooting (cried), or when he won the Oscar in the age of 26, and the different endings of his (Good Will Hunting)'s script, and how (Will Smith)'s word (Gettin Jiggy With It) is considered valid, accepted and appeared in the new dictionary, while he still doesn't know the actual meaning of it!

(Val Kilmer) is actually a poet who hates his movies (Top Gun, Batman Forever, The Island of Dr. Moreau.. etc.) being the best man on earth to mock at them, and tell jokes about them. (Harrison Ford) is comedian, let alone that he co-wrote most of his movies (without credits!). (Clint Eastwood) can SMILE, and LAUGH TOO, and made his entire career by believing in "take your work serious, but don't take your life so serious" rule.

(Hugh Jackman) is not only "Wolverine" from (X Men), but also a fine singer and a star of great musical plays. (Antonio Banderas) works with no exact method, waiting for the truth to hit him the second he dies! (Debra Winger) is a nice and melancholy woman who slept in a grave once just to see the influence of that on her, so she can use those new feelings in a role later (!) since she see that "the one who doesn't surprise himself is just not knowing himself"!

(Ed Harris) is a great man who believes in one principle, that effected me as a screenwriter myself, I'll paraphrase it: "after all your studying, just leave yourself free, and forget what you've studied, because after that, your own sense will choose what it needs, and can succeed with", though I didn't understand his very long hard silence when he mentioned accidentally his parents! (Kevin Spacey) is a perfect genius in impersonation American and British actors (and actresses too!). (Bette Midler) stayed for 3 whole years with no job, right after winning the Oscar!

Well, these are some parts of the secrets. So of course with the wit, great culture, and the sense of humor of (James Lipton), you'll know the real secrets of this show's magic, charm and continuance. And yes, Mr. (Lipton) has sense of humor which is natural and quick at repartee, just keep watching carefully and you'll discover that, along with a lot more also; because this is a rare simple show that can enjoy as well as learn in the same time.

Inside the lifetime actor's privilege

[Skylightmovies · 1/10 · 4 April 2022]

The great thing about waking up to worldwide baloney is realising the pretentious bs that these privileged pretenders have used to justify their existence.

We will never really know how much manipulation and fakery the industry has thrown at us for the last century but we can have a pretty good guess.

Born into this family of fakers, there is a daily discovery of who is related to who, who worked with who , who lived next door to who, who trained with who and who created kids with who. Yes it really is down to who you know and what you are prepared to do for the money and billing

I accept that there are indeed artists from all kinds of backgrounds who do indeed have some creative merit to offer and inspire. However after the discerning working man gives them an inch, as a distraction from his long day striving to bring home the bacon, the homemakers and kids are subject to the mind controlling romantic TV and comsumerism. Then the rot sets in. The advertising agenda rolls out its greedy tongue.

Decades later the players get the ultimate attention, in exclusive interviews and paying homage on Lipton's show, to prattle on and on about their craft in the most poetic of ways, if we are lucky. We are left to believe they are truly possessed of unique talent that we can only dream of as we return to our cubicles and typing pools.

Holly wood or noo yawk broadway proclaims its admiration for the tortured writers and insecure performers, each paid to produce stories to influence and change the outlook and morals of the common man. Our common sense is questioned and challenged until we no longer know how to live and what standards to maintain. The language changes as each generation is given new idles to mimic and flimsy reasons to destroy their parents values. At this point, the movies excel with drug and crime related nihilism and the award industry ensures that our emotions keep up with hopeless emotions and the numbness that fiat greed brings.

Lipton, a transparent faker, fawns and skims through the invitees contrived careers. The innocent audience get the occasional anecdote or blunt opinion about intimacies or behind the scenes events and we are encouraged to value this cunning industry's product and wow at its cleverness.

The trickery of lighting, camera angles, hair stylists and disguising body shape attire to beautify the very ugly or ordinary club members, camoflages the insidious upside down message that we absorb while staring at the smoke and mirrors.

Fairy tales and myths that were passed down and written as a warning to children and encouragement to the spiritually faithful are now filmed as an assault on the senses in cinemas with volcanic sound and CGI faces and shapes.

Lipton's passing is timely indeed when deep fakes are taking over and no one needs to hear sentences about the craft. Clichées and clickbait mantras are spoonfed to the tiktok minimum wage commuters. Dreams are not needed when you have multi racial AI pixar characters cohabitating in apocalytic settings and brightly coloured princess magic for homeless little girls to know they will never,ever create.

Alway's Interesting, Sometimes Inspired.

[ArronClohessy · 30 May 2005]

Inside The Actors Studio took me by surprise, I was expecting the host James Lipton to brown-nose celebrity's as per the Will Ferrell sketch. Instead the host gives an insightful and intelligent interview with various members of the Acting & Film Making community.

You've probably seen the list of guests, made up of some of the most famous but more importantly talented actor's and directors. Very infrequently the guests I suspect were chosen because of their personal interest to Mr Lipton.

His interview technique is amazing, he's probably the first interviewer I've seen with perfect timing. He tends to probe his guests to offer up a side of themselves or an experience that other people or they themselves may not even be aware of or want to admit to. Unlike many interviewers he does not back off when he hit's a nerve, instead he cajoles the guest to open up. He generously offers the guests an opportunity to make interesting comments or jokes, sometimes at his own expense.

Every episode is interesting even when it features an artist who you may not find interesting. I hope you'll be surprised by this show too.

The format and honesty of the actors and penetrating questions of James Lipton make for the success of this show.

[Dave-304 · 14 July 1999]

Mr. James Lipton, an accomplished/actor producer himself, brings out the talent and communicative ability of these actors/artists. It is a pleasure to watch Mr. Lipton ask questions, review accomplishments, and show films clips of the actors, that are gracious enough to share their talents and experiences to future actors, directors and TV viewers. I am overwhelmed by the total honesty of these marvelous artists. They don't come forth with any ego, condescending attitude, but a willingness to share their experiences and faults to further advance the theater and film making.

Please continue the good work,

Save Your Money On Acting Seminars & Watch This.

[lovejam · 6 April 2004]

I can sit in my living room yet feel like an audience member learning from this show. Here, the interviewed actor/director/writer feels liberated enough to reveal a relaxed side of themselves: There's always a golden nugget of info the actor shares with us. Actors should watch this with a pad and pen ready for note-taking. I don't know about the general public, but most aspiring/struggling/starving/working/professional actors who watch this show will toss away the idea of attending seminars to absorb the info being spilled here. Why read a book on acting when you can hear Julianne Moore talk about how she approaches a roll? Most viewers have their favorite interview: The best actors are the most educational ones while the rest are entertaining. I like James Lipton's approach to the actors. How else can he get the actors to relax and spill their guts? If I want hard-hitting journalism, I'll watch 20/20 for that. All I want is more info on what could make me a stronger performer, not this person's sexual preference or how many times they've checked into rehab: I'm not interested in the gossip and I'm thankful this show isn't about that.

Oh, God, Lipton is *such* a suck-up!

[Clive-Silas · 22 April 2003]

I haven't seen an enormous number of these shows, and I think the first few I saw were of genuine acting giants such as De Niro and Streep. Lipton's awed reverence seems a tad over-done but not inappropriate. But as time goes on and one sees a few people more known for being movie stars rather than notably talented actors, one can't help but notice that Lipton's attitude towards his interviewees doesn't change one iota. They all get the same, "Another of my favourite films is..." treatment.

Last week I saw the Simpsons interview (which included a clip from The Simpsons satirising Lipton's sycophancy), and I have to say it left a bad taste in the mouth. Of course, his oleaginous manner didn't change in the slightest, but at least most interviewees are given the respect of talking about their work as *actors*, whereas the poor old Simpsons cast (Dan Castellaneta, Nancy Cartwright, Julie Kavner, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria and Harry Shearer) had to jump through their vocal hoops like so many performing monkeys, answering questions as their characters and the like. No wonder Julie Kavner left early!

Fascinating but Irritating

[Stamp-3 · 21 December 2001]

I do like this show very much and I look forward to each new one. I agree with all the comments; to get good actors talking about their craft makes for excellent and interesting TV. But......! Does Mr Lipton have to be quite so sycophantic (perhaps he does otherwise the guests won't appear), and the incredible build up he gives to individual movies..... well, a tad overdone. And the questionnaire!! why does he invest these rather banal questions with such cosmic significance? In truth it is much like the sort of questions fan mags used to ask David Cassidy or Donny Osmond.

Gosh! I am sounding grumpy! And I do really like the show. Perhaps what I am criticizing is all part of its quirky charm.

James Lipton, without a doubt, is the most shameless azz-kisser in the history of television

[El Guapo-2 · 29 September 2003]

Every once in a while, they get a true giant of cinema, television or the stage to come on the show and talk about their craft, and their lifetime of making films or shows. I am looking forward to the Clint Eastwood one, I liked the DeNiro one, Mike Nichols.

Then you get Julia Roberts, Sharon Stone, Mike Myers for the love of peter. The "giants" of the entertainment industry. I mean, Sharon Stone? Her only claim to fame is flashing us her beaver in "Basic Instinct" and she is up there lying between her teeth about whose fault it is that she flashed her beaver (for the record, she is saying that she had no idea Verhoeven was filming her flashing her beaver!).

Lipton is at his best when he interviews the true legends, and at his shameless worst when he interviews the fluffers, especially making them jump through hoops by saying famous lines, or asking them to dance. I think his very best show was the one with Billy Joel, go figure.