091 Studio Insider (James Lipton)

See the transcript of this episode at this link.

Who was James Lipton?

James Lipton, born on September 19, 1926, in Detroit, Michigan, was a renowned actor, writer, producer, and academic best known as the creator and host of the acclaimed television series Inside the Actors Studio. Lipton’s career spanned decades, during which he became a respected figure in the entertainment industry and an influential mentor to aspiring actors.

Lipton began his career in the 1940s as a radio actor before transitioning to television and Broadway. He worked as a writer for soap operas like Another World and The Edge of Night. However, his true legacy was established in 1994 when he created Inside the Actors Studio. The show, which aired on Bravo, became a platform for in-depth interviews with some of the greatest actors, directors, and writers of all time. Lipton’s thoughtful and meticulous questioning style earned the show 20 Primetime Emmy nominations, cementing its place as a masterclass in the art of acting.

In addition to his hosting role, Lipton was a dedicated educator. He served as the Dean of the Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University, helping train a generation of actors. He also authored several books, including his autobiography Inside Inside.

James Lipton passed away on March 2, 2020, at the age of 93, from bladder cancer. He left behind a legacy of intellectual curiosity and a profound impact on the craft of acting, remembered as a passionate advocate for the performing arts and a true icon of the entertainment world.