Inside Out

James Lipton has died.  He led a long and lively life, but is best known for hosting Inside The Actors Studio.

He was raised in Detroit and worked for years as an actor, on TV and on Broadway.  He also had great success as a soap opera writer, and wrote the book and lyrics to the unsuccessful Broadway musical Sherry!

It wasn't until he was well into his 60s that he began to work with the famed Actors Studio and created the show/class Inside The Actors Studio, where he would tape an in-depth interview, in front of an audience, with an important actor, director or writer.

Lipton hosted hundreds of episodes with numerous big names.  His interviews were noted for their deep research (with numerous notecards by his side), taking his subjects through their entire career.  He always ended with the questionnaire created by French journalist Bernard Pivot:

1.  What is your favorite word?
2.  What is your least favorite word?
3.  What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
4.  What turns you off?
5.  What is your favorite curse word?
6.  What sound or noise do you love?
7.  What sound or noise do you hate?
8.  What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
9.  What profession would you not like to do?
10.  If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear when you enter the Pearly Gates?

His guests knew what they were in for, so I suspect they prepared answers.

Lipton was also known for his style, which some thought overdone.  Maybe a bit too unctuous, or obsequious.  He was famously parodied by Will Ferrell on SNL (and less famously parodied by David Cross on Mr. Show).  I admit I used to make fun of him, but then, when he was being mocked, he laughed along with everyone else.  It made you realize the guy got the gag, and had a good sense of humor.

He left the show a couple years ago.  I guess when you start something in your 60s, it makes sense to retire in your 90s.  Anyway, he will be missed.  Many interviewers are interchangeable, but he carved out his own space.