Inside Inside

by James Lipton

“An unqualified hit” (Library Journal) that offers behind-the-scenes close-ups of hundreds of celebrated artists— from the founder and host of Inside the Actors Studio.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Biography Memoir, Autobiography, Theatre, Media Tie In

512 pages, Paperback

First published October 18, 2007

About the author

James Lipton was an American writer, poet, and dean emeritus of the Actors Studio Drama School in New York City. He was the executive producer, writer and host of the Bravo cable television series, Inside the Actors Studio, which debuted in 1994. He was also a pilot and a member of AOPA.

Reviews

[Pat · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a struggle of a read. As a fan of the tv show Inside the Actor's Studio; I was excited to read this. However, Lipton's pedantic approach to over-telling a point has been a hurdle. Given that, the story of the origins of the Studio; as well as his personal history has been enlightening and his revealing stories of a wealth of actors, writers and directors is worth the sometimes convoluted trip.

As I continue, my previous feelings haven't changed. I find it ironic that he states early on in the narrative that he doesn't want to overuse the "I" word; but this is definitely HIS autobiography as much as it is of the Studio and the legions of people associated with it. Likely just a case of too specific expectations going into it, on my part.

Have finally found what I bought the book for in the first place; that being background stories about the myriad guests that have shared the stage with Lipton. And that given, I would recommend this tome to those who enjoy the process by which the art of film-making and theater come to fruition.

Also found the coda of upheaveal (one might say betrayal) that almost doomed the Actor's Studio Drama School from existence to be quite interesting.

[Terry Cornell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I discovered Bravo Network's show 'Inside the Actor's Studio' several years ago while channel surfing. I don't know who the guest was on that first show, but my wife and I would record episodes depending on the guest. These interviews by James Lipton seemed to be more revealing than others since the studio audience consisted of 'Actor's Studio' students.

Similar to my earlier reading selections this year on Alfred Hitchcock, and Robert Ripley I became curious about James Lipton and what his background was to land this seemingly odd man in such a prestigious role. On some episodes there would be allusions to his past, but the focus was always on the guest.

Lipton starts off 'Inside Inside' rambling a bit, and explains this is not a biography but the story of the Actor's Studio. As the reader soon learns though, the two stories are really inseparable. I'll try not to re-hash Lipton's entire remarkable life--after all you can read the book, or an abbreviated version on Wikipedia. His first 'acting' role was the voice of the Lone Ranger's nephew on radio while still a teenager, and worked as a copy boy for the 'Detroit Times'. He decided to go to law school, and wrote for several soap operas to finance school. He also ended up acting on 'The Guiding Light' for ten years. Writing and acting were too lucrative, so he dropped out of law school.

For a brief time Lipton was in the USAF, and wanted to be trained as a pilot. Due to a surplus of pilots this didn't work out. On an extended visit to France Lipton ended up becoming a pimp--which sounds uglier than the actual circumstances. Coming back to the US, Lipton studied voice, modern dance, classical ballet and became a choreographer. He appeared in a Broadway play, wrote the music and words for another Broadway play, and wrote two books. He went on to produce two dozen television specials including Bob Hope's Birthday specials, and Jimmy Carter's Presidential Inaugural gala. Finally the reader gets to the Actor's Studio part.

Parts regarding the Actor's Studio can seem a little dry in comparison! The Actor's Studio existed before Lipton's involvement, but was losing it's location. Lipton and others worked to incorporate it in to a three year program involved with New School University. This was also the start of the 'Inside the Actor's Studio' show, which was inspired by a French television program hosted by Bernard Pivot--that Lipton inadvertently discovered while channel surfing. Lipton retired as dean of the program at the New School, and such drastic negative changes were being made that Pace University picked up the program in 2008. In addition to Lipton's achievements previously mentioned, he became a certified single engine pilot. He also was a top equestrian show jumper, until retiring from the sport after several injuries.

About the last third of the book are anecdotes from Lipton's favorite and memorable shows and guests. Some of these I remember watching, others I neglected because I wasn't familiar with the guest. Lipton's last show was with Ted Danson in 2018 after twenty-four years of hosting the program. Sadly Lipton passed away in 2020 of bladder cancer at the age of 93. Truly a unique man.

[Lorie Singer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A surprising and enjoyable book about a man you may think you know something about. James Lipton approached his autobiography with the same attention to detail that he uses when approaching an interview on Inside The Actor's Studio. Readers may know about his love of dance and flying, but they probably don't know about his difficult childhood, his time as a pimp or his many television producing firsts. This is a great read for people who enjoy the history of television production, the mechanics of acting and knowing when to walk away from a situation out of your control. It's a little difficult to get through at times, Mr. Lipton's love of word and alteration can get a bit overwhelming, but it's an interesting read.

People looking for a light read and/or gossip about some of the greatest actors alive, this isn't the book for you. Inside Inside focuses more on the road traveled by the author, friends, and the guests on his show than egos or star power.

[Deborah Edwards · Rating 2 out of 5]

Those familiar with the show "Inside the Actor's Studio" will know the author of this book as the host of that show. The book's title suggests that we will encounter a book filled with the details of Lipton's discussions with the actors/directors/musicians he has interviewed over the years, and perhaps new details of their approach to craft. Several chapters do indeed deal with this subject matter and often the material offers rare insights that can be translated to any creative pursuit. As a poet, I often see parallels in the actor's craft pertaining to creating a backstory for a character. The pursuit is meant to lend specificity to the character, hopefully translating to a greater universality in the way an audience relates to the character. When Lipton sticks to the words of the actors as they discuss the way they craft a role, this book is bright and engaging and can even spark a greater understanding of interpersonal relationships on a larger scale.
Sadly, though, much of the book has nothing to do with "Inside the Actor's Studio" and more to do with "Inside the Ego of James Lipton" and that is a massive place populated with every famous brush with greatness he has ever had, every celebrity he has ever shared a room with and every accomplishment worthy of his own self-congratulatory pat on the back. Yes, Mr. Lipton has had a very interesting life and met some very famous people, and all of that could have been truly fascinating had it been an exercise in letting us have an insight into their lives rather than a vanity piece dedicated to each time Lipton was mentioned in a conversation or every clever thing HE ever said to THEM. The need for approval was so desperate at times it became embarrassing.
Some autobiographies transcend the details and become about something more, something with which the reader can identify, a story the reader begins to share on a more meaningful level. For all his immersion in the world of people who create connections and tell greater truths for a living, Lipton himself seems to have no understanding of that human element in his own writing. Lipton's life and background contain fascinating characters and some really interesting occurrences. They could have made for a powerful accompaniment to the details of the show and the talk of craft. Instead they became an unwelcome source of tedium as I skimmed in search of the next excerpt relating to craft and creation. Five good chapters in a book containing far more chapters than five. Maybe Lipton should have put the details of his life into the hands of a writer trained under his tutelage.

[Kellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I purchased this book several years ago because I used to watch”Inside the Actors Studio” and thought it would be interesting to revisit the episodes by reading the book.
Well….the book is a self serving, pat on the back type of autobiographical depiction of the person who invented and guided the program to a nominal amount of success.
I was turned off at first, but the life of James Lipton is actually pretty interesting.
He was actually a Pimp in Paris. He is a pilot and equestrian. He produced all of the Bob Hope specials and of course he was the host to the infamous “Inside the Actors Studio” where he questioned and prodded actors until they revealed their most inter most thoughts and feelings about themselves and their craft.
James Lipton is an incredible writer. I do not have the patience to go back and reread some of the subtle humor he dropped in amongst his elaborate vocabulary
He is a bit arrogant and egotistical. I probably would have given a rating of 4 if some of the autobiographical dribble was cut.
The best part of this book is the Inside the Actors studio recap. You really get to know some of the actors by what was said on this show. The book gives you a little more since some of the actors stayed for hours. Not at all captured in the recordings of the program.
The ending of the book was also pretty interesting. Lipton gives the reader a blow by blow of how the school’s demise was driven by a new leader, Bob Kerry, a Democrat politician. You can tell by the tone, Lipton is pissed. It’s amazing he used the last chapter to let loose on the details behind the demise of the school. A rescue by Pace University doesn’t really do it justice. I don’t think it will ever be the same. And now especially since this author has passed.
I am glad I read the book. It definitely took a while and it wasn’t always enjoyable, but I do appreciate the author and his accomplishments.

[Barry Hammond · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a surprisingly interesting read. Those who know James Lipton only as the somewhat staid and slightly fussy interviewer on "Inside The Actor's Studio," famously parodied by Will Farrell on Saturday Night Live, will be surprised at the breadth of his life accomplishments. A career student of acting and several other disciplines (including dance), he was also an actor in film, had a career on both sides of the camera in soap operas, a writer of Broadway musicals, an author of books (including the literary perennial "An Exaltation Of Larks") as well as a television producer of White House galas, and Bob Hope's birthday specials. As a young man, he was (for a time) a procurer of sexual adventures for American tourists in Paris. He was also a competitive equestrian for some 35 years. All of this fascinating detail and more is compiled in his memoir, as well as his history with The Actor's Studio and the school bearing its name, of which he was Dean. A fascinating life. - BH.

[Lena · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Lipton is the host of the Bravo network's Inside the Actor's Studio, a show in which performers and directors discuss their lives and craft. Inside Inside is Lipton's account of the events in his life that lead him to found the show and a reflection on some of the program's most memorable moments.

The subject matter of the book covers three primary sections. In the beginning, he discusses his relationship with the Actor's Studio and the founding of its Drama School, of which the show is a part. He includes here some historical information on acting and explains why the Stanislavski method in which the school is based was so revolutionary. These discussions were particularly interesting to me as they made sections of the show in which actors discuss these subjects more accessible.

From there, Lipton moves back in time to trace the events in his own life that led him to the position of founding the Actor's Studio Drama School. Lipton has led a remarkably charmed life, and the stories he tells include entertaining musings on the soap operas that supported him and many other Broadway actors, the odd series of events that led up to his writing of the best-selling An Exaltation of Larks, fascinating glimpses of careful cultural negotiations during his production of Bob Hope's Road to China special in the early days after Nixon's visit, and how he came to be married to Miss Scarlet from the Clue board game.

In the final section, Lipton revisits some of the 200 guests who have been interviewed on the show, telling behind-the-scenes stories of their visits and recapping some of the highlights. As an avid watcher of the show, some of these snippets were already familiar to me, but others came from segments of the four-to-six hour interviews that didn't make it into the 45-minute television program. This section also includes a particularly fascinating gender analysis of the answers to the Pivot question "What is your favorite curse word?"

Whether or not one will enjoy reading this book will depend on two things: their level of interest in the performing arts, and their tolerance for Lipton's particular quirks of self-expression. There is no question that the man has a lot of interesting stories to tell, but his writing can mirror the overwrought, fawning tendencies for which Will Ferrell has so infamously pilloried him on SNL. Lipton has learned, however, to turn these potential weaknesses into strengths; the sections in which he recounts his own interview by Ferrell-as-Lipton and explains the series of events that led up to him dancing with the Horny Manatee on Conan O'Brien are particularly entertaining. Whatever else one might say about James Lipton, it's clear he has a sense of humor about himself.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m slightly surprised to be giving this book four stars, but then, it was a slightly surprising read. Somehow it hadn’t occurred to me that the James Lipton I know as the host of Inside the Actors’ Studio - pedantic, ponderous, sycophantic, unctuous – might be in fact a highly developed and detailed character performance, carefully designed to get the optimum result from his guests. As it turns out, behind that persona there is (a) an extremely good sport (pace Will Ferrell) and (b) a brilliant, multidisciplinary intellect driven by a passion for culture as a whole and theatre in particular, who has played almost every role you can think of in the creative process of performance. (You will not BELIEVE the photos of him as a young leading man starting out in New York…)
Lipton’s life beyond the Actors’ Studio has been a rich and in some ways astonishing one, both in experience and accomplishment, of which I’ll just say that equestrian show-jumping is NOT the most unexpected! Because the book is structured around the people and experiences he feels have most influenced him, it has a pleasantly rambling, picaresque quality, flashing back and forth between different periods of his life, but anchored by regular returns to the stage of the New School and his personal most memorable moments from his interviewing years; there’s plenty of wisdom on offer (his own and many others') about culture, art, and what he firmly and unabashedly refers to as the “craft” of acting. As one might expect, his writing style can be a bit formal and 19th century – with appealing self-awareness, he starts right off with a reference to David Copperfield - but it’s always eminently readable and often very funny. Like all memoirists, he doesn’t entirely avoid the inevitable trap of “hey, let me tell you something else amazing about me,” but the reality is he has had kind of a fascinating life among notable people, and it’s hard to play that down all the time when it’s just how things are.
And going back to that Interviewer Lipton Character: whether you love or hate his style, for fifteen years he’s elicited some of the most extraordinary and self-revelatory conversations ever with most of the notable creative artists of our time, a remarkable archive for the cultural record (remember that the hour or so that’s broadcast is only about a third of the interview that’s filmed live), so we have to give that performance a pretty good review – he must be doing something right!

[Devlin Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some readers thought this was supposed to be a 'tell all' about the Actors Studio and its guests. They may have been confused by the 'Inside, Inside' title. Anyone who has seen James Lipton's interviews should know that he isn't a gossip monger but, is actually in search of the creative process and how it is born and develops in his guests and students lives. This book is an excellent 'tell all' about his creative development throughout both his life and the guests and students he's encountered during his own self discovery as an artist.

Now you may need to use a dictionary to define and explain some of his prose while reading...I did. I persevered (it took me about a chapter and a half) and discovered what a brilliant writer he is. It's worth the time and effort.

I can not explain how or even when it happened but, while I was reading through chapters 6, 7, & 8, I decided to become a writer. I realized that what was holding me back from giving it my all was the very thing that defines me as a writer. My greatest weakness needed to be used as my greatest asset; my impatience. I am curious to see what I can learn throughout my own creative journey and I have James Lipton to thank for it.

I wish I understood why...

Devlin

[Sue · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm not sure why I couldn't get into this book, but I had to put it down.

....

OK, I actually do know, and I think that it can be summarized very easily. Who the eff calls their mom "Mother"? I'll tell you who...pretentious, self-important blowhards. I even tried just trolling the chapters for stories from some of his interviews, but even as I was scanning, I saw some of his ridiculous speech and felt dirty.

Terrible, terrible, terrible. DNF

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book would be a welcome rehash of the "Inside the Actor's Studio" show. I watched a few episodes and loved it, some years ago and I studied the Stanislavski method (well, read his three books and sort of tried to apply them to the many plays I was in) as a much younger person. The author, who hosted the show, does eventually talk about some of the highest points and themes of the show, with examples and quotations and insider info, but first one must read about Lipton's life, how he got into theatre and showbiz, and how the Actor's Studio was formed. Lipton is a very accomplished and hard-working man. At first this journey through his life was a was a little frustrating ("let's get to Robin Williams and Meryl Streep and . . . !"), but then I saw that (1) the author is an excellent writer with a gift for words and a sense of humor, and (2) I was learning a lot about the history of theatre, acting, and the New York theatre and TV scene back in the day, which was interesting.

By the time the author starts talking about the episodes of "Inside the Actor's Studio," I was hooked. Lipton gave a context and perspective to the people who were interviewed and the workings of the show (actually a master class for the Studio's students) that went far beyond what a transcript of the show, or even re-viewing each episode, could provide. This is the heart of the book and was hard to put down.

The last part is a long denouement about the destruction of the Actor's Studio at the New School for Social Research and its rebirth in affiliation with Pace University, where it still resides and is pursuing its unique approach to teaching actors, writers, and directors based on the Stanislavski approach. This book succeeded in that it made me want to do the following things (1) meet and befriend James Lipton and his wife, Kedekai; (2) attend the Actors Studio Drama School (probably as a playwright but maybe as an actor--that I'm 66 and can't envision leaving my husband to study in NYC for three years is a problem, and the $45,642 annual tuition is a big problem--I assume that doesn't include living expenses--but I am tempted, anyway); and (3) find and watch all the episodes of "Inside the Actor's Studio." In sum, I loved this book and it awakened the "drama nerd" in me, with a lot of fond memories and some wishing on stars.

[Will Leben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Early in the book we learn, if we already didn’t know, that James Lipton had been an actor, scriptwriter, producer, and lyricist before becoming Dean of the Actors Studio Drama School and host of one of television’s most widely watched, long-lived, and highly regarded series, Inside the Actors Studio. We also find early on that Lipton is an outstanding writer, since he manages to project the same astute, charming, curious, sensitive persona in writing as he did as host of his famous TV show.

The book consists of recollections from some 200 past episodes of Inside the Actors Studio interwoven with anecdotes from his personal life, which was filled with rather bizarre adventures along with encounters with celebrities around the world.

I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that made me feel the author’s presence in the room with me as tangibly as this one did, so natural and honest is Lipton’s writing. The farther I progressed through the 500+ pages, the more I felt myself wishing I would not get to the end. Lipton was a treasure, and the book he left behind perfectly documents a fascinating and successful life.

[Mary Sisney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Lipton’s take on the interviews I had seen and even some of the ones I missed. I might look for the Elton John interview on YouTube. I wasn’t as interested in reading about Lipton’s life before he starred on “Inside the Actor’s Studio,” although I didn’t know he had both starred in and written for soap operas or that he produced the Jimmy Carter Inauguration events. I did know about the pimp situation in France because I remember the Julia Roberts interview. Julia’s response to Lipton’s revelation about his somewhat sordid past was one of the funniest moments on the show, right up there with Robin Williams’ scarf routine.

[A J · Rating 4 out of 5]

After watching Robin Williams on ‘Inside the Artists Studio’ with James Lipton I was curious to read ‘Inside Inside’. I appreciated Jim’s telling the history of The Artists Studio, his involvement of the accreditation, and the television episodes. But I didn’t think he needed to take most of the book to do it. As a member of the ‘audience’ I was most interested in his stories of his guests which began at about page 259 (of 480).

On the positive side, Jim is a good story teller and his interviews of other story tellers was both educational and delightful.

[Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great stories about his time in France as a Mec, "producing shows" -- Setting up his first gala for the NY Performing Arts Library, meeting Bernstein, putting on Carter's Gala. He met Ali who put a poem together for Carter. USO / Hope's 75th Birthday producer.

2nd half includes highlights of guests appearing on Inside the Actor's studio. Great story about meeting Bernard Pivot and an explanation of why the Actor's studio left the New School and joined with Pace University.

[Daniel Vaca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cheat because I only read half of it. But listen, I wasn't about to read 200 pages about James Lipton, at least at this time. I wanted the juicy actor deets, and I got them. I love listening to actors talk about their craft, and people talking about their lives. And there's something special about Harrison Ford staying up three nights straight because he was so nervous about going on the show. Thank you for everything Mr. Lipton.

[A.L. Bellettiere · Rating 1 out of 5]

I applaud those that can enjoy this book, the content and the people that James Lipton talked about. Because I couldn't even get past the first chapter. Verbose is a word that comes to mind but that's an understatement here. I want to be self-depreciating here but that would be about letting this book say anything about me. I actually liked watching Inside The Actors Studio. This one is just not up my alley.

[Kathy B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure I would like this after reading many reviews stating how dry and boring it was. Boring? James Lipton has a marvellous way of writing. He is humorous and gracious. His early years were astounding! I read this book because I was interested in Inside The Actor's Studio, I finished reading it because I became interested in James Lipton! Bravo indeed!

[Christopher Heaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very uneven. Worth reading but could have been better organized. Some sections are highly readable. Other parts are tough slog, particularly the vignettes or when he tries to describe what actors said. When he recounts guests' jokes on IAS, they might have worked verbally, but lose something when written.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fascinating life this man has led. Have never seen the `Inside the Actor's Studio' program although I had heard about it, and reading about was very interesting but was only the last 1/2 or 1/3 of a very interesting book. Very glad I stumbled upon this

[Darla Ebert · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the life of James Lipton is somewhat interesting, I was wishing for more thoughts and impressions from those interviewed. I had wanted the book to be TWO books so I could better enjoy reading the life and experiences of Lipton separate from a book about the ones he interviewed.

[B. L. Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most informative entertaining

I enjoyed Lipton's humor, and his encyclopedic knowledge of the entertainment industry. This book is for anyone who is interested in the performing arts.

I gave it five stars because ten stars was not an option.

[Monty Herr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading this, off and on, for a couple of years. Excellent, excellent.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating man tells of his amazing life, including his creation of Inside the Actor's Studio.

[Adam Gossman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the TV series, loved the book.

[Paul Strain]

A fascinating look into a fascinating life. Recommended.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

never really admired actors but their takes were interesting

[Diane-OP · Rating 4 out of 5]

2019 challenge category: non-fiction

[Lani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite James Lipton facts:
- He's married to Miss Scarlet.
- He was a pimp in France.
- He was a nationally competitive equestrian.

This is a pretty difficult book to review... The first third of the book is largely about Lipton's pre-Bravo career. I suppose if I knew more about earlier eras of film and the entertainment industry this could have been fascinating. But I find Method acting to be irritating - successful or not, its practitioners are always annoying as hell. The occasional snippet from the show would slip in, or an account of time spent with Bob Hope, or some interesting trivia would catch my interest. I was mostly bored.

And then... suddenly the Drama School is created, along with the TV show. The creation of the School and show is actually pretty interesting. What a shockingly unique idea! The rest of the book is largely recounts of various moments from the show. With over 200 episodes, it covers some highlights, many of which weren't aired on TV. Humor, tragedy, and interesting patterns emerge from the talents that appear on stage. I had no idea such a wide array of people had done the show. My one season of viewing (even though I watched a LOT of Bravo that year) barely scratched the surface.

Mostly this book made me want to watch the show. Without cable, one of the few networks I miss is Bravo, and this show is one of the biggest reasons. I spent a large chunk of my last year of college parked in front of the TV crocheting and watching Inside the Actors Studio and 2 episodes of the West Wing every day. Sadly, there aren't seasons of the show out on DVD. It's a shame, this would probably be one of very few shows that I would be willing to invest a couple hundred dollars in.

Until I got to the second half of the book I was pretty bored and annoyed. Lipton is as pompous as he is often portrayed, though by the end of the book I'm more willing to tolerate it. Before I read this I had little understanding of WHY James Lipton could sit on stage and hound these talents. I now have a better sense of who Lipton is, his range of skills, passions, and successes make it a lot more reasonable and his cockiness more well-deserved. By the end, I'm left really liking Lipton, and really missing the show.

Highly recommended to any fan of Inside the Actors Studio, though I'm not sure there's much of a point if you haven't seen the show. The book is a good repository of industry talk (not just gossip), but I suspect most people who are interested in these discussions of craft are probably already fans of the show anyway.