Dr. James Lipton

Dr. James Lipton, the host and creator of the show Inside the Actors Studio, passed away earlier. So bummed to hear this, man. Inside the Actors Studio on BRAVO was honestly my first “acting class.” James Lipton brought so much education and insight into countless living rooms for decades. Always genuine, always honest and always passionate about the art, the craft and the individual on his stage, James Lipton changed my life and helped put a fire in my belly about pursuing a life as an actor. The world was better with him in it, and it’ll be a little less interesting without him. Thank you for all you did, sir. I hope you get a chance to hear God’s welcome.

I always dreamed of accomplishing enough in my craft that I would someday be interviewed by the man himself. In doing so, I often considered how I would answer his famous list of questions he would ask all of his guests at the end of their interview. In honor of Dr. Lipton, and to put my dream of sharing an interview with him to rest, please allow me to share my answers, as they stand today, with you.

Q: What is your favorite word?
A: Precision.
Q: What is your least favorite word?
A: Moist.
Q: What turns you on?
A: Genuine passion.
Q: What turns you off?
A: Pretentiousness.
Q: What sound or noise do you love?
A: The perfect throttle purr of a Ferrari.
Q: What sound or noise do you hate?
A: Ringing in my ears after a loud concert.
Q: What is your favorite curse word?
A: I’m gonna go with the most versatile word in the English language and say, “fuck.”
Q: What profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt?
A: I always thought I’d probably love to teach high school English.
Q: What profession would you not like to do?
A: Anything where I’d have to exchange my spirit for survival.
Q: If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

A: “I’m so proud of you, bud.”