Image Credit: Barbara Nitke/BravoThe dream James Lipton has pursued for 17 years has finally come true. That’s right, Jim Carrey at last accepted his long-standing invitation to appear on Inside the Actors Studio. When Lipton started his landmark interview series on Bravo in 1994, he had become enamored of Carrey’s work on Fox’s sketch comedy show In Living Color. “His was one of the first invitations I ever sent out,” Lipton says. Initial guests included Paul Newman, Dennis Hopper, and Sally Field. “But Jim’s extremely shy. It was a marathon getting him on. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to do it — he just didn’t have the courage.”
It was only recently, in November, when Lipton was walking to his doctor’s office in Manhattan for his annual physical that he noticed a movie crew prepping to film nearby. Turns out, it was the shoot for Mr. Popper’s Penguins, starring… Jim Carrey! Lipton stepped on set to say hi, and Carrey told him that Bradley Cooper, an Actors Studio graduate himself who had just taped his appearance on the show, had emailed him, urging him to finally accept his invite. When Carrey said he felt shy just being himself in an interview setting, Lipton replied, “But I specialize in shy!” (Although Lipton also admits he has “a reputation that has exceeded Barbara Walters’ for making people cry.”) Needless to say, Carrey finally accepted. Here’s an exclusive preview of the show 17 years in the making, airing Monday night at 8:00 p.m. ET on Bravo, in which Carrey talks about his most valuable, and pliable, instrument: His face.
Jim Carrey as Mr Popper? Worst choice ever for one of the all time classic children’s stories…
And I’m surprised that you know how to type or did mommy type it for you?
Yeah I think that’s a mistake. But you’re missing the big question:
WHO WILL HAVE THE WORST HAIR DYE JOB???
Jim Carrey or James Lipton?
Finally! Carrey’s a splendid actor (at times) and I’ve been waiting to see him on the show. Can’t wait.
He has a tendency to go a little *too* crazy (think Robin Williams on talk shows, oy) so I’ll look forward to seeing him open up and be more candid.
In a slightly unrelated note, why is there always ONE random lady with an ugly laugh who laughs the loudest and laughs at EVERYTHING. Does she just show up for every talk show and television taping? You can hear her when Jim starts playing his leg as if it were a guitar.
Hilarious – I was thinking the same thing about the lady with the extra loud laugh. I hope she doesn’t stand out like that throughout the entire interview – she’s annoying!! (love Jim though)
He hasn’t been as funny since he stopped doing coke.
oh no… i think i might be that lady. (not in this context but perhaps other times)
Madam OR SIR, I am that WOMAN and I HAVE TROUBLE MODULATING the sound of my voice. SHAME on YOU FOR being so INsenSItive. I’m weeping now. WEEPING!
About time Jim was on the show. But I’m wondering why Bradley Cooper? Bradley has done some movies yes, and Alias, but isn’t remotely on par with some of the other stars that have appeared on Inside the Actors Studio.
Bradley Cooper graduated from The Actor’s Studio, so I imagine that had something to do with Mr. Lipton’s decision to invite him.
(Sorry for the typo. When is the webmaster finally going to allow us to edit our comments? C’mon, EW, it’s about time you granted our wish!)
Yeah, but I can’t imagine an hour of Bradley Cooper talking about the methodology and technique he used to play the really-attractive-but-kind-of-an-a**hole-guy in “The Hangover.”
Or the really-attractive-but-kind-of-an-a**hole-guy in “He’s Just Not That into You.”
Or the really-attractive-but-kind-of-an-a**hole-guy in “Wedding Crashers.”
Or…
Very funny and very true! :O)
wait…there is a show on Bravo that does not have Kathy Griffin on it?
This number htunas me, it’s scary! A couple of exmaples..Me and my ex boyfriend starting dating on the 27th, and broke up on the 27th, my current boyfriends birthday is on the 27th, I had a bad car accident on the 27th, the interview for the job I nailed, was on the 27th, the day I got my beloved pet boa, was on the 27th. And those are just the main things. It shows up everyday in at least a small way.Another interesting fact, 3 is the prime factor of 27. My birthday is March 3.
I’m sorry Will Ferrel plays a better James Lipton than James Lipton plays.
Wow,jim carrey is my favourite actor, I will be turned in on momday to hear him talk abt his face.
I hope he does that thing where he talks out of his butt.
Mine too. I think he is one of the most gifted talents EVAH! Of contemporary actors, Jim is my favorite, then Kevin Spacey. They’re both awesome!
Loved In Living Color with Jim on it, what a great show. Can’t wait to see him on here, should be a blast.
Jim Carrey’s “extremely shy”?
LOVE LOVE LOVE Jim Carrey! Did I say LOVE? LOVE him!
He is The Man, for sure.
Does anyone who saw the show remember the name of the book Jim said he read. Was it Anagrams, who is the author ?
I, too, thought Jim Carrey said he read a book called Anagrams. But now I think he might have been referring to the Enneagram which is a model of human personality types. There are many books and websites on it so if this is indeed what he was referring to I’m not sure which of those books it might have been.
Spiritual dimension of the enneagram: nine faces of the soul
Yes, I was wondering the same thing. Thank you.
Watchin a rerun today. Dude…”She’s not coming”? WTF that means?
i believe he was referring to a woman who perhaps broke his heart
What would we do devoid of the marvellous concepts you talk about on this site? Who has the patience to deal with crucial topics for the sake of common visitors like me? I and my friends are very lucky to have your site among the ones we frequently visit. It is hoped you know how a great deal we value your efforts! Best wishes through us all.