James Lipton, 'Inside the Actors Studio' Host, Dies At 93: Report

NEW YORK, NY — Longtime television host and interviewer James Lipton died in his Manhattan home Monday at the age of 93 following a battle with bladder cancer, according to reports. Lipton's wife Kedakai Mercedes Lipton confirmed the cause and time of death with the New York Times.

Lipton was best known for his longtime role as host of "Inside the Actors Studio," a program where he interviewed A-list actors and filmmakers for 23 seasons. Guests on the show included superstars such as Al Pacino, Dave Chappelle and Sally Field — often at the height of their fame.

The bare-bones interview show was a surprise hit and carried on for two decades after its premier in 1994, the Times reported. Lipton started the interview series to benefit drama students at the New School, but also saw the value in having the talks broadcast on television, according to the report. In 2006, Lipton moved "Inside the Actors Studio" from the New School to Pace University.

Following the success of "Inside the Actors Studio," Lipton made a number of small appearances in programs such as "The Simpsons," "Arrested Development" and "Saturday Night Live" — often times playing himself. During one 2008 episode of "Inside the Actors Studio" roles on the show were reversed when Dave Chappelle returned to interview Lipton about his life.

Lipton ended his run as host of the show following its 2018 season. The most recent season of the show featured a rotating stable of actors assuming the role of host.

Lipton was born in Detroit in 1926. A long career in arts and show business preceded "Inside the Actors Studio." Lipton started out as an actor and eventually moved on to writing and producing events and galas such as Jimmy Carter's 1977 inauguration, the Times reported.