Ep 3. Eli Wallach

Eli Wallach is the featured guest in season 4 episode 3 of Inside the Actors Studio. Wallach, one of the great character actors of the 20th century, discusses his long career in film, television, and theater with host James Lipton.

The episode is structured around Lipton's trademark question-and-answer format, with Wallach sharing memorable anecdotes from his life and career interspersed with clips from his various performances. Wallach discusses his early years as a struggling actor in New York City, where he studied under legendary theater director Sanford Meisner at the Neighborhood Playhouse. He also speaks about his experiences studying with acting guru Method Acting guru Lee Strasberg and working alongside fellow actors like Marlon Brando and Clark Gable.

Throughout the episode, Wallach offers insight into his approach to acting, emphasizing the importance of preparation and the need to be fully present in each moment on stage or in front of the camera. He describes the challenges of being a character actor, and the importance of finding humanity and complexity in even the most minor roles.

In addition to discussing his famous performances in movies like The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and The Magnificent Seven, Wallach also shares stories from his work on stage, including his performance in the original Broadway production of Tennessee Williams' The Rose Tattoo. He speaks about his collaborations with playwright David Rabe, who wrote several plays specifically for Wallach, and about his work with the Ensemble Studio Theatre, a pioneering Off-Broadway theater company he co-founded in the 1960s.

Throughout the episode, Wallach comes across as a humble, thoughtful, and engaging storyteller, offering viewers a unique look at the life and work of one of the great actors of his generation. Whether discussing his early years as a struggling performer, his experiences working with the greats of the Hollywood and Broadway worlds, or the challenges and rewards of a life in the arts, Wallach's insights are sure to captivate fans of both classic cinema and contemporary theater alike.

Overall, Inside the Actors Studio season 4 episode 3 offers a fascinating and candid look at the life and career of Eli Wallach, a beloved actor who left an indelible mark on the world of film and theater. From his early days as an aspiring actor in New York City to his iconic roles on stage and screen, Wallach's stories and insights are sure to inspire and entertain viewers of all ages and backgrounds.