Ep 8. Danny Glover

Inside the Actors Studio season 4 episode 8 features renowned American actor and filmmaker Danny Glover. The episode kicks off with host James Lipton introducing Glover and delving into his extensive career in film and television, dating back to the late 1970s. Lipton notes Glover's impressive body of work, including his role in the blockbuster "Lethal Weapon" franchise, and his activism and philanthropy.

Glover opens up about his childhood, growing up in San Francisco during the Civil Rights era, and how he became interested in acting. He talks about his early years in college and his decision to leave school and pursue a career in theater in New York City.

The conversation then turns to Glover's breakthrough role in "The Color Purple" and his subsequent work in the 1980s and 1990s, including "Lethal Weapon," "Witness," and "Predator 2." Glover shares anecdotes from his time on these sets and discusses the challenges and rewards of working in action movies.

Lipton digs deeper into Glover's personal life and his commitment to social justice and activism. Glover discusses his involvement in various causes, including the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa and the struggle for workers' rights in the United States. He talks about the importance of using his platform as an actor to raise awareness and effect change.

The conversation then turns to Glover's more recent work in film and television, including his role in the critically acclaimed film "The Royal Tenenbaums" and his guest spots on popular TV shows like "ER" and "Brooklyn Nine-Nine." Glover discusses how his approach to acting has evolved over the years and how he continues to challenge himself and take on new roles.

Throughout the episode, Lipton peppers the conversation with clips from Glover's films and TV shows, adding context and insight into his career. He also asks Glover to participate in his signature "Proust questionnaire," in which he poses a series of rapid-fire questions designed to reveal the subject's personality and preferences.

The episode concludes with Lipton thanking Glover for his time and contributions to the craft of acting, and presenting him with a copy of Bernard Pivot's "Bouillon de Culture," the book that inspired "Inside the Actors Studio."

Overall, this episode of Inside the Actors Studio offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and career of Danny Glover, one of Hollywood's most esteemed actors and activists. Through intimate conversations and revealing clips, Glover and Lipton explore the highs and lows of his career, his personal beliefs and passions, and his evolution as an artist.