Ep 11. Jennifer Jason Leigh

Jennifer Jason Leigh, one of the most versatile and enigmatic actresses of her generation, takes center stage on the iconic show Inside the Actors Studio for an illuminating conversation with James Lipton. With a career spanning over three decades and more than 90 film and television appearances, Leigh has made her mark playing a stunning range of complex and multifaceted characters, from the heartbreaking, drug-addled Stacy Hamilton in Fast Times at Ridgemont High to the emotionally damaged, fiercely independent Tralala in Last Exit to Brooklyn.

Throughout the episode, Leigh reflects on her craft with a rare mix of candor, humor, and intensity. She recalls her earliest days as an actress, when she first felt the pull of the art form and knew that it was the only thing she wanted to do with her life. She speaks openly about the challenges and rewards of working in such disparate genres as indie films, Hollywood blockbusters, and avant-garde theater. And she shares insights into the creative process behind some of her most celebrated performances, including her Oscar-nominated turn as the doomed singer Dorothy Parker in Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle.

In this deeply personal interview, Leigh also discusses her collaborations with some of the most acclaimed directors and actors of our time. She talks about her work with Robert Altman, the maverick filmmaker who gave her a break in the business and pushed her to new heights of artistry in films like Short Cuts and Kansas City. She shares stories of working with the Coen brothers on their cult classic The Hudsucker Proxy and with David Cronenberg on the genre-defying masterpiece eXistenZ. And she reflects on her co-stars, from the legendary Robert De Niro to the up-and-coming Christian Bale, all of whom have left an indelible mark on her career.

Yet perhaps the most revealing moments of the episode come when Leigh turns her gaze inward, exploring the inner workings of her own mind and heart. She speaks openly about her struggles with anxiety and depression, and how her art has helped her navigate the ups and downs of life. She shares personal anecdotes about her family, including her mother, the celebrated screenwriter Barbara Turner, who passed away in 2016. And she reflects on the meaning of success, both in her own life and in the wider world of Hollywood.

Throughout this fascinating episode of Inside the Actors Studio, viewers will be treated to a rare glimpse into the mind and heart of one of the most gifted and intriguing actresses of our time. With her intelligence, humor, and razor-sharp intuition, Jennifer Jason Leigh proves herself to be not only a consummate artist, but also a deeply thoughtful and compassionate human being. Whether you're a fan of her work or simply curious about the art of acting, this episode is sure to delight, inspire, and provoke.