Ep 6. Geena Davis

Geena Davis, the Academy Award-winning actress known for her iconic roles in "Thelma & Louise," "A League of Their Own," and "Beetlejuice," takes the hot seat in this episode of "Inside the Actors Studio." With her natural talent and unforgettable on-screen charisma, Davis's career has spanned over four decades, and in this interview, she opens up about her life and her craft in a candid and revealing discussion.

Host James Lipton begins by delving into Davis's early years, discussing her upbringing in Massachusetts and her early interest in theater. Davis talks about her experience studying drama at Boston University, where she focused on plays by Samuel Beckett and other contemporary writers. She also talks about her move to New York City, where she landed her first roles in Off-Broadway productions and commercials.

As Davis's career began to take off, she landed small roles in films and television shows, including a part in the iconic movie "Tootsie" opposite Dustin Hoffman. Lipton asks Davis about her experience working on the film, and she talks about the challenges of playing a small role in a movie that was so big and so beloved. She also describes her experience working with Hoffman, who she says was a mentor to her early in her career.

From there, Lipton and Davis move on to her breakout role in "The Fly," a horror movie directed by David Cronenberg. Davis talks about the unique challenges of working on a horror film, including the technical difficulties of acting opposite special effects. She also discusses her collaboration with Cronenberg, who she says pushed her as an actor and helped her to understand the nuances of the script.

The conversation then turns to "Beetlejuice," the classic Tim Burton film in which Davis starred opposite Michael Keaton. Davis talks about the offbeat tone of the movie and the challenges of working with Burton, who she says had a very specific vision for the film. She also touches on the chemistry between her and Keaton, describing their process of improvisation during filming.

As the interview progresses, Davis talks about some of her most iconic roles, including her turn as a savvy baseball player in "A League of Their Own" and her portrayal of a sharpshooting assassin in "The Long Kiss Goodnight." Lipton asks Davis about the preparation that went into those roles, and she reveals the extensive research and training that she underwent in order to fully embody the characters.

Davis also discusses her work as an advocate for women in film, including the launch of her Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, which works to promote gender equality and diversity in the industry. She talks about the challenges of pushing for change in an industry that has historically been dominated by men, and shares her vision for a more inclusive and representative Hollywood.

Finally, Lipton and Davis engage in the show's signature "pivot" round, in which Lipton fires off a series of rapid-fire questions that reveal more about Davis's personality and preferences. Davis reveals her favorite curse word, her most treasured possession, and the advice she would give to a younger version of herself.

Throughout the interview, Davis is candid, thoughtful, and engaging, opening up about both the highs and lows of her career and the lessons she has learned along the way. For fans of this legendary actress and anyone who loves movies, this episode of "Inside the Actors Studio" is a must-watch.