Actor

Alan Alda on his methodology for memorizing lines

Alan Alda on the importance of the relationship between the writers and the actors on M*A*S*H, as facilitated by director Gene Reynolds

Alan Alda on the role of improvisational training in his acting work, specifically work done at Second City

Alan Alda on the uncomfortable things actors must do to accommodate the camera

Alan Alda on working out a scene with Wayne Rogers on M*A*S*H, after shooting for the satisfaction of getting it right

Alan Alda on the M*A*S*H episode "Sometimes You Hear the Bullet"-- its dramatic significance and Alda's critique of a scene in which he cries on camera

Jason Alexander on advice to aspiring actors

John Amos on his favorite thing about acting

John Amos on advice to an aspiring actor

John Aniston on performing on stage versus performing on television

John Aniston on how he found acting roles in his early years, and on the play "Little Mary Sunshine"

John Aniston on the craft of acting

John Aniston on advice to aspiring actors

James Arness on advice to an aspiring actor

Ed Asner on the cancellation of Lou Grant and his stint as President of the Screen Actor's Guild

Ed Asner on his advice to aspiring actors

Ed Asner on actors as citizens

Ed Asner on advice to aspiring actors

John Astin on his method of acting

John Astin on appearing on Night Court and on his philosophy of acting

John Astin on his longevity in the industry

Hank Azaria on advice to an aspiring actor

Ed Begley, Jr. on a performer or actor controlling his image or how he's seen by the public, and on improving as an actor or comedian

Ed Begley, Jr. on advice for aspiring performers

Ken Berry on advice to aspiring actors

Peter Bonerz on learning not to improv dialogue, but to create "business" to add to his performance

Ernest Borgnine on his mother suggesting he be an actor

Ernest Borgnine on how life experiences contribute to being an actor

Ernest Borgnine on preparing for a role

Ernest Borgnine on acting in dramatic and comedic roles

Ernest Borgnine on how he went from a film star to television for McHale's Navy ; some considered it "lowering" himself, he considers it all entertainment

Tom Bosley on his acting process and how he approaches a role

Tom Bosley on advice to aspiring actors

Peter Boyle on advice for aspiring actors

Eric Braeden on how fear can help you as an actor

Eric Braeden on making fantastical characters and storylines seem real on The Young and the Restless; on memorizing lines

Eric Braeden on not feeling satisfied by his work as an actor

Eric Braeden on advice to aspiring actors

LeVar Burton on wanting to be Sidney Poitier when he grew up

David Canary on acting in Western roles

Actor Phil Carey on the challenges facing soap opera actors

Dan Castellaneta on joining Second City, and what he learned as an actor there

Dan Castellaneta on working with the ensemble of The Tracey Ullman Show, including Ullman, Julie Kavner, and Sam McMurray

Dan Castellaneta on advice to an aspiring actor

Dick Cavett on getting the first acting job he ever tried out for

Richard Chamberlain on the craft of acting and his acting rituals

Richard Chamberlain on wanting to be an actor

Michael Chiklis on different schools of acting that he studied

Michael Chiklis on advice to aspiring actors

Robert Clary on what he likes about acting, and on his process for acting

Robert Clary on advice to an aspiring actor

Robert Conrad on his approach to acting and early influences

Robert Conrad on learning to do his own stunts

Robert Conrad on advice to aspiring actors

John Conte on acting on television as opposed to acting on stage

John Conte on advice to aspiring performers

Richard Coogan on the business of acting

Richard Coogan on the process of acting

Richard Coogan on what he learned about acting at The Actors Studio

Richard Crenna on his philosophy of acting

Richard Crenna on advice to aspiring actors

Hume Cronyn on the craft of acting

Hume Cronyn on preparing to act on live television 

Hume Cronyn on what attracts him to a script

Robert Culp on modifying his acting when going from stage to television

Robert Culp on making a living as an actor

Robert Culp on making money as an actor, and on getting work on the stage

Robert Culp on writing a play, and on learning how to prepare material to perform

Robert Culp on his chemistry with Bill Cosby on I Spy, and on acting advice he gave him

Robert Culp on advice to an aspiring actor

Bill Daily on advice to an aspiring actor

William Daniels on what he likes about acting, and on his mentor Howard Lindsay

William Daniels on his distinctive voice

William Daniels on how he approaches a script, and on being president of the Screen Actors Guild

William Daniels on advice to an aspiring actor

Tony Danza on advice to an aspiring actor

Ossie Davis on his advice to aspiring writers and actors

Danny DeVito on advice to actors - "don't be nervous just go in there and knock their socks off"

Danny DeVito on his advice to actors

Hector Elizondo on avoiding being typecast 

Hector Elizondo on what he likes about acting

Hector Elizondo on advice to an aspiring actor

Jamie Farr on advice to aspiring actors

John Forsythe on studying at the Actors Studio

John Forsythe on the difference between acting on filmed or taped television and live television

John Forsythe on advice to aspiring actors

John Forsythe on researching his acting roles and playing in front of a live audience 

Michael J. Fox on acting

Michael J. Fox on struggling to be an actor, how he needed a big break when he got an audition for Family Ties

On his first appearance on television and how he first got cast in a role

Dennis Franz on researching a part and his approach to a new role

Dennis Franz on type-casting

Dennis Franz on choreography and continuity of NYPD Blue and handling challenges of complicated dialogue

Jonathan Frid on advice to an aspiring actor

James Garner on becoming an actor

James Garner on stage acting verses television acting

Anthony Geary on his theatrical training

Anthony Geary on his advice to aspiring actors

Larry Gelbart on the acting skills of Gary Burghoff during the taping of the M*A*S*H episode "Abyssinia, Henry" in which the character "Henry Blake" is killed

Paul Michael Glaser on advice to aspiring actors

Louis Gossett, Jr. on making the transition from stage to television and features

Louis Gossett, Jr. on doing research to play "Fiddler" in Roots, and why the character was a breakthrough for him in terms of his acting process

Louis Gossett, Jr. on overcoming creative differences with other actors and on the importance of doing research on characters

Louis Gossett, Jr. on what he loves about acting

Andy Griffith on getting into performing

Charles Grodin on an important lesson Uta Hagen taught him in acting

Charles Grodin on his philosophy of acting

Charles Grodin on important skills and tools for the actor

Charles Grodin on his base of support when he decided to become an actor

Robert Guillaume on the difference between acting for film or television

Robert Guilluame on the challenge of waiting for the punchline during a tense scene on All in the Family

Robert Guillaume on his pursuit to be funny without being a buffoon or playing a part with "dignity" on Soap

Robert Guillaume on not emphasizing racial issues directly with his character "Benson" on Soap; but finding ways to make a statement

Larry Hagman on negotiating for a raise on I Dream of Jeannie

Jon Hamm on his early days trying to make it as an actor in Los Angeles

Jon Hamm on what he likes about acting - "you get paid to play"

Jon Hamm on what he would want to tell his younger self when starting out in the business

Jonathan Harris on being typecast as eccentrics and villains, and on being a character actor

Jonathan Harris on advice to aspiring actors

Don Hastings on what it was like to act on live television in the '50s

Don Hastings on the process of getting his script and memorizing lines for As the World Turns

Don Hastings on advice to an aspiring actor

Sherman Hemsley on his craft, and what was "rhythmically" different about the characters he played on The Jeffersons and Amen

Buck Henry on knowing he wanted to become an actor, a writer, and a performer.

Hal Holbrook on what he likes about acting

Hal Holbrook on rehearsing

Hal Holbrook on fame and celebrity, and on being part of an acting company

Hal Holbrook on being known as a character actor

Hal Holbrook on advice to an aspiring actor

Ron Howard on the tendency for child actors to "perform" and how his father taught him how to "act"

Felicity Huffman and William H. Macy on Macy studying acting with David Mamet at Goddard College and how that led to Macy teaching acting in New York, where Huffman studied with him

Felicity Huffman and William H. Macy on how they help each other prepare for roles and the challenges of preparation as an actor

Felicity Huffman and William H. Macy on watching each other's work and their own, and how much they prepare for roles

Lamont Johnson on advice to an aspiring actor

Russell Johnson on studying at the Actors Lab

Russell Johnson on the challenges of working in live television

Russell Johnson on advice to aspiring actors

Russell Johnson on his acting style and how he prepares for roles

Jack Klugman on his desire to go to drama school in Pittsburgh and his first acting experiences

Jack Klugman on being scared in front of the camera

Jack Klugman on the craft of acting and on the differences between performing on stage and in front of a camera

Walter Koenig on his advice to a young actor

Bernie Kopell on doing accents, and on using them on My Favorite Martian, The Flying Nun, and The Doris Day Show

Bernie Kopell on his acting process, his preparation for a given role, and on working with Neil Simon

Harvey Korman on wanting to be an actor

Jack Larson on the instant popularity of "Jimmy Olsen" on Adventures of Superman and being typecast as an actor

Jack Larson on his advice to aspiring actors

Piper Laurie on advice about the craft of acting

Jack Lemmon on the challenges of acting on live television 

Jack Lemmon on acting on live television

Jack Lemmon on taking acting lessons 

Al Lewis on meeting John Wayne at the Universal commissary and his views on acting careers

Al Lewis on his acting process and being a professional

Al Lewis on advice to an aspiring actor

Hal Linden on advice to aspiring actors

James Lipton on moving to New York City, and studying acting with Stella Adler at The Actors Studio

Barry Livingston on learning lines when he was a child

Barry Livingston on being a guest actor on an established show

Barry Livingston on advice for aspiring actors

Gavin MacLeod on his early representation as an actor

Gavin MacLeod on playing multiple guest-starring roles and the same series, and on how casts regard a guest-star

Gavin MacLeod on being cast to play "Murray Slaughter" on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and on following his instincts at the audition

Gavin MacLeod on how he prepared to play "Murray Slaughter" on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and on his relationships on the show

Gavin MacLeod on advice to an aspiring actor

William H. Macy on studying acting with David Mamet at Goddard College

William H. Macy on the Practical Aesthetics acting technique, which he developed with David Mamet

William H. Macy on appearing in small roles on TV series early in his career

William H. Macy on his advice to actors for reading scripts

William H. Macy on what he likes about acting

William H. Macy on "being visited by the muse" while performing onstage

William H. Macy on the best advice he's received, and his advice to actors

William H. Macy on advice to aspiring actors

Randolph Mantooth on becoming comfortable in front of the camera

Randolph Mantooth on his approach to acting

Randolph Mantooth on advice to aspiring actors

E.G. Marshall on his training as an actor, and on working with The Actors Studio

E.G. Marshall on his method of acting

Penny Marshall on what she liked about acting

Dick Martin on his advice to aspiring performers and directors

Jerry Mathers on learning how to cry on command as an actor

Jerry Mathers on "Beaver's" manner of speaking on Leave It To Beaver

Jerry Mathers on how he learned scripts for Leave It To Beaver

Bob May on advice to an aspiring performer

David McCallum on his early involvement in the amateur dramatics society and how he got interested in acting

David McCallum on his philosophy on preparing for a role

David McCallum on what he likes in a director and what a director adds to a set

David McCallum on advice to aspiring actors

David McCallum on how he's dealt with the lack of job security that's part of being an actor

Rue McClanahan on advice to an aspiring actor

Bob McGrath on how his character on Sesame Street came to have the name Bob

Bob McGrath on his association with Mitch Miller and working on the Mitch Miller Show

Bob McGrath on advice he would give to a performer wanting to work in children's television

Bob McGrath on the highlight of his career

Ricardo Montalban on his acting training 

Ricardo Montalban on the way of doing exposition on Fantasy Island

Ricardo Montalban on Gene Lockhart's advice to him about maintaining an acting career

Ricardo Montalban on the last day of shooting Fantasy Island and the importance of the star in creating a good atmopshere on the set

Ricardo Montlaban on his advice to aspiring actors

Leslie Moonves on his early acting career and the thrill of being on a production lot

Pat Morita on starting to make the transition from comedian to actor

Pat Morita on he and his representatives realizing he wanted to be an actor, and on what it takes to make it as an actor

Pat Morita on advice to aspiring actors

Garrett Morris on working as a writer and performer on Saturday Night Live

Garrett Morris on advice he would give to aspiring actors

Howard Morris on advice to aspiring actors and directors

Bill Mumy on the kinds of roles he got as a child actor and his acting style

Leonard Nimoy on bringing character traits to small parts, as he did on Get Smart, prior to his starring on Star Trek

Leonard Nimoy on the shift in acting styles in the 1950s, when he began to teach acting

Leonard Nimoy on how he prepares for a role, and the importance of subtext

Leonard Nimoy on the intimacy the camera can provide to an actor

Leonard Nimoy on staying in character between takes, and his experience in film vs. TV

Hugh O'Brian on his love of acting and whether or not he'll continue to act

Carroll O'Connor on learning how to play comedy from Micheál MacLiammóir, at the Gate Theatre, which he later used in his characterization of Archie Bunker in All in the Family

Carroll O'Connor on a tip he gave actress Talia Balsam for a crying scene on an episode of Archie Bunker's Place

Carroll O'Connor on his advice to young actors to create a reputation for reliability

Ed O'Neill on his audition process

Ed O'Neill on his style of acting

Ed O'Neill on his approach to acting

Ed O'Neill on advice for aspiring actors

Edward James Olmos on advice to aspiring actors

Roscoe Orman on loving performing for a live audience

Fess Parker on advice to an aspiring actor

Suzanne Pleshette on acting on stage versus acting on television

Suzanne Pleshette on acting in sitcoms

Suzanne Pleshette on advice to aspiring actors

Tom Poston on advice to an aspiring actor

Frances Reid on advice she would give an actor on a soap opera

Tim Reid on how he got involved with acting and performing

Tim Reid on how he got involved with acting and performing

Tim Reid on teaching his younger castmates valuable lessons about performing on an episode of Sister, Sister (possibly with guest star, Milton Berle)

Carl Reiner on wanting to be an actor

Carl Reiner on playing Alan Brady on The Dick Van Dyke Show

Rob Reiner on advice to aspiring actors

Jack Riley on dealing with agents and managers as an actor

Jack Riley on advice to aspiring performers

Jack Riley on doing voice-overs, and on appearing in various feature films

Doris Roberts on advice to aspiring actors

Tony Roberts on the craft of being a straight man, and on his philosophy of comedy

Tony Roberts on dealing with the peaks and valleys of an actor's career

Tony Roberts on an actor dealing with and learning from his audience

Tony Roberts on summing up his career as an actor, and how he has navigated it

Tony Roberts on the role agents and managers have played in his career

Tony Roberts on how an actor deals with being typecast

Tony Roberts on how he feels about his career

Cliff Robertson on his formal acting training at The Actors Studio

Cliff Robertson on actors who inspired him

Cliff Robertson on his acting style

Cliff Robertson on advice to aspiring actors

Mickey Rooney on how acting for television differs for acting for film or the stage

Mickey Rooney on his acting style and preferences

Phil Rosenthal on wanting to be a comedy actor like Art Carney

Stanley Ralph Ross on actors making script suggestions

William Schallert on being a character actor and not feeling typecast

William Schallert on feeling like he could act, but that he didn't look like an actor

William Schallert on often playing several roles on one series

William Schallert on how he creates different personas

William Schallert on his tenure as President of SAG; on chairing a committee to merge SAG and AFTRA

William Schallert on the mission of SAG

William Schallert on how he gets jobs nowadays (2012)

William Schallert on advice to aspiring actors

Richard Schiff on his fear of acting

Richard Schiff on dealing with Aaron Sorkin's habit of turning in scripts late for The West Wing

Richard Schiff on auditioning

Richard Schiff on wanting to be an "actor's actor"

Garry Shandling on his acting teacher, Roy London

William Shatner on his famous halting style of delivery, and on appearing on stage in "Deathtrap"

William Shatner on what he learned performing Shakespeare on stage in Canada for several years

William Shatner on dealing with the cameras and working with directors in live television

William Shatner on how he prepared to act on live television, and some of the challenges he faced

Cybill Shepherd on acting advice she received from a fellow actor (Jason Robards)

Cybill Shepherd on what she likes in a director and getting to know John Ford and how he directed

Cybill Shepherd on her process for learning the dialogue on Moonlighting

Cybill Shepherd on what she enjoys about acting

Cybill Shepherd on what being in front of a live audience adds to a performance

Cybill Shepherd on acting in different media and what she learned about film by screening movies with Peter Bogdanovich

Cybill Shepherd on mentors throughout her career: Stella Adler and what she learned from her; on what she learned from performers and directors she worked with

Doris Singleton on advice to actors just starting out

Mary Kay and Johnny Stearns on the challenges of acting in live television

Johnny Stearns on the craft of acting

Mary Kay and Johnny Stearns on the challenges of acting in live television

Nick Stewart on advice to those starting in the entertainment industry

Jerry Stiller on the creative freedom and support he felt on Seinfeld

George Takei on how he approaches the craft of acting

George Takei on his advice to aspiring actors

Jeffrey Tambor on advice to an aspiring actor

Richard Thomas on what he likes in a director

Richard Thomas on what he enjoys about acting

Richard Thomas on advice to an aspiring actor

Daniel J. Travanti on the challenge of playing characters based on real people, like Edward R. Murrow

Daniel J. Travanti on the life of an actor

Dick Van Patten on how appearing on Mama prepared him for his role on Eight is Enough

Timothy Van Patten on wanting to be an actor

Robert Vaughn on his fascination with being an actor

Robert Vaughn on his growth as an actor during The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

Robert Vaughn on how he gets into character and prepares for a role

Robert Vaughn on the acting for stage, film, radio and television

Robert Vaughn on advice to aspiring actors

Clint Walker on his approach to acting

Malcolm-Jamal Warner on advice for an aspiring actor

Dennis Weaver on learning method acting

Dennis Weaver on studying with Lee Strasberg at The Actors Studio

Dennis Weaver on his advice to aspiring actors

Dennis Weaver on his acting style

Adam West on the experience of being a guest star on series, and on being typecast

Adam West on getting acting jobs after his Warner Bros contract expired

Adam West on advice to aspiring actors

Fred Willard on what he's learned about improv acting from the Christopher Guest movies

Fred Willard on playing dramatic roles and the types of roles he usually plays

Fred Willard on what he likes about acting, doing research for roles, and what attracts him to a role

Fred Willard on advice to aspiring actors

Henry Winkler on what it took to land a job in Hollywood at the start of his career

Henry Winkler on developing the character "Fonzie" for Happy Days

Herny Winkler on letting a character grow organically on The Practice - a role which later earned him an Emmy nomination

Henry Winkler on advice to aspiring actors and producers "you have to need to act"; and you must train, and you must be passionate about your work

Henry Winkler on how acting is never a solo effort

Henry Winkler on being glad he didn't experience fame until he was older and able to handle it

Henry Winkler on an important lesson he learned from Garry Marshall about respect on the set

Henry Winkler on the importance of listening to your own instinct when deciding on projects and roles

Alan Young on guest starring on a soap opera (General Hospital)

Alan Young on advice to an aspiring actor