In this conversation with Julian Schlossberg, she recalls resisting studio boss Harry Cohn’s attempt to change her name, finding her way into roles by drawing the characters, and the charged Picnic dance with William Holden—shot as a tornado bore down on a nearby town. Kim Novak’s first film screen test began a Hollywood career she would later leave at its height to return to painting and a quieter life among animals. Novak also reflects on Frank Sinatra, the directors who valued her quiet, instinctive approach, and why she often felt she was living two lives: one as a star, the other as herself.

On Movie Talk, she tells Julian Schlossberg how she learned to stand up for herself, from that deal to proposing she play two Broadway roles at once for Mike Nichols. At 16, Cynthia Nixon was cast in Milos Forman’s Amadeus—but she negotiated a way to keep attending high school, flying home whenever filming ran more than two days in a row.

She also recalls watching Little Darlings rushes with the cast each night, the chaotic shoot of The Murder of Mary Phagan, and why she loves directors who give precise, hands-on direction. A candid conversation about the surprising turns behind a career spanning Broadway, film, and television.

Julian Schlossberg interviews Judd Hirsch about his iconic career. Before Taxi, Judd Hirsch nearly turned down the series—then found his character’s name was “Taylor” and insisted on changing it to Alex Rieger. Hirsch recalls the people-watching and comic improvisations that first drew him to acting, the nerve-racking moment he forgot a line onstage in Harvey, and how a small role in The Fabelmans brought him an Oscar nomination. He also shares stories about Andy Kaufman, Herb Gardner, and Robert Redford—and explains why he sometimes had to speak up when a role didn’t feel true.

In this lively conversation with Julian Schlossberg, Maye recalls her piano-playing mother, her friendship with Ella Fitzgerald, and the chance encounters with Steve Allen and Ed McMahon that helped change her career. At seven, Marilyn Maye won a radio contest and got her own show—a remarkably early start to a career that would include 76 appearances on Johnny Carson’s show and a Carnegie Hall concert with an 83-piece orchestra. She also shares her approach to performing: make every lyric a story, and remember that “the audience is the star.” Along the way, she reflects on Broadway roles, teaching young singers, and the people and songs she still holds close.

Stevie Wonder once ran at full speed through a college studio to join a student band rehearsing “Superstition”—one of the unforgettable stories Melissa Manchester shares with Julian Schlossberg. In part two of their conversation, Manchester recalls learning Ella Fitzgerald’s scat parts phonetically, Dolly Parton’s moving contribution to a reimagined “Midnight Blue,” and Bob Dylan’s offer to bring her a toothbrush if she went to jail over a record-company dispute. She also reflects on her years on Blossom, writing for Disney animation, and the diary she’s kept since age 14. A warm, revealing conversation full of music, star encounters, and vivid memories.

After Broadway audiences rejected Harold Pinter’s The Innocence and it closed in just ten days, Claire Bloom still remembers it as a wonderful production. In this candid conversation with Julian Schlossberg, Bloom also recalls the demanding exposure of playing Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire, working with Anthony Hopkins on A Doll’s Life, and the unusual distance Julie Harris kept from her fellow actors while filming The Haunting. She reflects on missed opportunities with Laurence Olivier, the directors who gave her freedom—and the strong criticism she wanted—and why she never thought of herself as a movie star.

Julian Schlossberg sits down with Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and actress Melissa Manchester. They explore her creative upbringing in the Bronx, influenced by her father's career at the Metropolitan Opera and her mother's fashion empire. Melissa discusses her journey from singing jingles alongside Barry Manilow to studying under Paul Simon, her seven-year pursuit of a record deal, and her acclaimed theatrical work, including 561 performances in Funny Girl. She also shares insights into her songwriting process, tribute albums honoring music legends, and her dream of originating a Broadway role.

Julian Schlossberg talks with David Sheward, author of Rage and Glory, a biography of actor George C. Scott. Drawing on interviews with approximately 60 people, David explores Scott's turbulent life, including his five marriages, alcoholism, and legendary temper. They discuss Scott's iconic roles in Patton, Dr. Strangelove, and Anatomy of a Murder, his controversial Oscar refusal, and his desire for creative control. Schlossberg shares personal anecdotes from his own relationship with Scott, painting a portrait of a deeply complex, brilliant, yet self-destructive artist widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of the 20th century.

Julian Schlossberg interviews acclaimed actress Claire Bloom, whose career spans theater, film, and television. Claire reflects on growing up in wartime London, her mother's theatrical influence, and her early stage debut at fifteen. She discusses pivotal career moments, including working with Charlie Chaplin on Limelight, performing Juliet at the Old Vic, and collaborating with legends like Laurence Olivier, Richard Burton, and John Gielgud. Between 1952 and 1962, she made ten films, transitioning seamlessly between British theater and Hollywood, establishing herself as one of her generation's most distinguished actresses.

Julian Schlossberg interviews acclaimed actress Christine Baranski about her remarkable career. Christine shares her Polish heritage, growing up in Buffalo surrounded by theatrical influences, and overcoming a fear of singing after a childhood trauma. She discusses her journey to Juilliard, her Tony Award-winning theater work with director Mike Nichols, and her transition to television with "Cybill." Christine also reflects on memorable roles in "The Good Wife," "The Good Fight," and "The Gilded Age," her experiences with Stephen Sondheim's complex work, and her gratitude for a 50-year career.

Julian Schlossberg interviews actor Michael O'Keefe, known for his Oscar-nominated role in The Great Santini and as Danny Noonan in Caddyshack. O'Keefe reflects on his upbringing, career highlights, and collaborations with legends like Robert Duvall, Jack Nicholson, and Bette Davis. He discusses lessons learned about humility, Hollywood's fickleness, and his love of theater. O'Keefe also shares his passion for poetry and songwriting, and promotes his new film, A Break in the Rain, opening at New York's Angelika Theater.