JENNIFER LOPEZ, JAMES GANDOLFINI, WILLIAM H. MACY AND GEORGE CARLIN TO KICK-OFF THE ELEVENTH SEASON OF 'INSIDE THE ACTORS STUDIO' ON BRAVO

SALMA HAYEK, JAMIE FOXX, COLIN FARRELL, NATALIE PORTMAN, OWEN WILSON, CAMERON DIAZ AND ROBERT REDFORD AMONG THE STARS SCHEDULED TO TAPE THIS FALL

NEW YORK -- September 15, 2004 -- Bravo starts the fall off right with a new lineup of guests discussing their career and craft on Bravo's longest-running original series "Inside the Actors Studio." Joining James Lipton on the New School stage will be Jennifer Lopez, James Gandolfini, William H. Macy and George Carlin, beginning Sunday, October 10 (8:00pm � 9:00pm).

A singer, dancer and Golden Globe nominated actress, Jennifer Lopez got her start on the television show "In Living Color," and has starred in such diverse films as "Selena," "The Cell," "Out of Sight," "Enough," "The Wedding Planner," "Maid in Manhattan" and this fall's "Shall We Dance" co-starring Richard Gere and Susan Sarandon. She has also guest-starred on many television shows, most recently as a wedding singer for the sixth season finale of "Will & Grace." Premieres Sunday, October 10 at 8:00 � 9:00 p.m.

James Gandolfini was running a New York City nightclub when a friend convinced him to enroll in an acting class. His Broadway debut followed shortly thereafter when he was cast in "A Street Car Named Desire" with Alec Baldwin. After moving from stage to screen, James took parts in hit films such as "True Romance," "Get Shorty," and "A Civil Action." In 1999, James joined the cast of "The Sopranos," and has since been nominated for five Emmys for his performance as Mob boss Tony Soprano. Premieres Sunday, October 17 at 8:00 � 9:00 p.m.

A versatile and talented actor, William H. Macy has been lauded for his appearances on both the big and small screen. Nominated for an Oscar for his role in hit-film "Fargo," he has also starred in "Boogie Nights," "Happy Texas," "Magnolia," and "The Cooler," as well as television series and specials "ER," "Stealing Sinatra" and "Door to Door," for which he won an Emmy. Premieres Sunday, October 24 at 8:00 � 9:00 p.m.

Six-time Emmy nominated comedian George Carlin has produced twenty HBO comedy specials, created six comedy albums and written two books, and continues to choose film and television roles that surprise, from his portrayal of Mr. Conductor in the children's television show, "Shining Time Station," to his more dramatic role as the grandfather in the film "Jersey Girl." George Carlin is currently developing a one-man Broadway show, "Watch My Language," scheduled to debut in fall, 2004. Premieres Sunday October 31 at 8:00 � 9:00 p.m.

The vast diversity of talent willing to share their stories with Lipton this season is a testament to - and the driving force behind - "Inside the Actors Studio's" sustained popularity. Nominated this year for its ninth Emmy Award, the show's 11th season will not disappoint: Mark Wahlberg, Jamie Foxx, Natalie Portman, Colin Farrell, Salma Hayek, Cameron Diaz, Owen Wilson and Robert Redford are among the guests scheduled to tape this fall. Episodes will air on Bravo later this season.

Over the past ten seasons, "Inside the Actors Studio" has provided a forum for the passion, perspectives and perceptions of more than 165 of contemporary film, theater and television's most noteworthy contributors. Recent guests have included Tom Cruise, Renee Zellweger, Diane Lane, Hugh Jackman, Bette Midler, Charlize Theron and recently Lipton has examined the television world with the casts of the groundbreaking series "Will & Grace" and "The Simpsons."

"Inside the Actors Studio," which is now seen in 125 countries, was launched in April 1994 with Academy Award-winning actor and longtime Actors Studio President, Paul Newman. For the past ten years, the Actors Studio Drama School at New School University has opened its doors for a series of evenings featuring major actors and directors who discuss their craft and share the secrets of their artistic achievements.

Bravo is an arts and culture network featuring a variety of programs presented in an original and engaging way. Currently seen in more than 76 million homes, Bravo is the television destination for viewers who want creativity, experimentation and innovation. Offering programming with a unique point of view, the network features original series and specials, feature films (both independent and mainstream) as well as performance specials and compelling documentary series. Its critically-acclaimed and award-winning original programming includes "Inside the Actors Studio," "Celebrity Poker Showdown," and Cirque du Soleil specials and series, as well as the 2004 Emmy winner for Outstanding Reality Program, "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy." The network's latest hits include "Blow Out," "Showbiz Moms & Dads," and the improvisational sitcom "Significant Others."

Bravo is a program service of NBC Universal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBC Universal one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Bravo has been a NBC Cable Network since December 2002 and was the first television service dedicated to film and the performing arts when it launched in December 1980. For more information log onto www.bravotv.com.