I ALWAYS WANTED TO ANSWER THE proust questionnaire THE LATE JAMES LIPTON ASKED guests ON HIS SHOW, Inside the Actor’s Studio. here'S WHAT I'D SAY: 

What is your favorite word? 

Supercilious. It sounds like you’re saying super-silly-us.

What is your least favorite word? 

Antiderivative. Just say integral. 

What turns you on creatively, spiritually, or emotionally? 

People clever with words or who show an obvious enjoyment of language, like Tom Stoppard.

What turns you off? 

Insincerity.

What is your favorite curse word? 

Shit. Full of shit. Bullshit. I don’t give a shit. 

What sound or noise do you love? 

New York City subways. It drives a lot of people nuts and it can damage your hearing, but I love it.

What profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt? 

Researcher at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

What profession would you not like to do? 

Financial adviser. 

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates? 

I bet you’re surprised to see me.