For starters, wow, he was much older than I expected so a big round of applause for James taking good care of himself!
Like most people, he came to my attention through the Will Ferrel skit on SNL. James loved it and he also played himself interviewing Robert Evans on an episode of The Simpsons, it’s the one when Homer has insomnia over his mortality. The host then returned the favor by creating one of the most popular episodes his show had…the principle cast of The Simpsons! All the details regarding what was going on behind the scenes is explained on the commentaries via the DVDs because Al Jean had James on. I wish I could remember which episode right now. It’s before season 18.
As for the serious elements of when James had actual guests on, not Charles Nelson Reilly (Alec Baldwin) or Toby Maguire (Elijah Wood), it could be insightful, interesting but to me, it depends upon the guest. Most actors that have mastered the craft make you want to vomit when they blather on about their favorite topic…themselves.
Still, thanks for everything James. You provided the world a great inside joke and I would go with your interview style over Barbara Walters any day!