Archive Highlights
Watch curated interviews from The American Masters Digital Archive. The full collection includes over 1,000 hours of never-before-seen, raw interviews: a treasure trove of the movers and shakers of American culture, including Maya Angelou, Patti Smith, Mel Brooks, Carol Burnett, Matthew Broderick, Carl Reiner, Joan Rivers, Dionne Warwick, Lee Grant, Sidney Lumet, Betty White and many others.
Quincy Jones explains how he got started in music
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Quincy Jones discusses his early career, friendships and how he defines himself. (15m)
Paul Mooney on his career and relationship with Richard Pryor
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Paul Mooney reflects on the mechanics of stand-up and his role as Richard Pryor's best friend. (10m 39s)
How Phyllis Diller broke down the doors for female comics
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Phyllis Diller reflects on how her comedy was a response to years of “take my wife” jokes. (11m 35s)
How Lily Tomlin found liberation in exploring her Laugh-In characters
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Lily Tomlin speaks about her time on Laugh-In and how she developed her characters. (12m 35s)
Jeff Foxworthy on how every American might be a "redneck"
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Jeff Foxworthy discusses regionalism in comedy and why "redneck" is a state of mind. (15m 41s)
Joan Rivers finds humor in being yourself
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Joan Rivers speaks about her experience as a female comic in the early 60s. (9m 59s)
Conan O’Brien gets serious about silliness
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Conan O’Brien speaks about his style of late night and his reason for doing comedy. (15m 32s)
Jerry Seinfeld on his place in American sitcom history
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Jerry Seinfeld discusses his collaboration with Larry David and the evolution of the sitcom. (16m 1s)
Susie Essman on "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and the unique "genius” of Larry David
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Comedian Susie Essman talks about the unique traits of "Curb Your Enthusiasm." (8m 45s)
Louis Gossett, Jr. honors Maya Angelou's storytelling impact
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Lou Gossett, Jr. discusses Dr. Maya Angelou’s role as a "matriarch." (19m 53s)
Jerry Lewis on comedy and his bond with Sammy Davis, Jr.
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Jerry Lewis talks about becoming a comedian and his friendship with Sammy Davis, Jr. (9m 45s)
Neil Young on David Geffen’s success as a media mogul
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Neil Young speaks about David Geffen’s role as a performer in the art of the deal. (15m 10s)
How Rita Moreno auditioned and rehearsed for West Side Story
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Rita Moreno reflects on the 1961 production of "West Side Story." (20m 32s)
How Billy Crystal learned to imitate Sammy Davis, Jr.
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Billy Crystal speaks on his admiration for and working relationship with Sammy Davis, Jr. (19m 23s)
John Singleton on having Maya Angelou as a mentor
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John Singleton came to Maya Angelou for guidance while working on "Poetic Justice." (13m 33s)
Steve Martin on how David Geffen thrived through friendships
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Steve Martin discusses how David Geffen found Hollywood success through his friendships. (14m 41s)
Filmmaker Jonas Mekas on living in Andy Warhol's New York
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Filmmaker Jonas Mekas describes the burgeoning art scene of New York City in the 1960s. (22m 21s)
André Leon Talley on Mae West’s impact on fashion and style
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André Leon Talley recounts how Mae West used fashion and her sexuality to empower herself. (15m 24s)
Fran Drescher on being a showrunner for the American sitcom
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Fran Drescher talks about how she took inspiration from Lucille Ball for "The Nanny." (21m 12s)
James Earl Jones on Sidney Poitier and acting
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James Earl Jones talks Sidney Poitier's impact on himself and other young Black actors. (16m 12s)
Lady Bunny on the echoes of Mae West in drag culture
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Drag performer and artist Lady Bunny talks about Mae West's influence. (12m 19s)
Martin Scorsese on the films of John Ford
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Martin Scorsese discusses how John Ford's films have impacted his career. (19m 20s)
How Harry Belafonte embraced Black culture in music
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Harry Belafonte speaks about Paul Robeson and Black culture in music. (16m 49s)
Tracey Ullman on Mel Brooks' intrinsically American comedy
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Tracey Ullman discusses the joys of working with Mel Brooks. (11m 45s)
Baayork Lee on becoming a Broadway star at age 5
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Baayork Lee discusses starring on Broadway at age 5 and working with Richard Rodgers. (12m 24s)
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I. M. Pei shares his thoughts on the relationship between sculpture and scale. (7m 26s)
Gloria Steinem on the legacy of Marilyn Monroe
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Gloria Steinem talks about Marilyn Monroe in relation to the women's movement. (11m)
Laura Linney on mastering acting at Juilliard
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Laura Linney discusses her time at Juilliard and how it helped shape her as an actor. (15m 7s)
Patti Smith on Lou Reed and rock and roll
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Patti Smith shares her thoughts on Lou Reed and the 70s rock and roll scene. (15m 35s)
Dionne Warwick on Lena Horne and her musical influences
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Dionne Warwick discusses Lena Horne and her other musical influences. (11m 55s)
Herbie Hancock on jazz and Quincy Jones' influence
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Herbie Hancock discusses the producer's career and influence in the music industry. (15m 39s)
Gloria Naylor on the American dream
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Gloria Naylor speaks about the American dream and Nella Larsen's "Passing." (15m 16s)
Betty White talks about funny women in comedy history
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Betty White talks about funny women in comedy history like Carol Burnett and Lucille Ball. (12m 12s)
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