American Masters

History Series / 11 Seasons

American Masters, committed to producing comprehensive film biographies about the broad cast of characters who comprise our cultural history.

1h 51m / TV-14

Maya Angelou's missed opportunity to work with Pearl Bailey

1m 26s

As a single mother, Maya Angelou struggled to provide for her son. An opportunity to perform with Pearl Bailey would've meant a regular income and less time on the road, but unfortunately Maya was not given the job.

Learn about Norman Lear's friendship with Dr. Maya Angelou

2m 2s

Learn how Norman Lear struck up a friendship with Dr. Maya Angelou. In this video, he shares his respect for Dr. Angelou's character and work, and talks about the time his family spent with her.

Learn why Maya Angelou signed with Porgy and Bess

57s

Dr. Maya Angelou started her career in singing and dancing and eventually signed a contract with Porgy and Bess in order to further her career. Learn more about her time with the company in this video.

Behind the Scenes: Common, Rita Coburn-Whack & Maya Angelou

1m 37s

Rita Coburn-Whack, co-director of American Masters - Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise, originally introduced Maya Angelou and Common, who continued to work together and collaborate as writers and artists.

Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise - Trailer

2m 38s

This unprecedented film celebrates Dr. Maya Angelou by weaving her words with rare and intimate archival photographs and videos, which paint hidden moments of her exuberant life during some of America’s most defining moments. From her upbringing in the Depression-era South to her work with Malcolm X in Ghana, the film takes us on an incredible journey through the life of a true American icon.

PBS Previews: Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise

2m

Take a behind-the-scenes look at "Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise." Hear from Dr. Angelou's grandson, Colin Johnson and the series producer, Michael Kantor. Actor Louis Gossett, Jr. also weighs in, along with Actress Diahann Carroll, Professor Eugene Redmond, hip-hop artist Common, former-President Bill Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Actress Alfre Woodard.

Louis Gossett Jr. shares a story about his great-grandmother

32s

Louis Gossett Jr. shares a story about an inspiring woman in his life: his great-grandmother. Join us in celebrating the powerful, creative and innovative women in our lives. Inspiring Woman is a year-long online campaign based on themes central to Dr. Angelou’s life: artistic expression, academic success, active community engagement and acceptance of difference.

August Wilson and African American Culture

20s

Tony-award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson, now directing the Broadway premiere of August Wilson's "Jitney," speaks of Wilson as a lion, bringing the African American experience out of the periphery and into the center of the discussion.

The Essential Ingredients for an August Wilson Play

35s

Tony-award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson, now directing the Broadway premiere of August Wilson's "Jitney," shares what he feels are the essential ingredients for any August Wilson play.

American Masters Launches "Inspiring Woman"

30s

Nominate an Inspiring Woman and join us in celebrating the powerful, creative and innovative women in our lives. Inspiring Woman is a social campaign built around two groundbreaking American Masters documentaries – Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise and Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart.

Sidney Lumet Recalls Working with Walter Cronkite

2m 48s

Sidney Lumet speaks about his work adapting the radio show "You Are There" for television. Working with Walter Cronkite, Lumet directed a news show that covered major historical events in a modern way.

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