American Masters

History Series / 15 Seasons

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

1h 42m / TV-14

Betty White talks about funny women in comedy history

12m 12s

On May 29, 2007, comedian Betty White discussed the groundbreaking work of Carol Burnett and Lucille Ball. She delves into the history of women in comedy in this extended outtake originally conducted for "American Masters - Carol Burnett: A Woman of Character" (2007).

Gloria Naylor on the American dream

15m 16s

On June 28th, 2000, novelist Gloria Naylor spoke about the illusion of the American dream and the role it plays in Nella Larsen's "Passing." She discussed the motivations behind the characters of the critically acclaimed novel in this extended outtake from the American Masters Digital Archive. Interview originally conducted by Michael Epstein, director of Novel Reflections on The American Dream.

Herbie Hancock on jazz and Quincy Jones' influence

15m 39s

On August 6th, 2001, musician Herbie Hancock sat down with Michael Kantor, director of "American Masters — Quincy Jones: In The Pocket" (2001) and current executive producer for American Masters, to discuss the legendary producer's career and influence in the music industry.

Jacques Pépin Makes Tomato Toasts

6m 41s

This recipe for tomato toasts with olives is inspired by Pépin's time in Spain. "Many years ago, I was in Spain, in Barcelona, and I had those tomato toast ... which I love, so I have done my own variation of it."

Jacques Pépin Makes Kale Soup

5m 30s

Pépin teaches us his recipe for a hearty kale soup with garbanzo beans, tomatoes, and more. "I love soup and usually when I do soup, I do a bunch of it because I can freeze it and you know, re-heat it when I need it."

Jacques Pépin Makes Cold Tomato-Cucumber Soup

5m 15s

Pépin loves a cold soup in the summer, and this recipe for tomato-cucumber gazpacho puts good use to the less attractive cucumbers from his garden. He adds Tabasco sauce for some heat, and Greek yogurt for creaminess.

Jacques Pépin Makes Moules Two Ways

5m 22s

Pépin demonstrates two ways of making mussels. His recipe for moules marinière includes garlic, white wine, onions, seasonings and herbs. It becomes a moules poulette when it is finished with a bit of cream and starch for a slightly thickened sauce.

Jacques Pépin Makes Quiche Lorraine

12m 9s

Pépin's recipe for quiche Lorraine, which is from the northeast part of France, is inspired by his mother. He also has a method for making dough that doesn't need to rest. "It's just the way my mother used to do, the quiche Lorraine in the style of Lyon."

Jacques Pépin Makes Onion Soup Gratinée

6m 49s

In this episode of "American Masters: At Home," Pépin teaches us how to make onion soup gratinée: "You can do an onion soup, just the onion sauteed with the chicken stock or beef stock, and serve it like this by itself, and that would be an onion soup. But when you add the words gratinée, it is done with a crust of bread and of course cheese."

Jacques Pépin Makes Sauteed Brussels Sprouts

2m 31s

Jacques Pépin shows us a simple but tasty Brussels sprouts recipe. He likes his Brussels sprouts sauteed and a little browned and crispy on the edges. "Crusty, very simple recipe and very delicious."

Jacques Pépin Makes Shrimp-Stuffed Portobello

7m 24s

Pépin came up with his recipe for shrimp-stuffed portobello mushrooms when he was working in Paris in the 1950s. "I remember doing escargot, or the snail in French, and instead of putting them in the shell, we used to put them into individual mushrooms. We also put them in artichoke bottoms, so you could eat the whole thing." His recipe has breadcrumbs, garlic, butter and herbs.

Jacques Pépin Makes Fresh Corn Purée

4m 9s

Pépin shows us how to make one of his favorite dishes for the summer, a fresh corn purée. He demonstrates two ways of removing kernels from the cob, and simply sautes the purée with salt and pepper for a light and delicate dish.

Lights, Camera, Acción

24m 25s

Discover the candid perspectives of Latine actors, writers, producers, directors, and showrunners across generations as they dissect the ever-evolving issue of Latine representation in Hollywood. Featuring Edward James Olmos, John Leguizamo, Xolo Maridueña ("Cobra Kai"), and Julissa Calderon ("Gentefied"), Peter Murrieta ("Mr. Iglesias"), Marvin Lemus ("Gentefied") and more.

Crystal Labeija: The Queen Who Reinvented Ball Culture

5m 38s

A proud Black trans woman, a drag mother and, a pageant girl, Crystal LaBeija was the cause of an iconic moment in drag history that paved the way for house culture, voguing, Paris is Burning, and the TV series Pose.

Jean Malin: Queen of the Pansies

5m 57s

Jean Malin was one of the first openly gay performers in the Prohibition era during the "pansy craze" of the early 1930s. Malin stood six feet tall, weighed 200 pounds, and had a wavy crop of blonde hair to die for. Although he was effeminate and a female impersonator, he was known to put hecklers and homophobes in their place with his wit — and his fists!

Flawless Sabrina: Queer Icon and Star of 'The Queen'

6m 30s

She was an artist, activist, gay mother and mentor to hundreds of queer and gender non-conforming youth over the years and starred in the fabulous 1968 drag documentary "The Queen," about a drag competition that she organized. She was full of life advice for her many mentees, including her reminder that “normal is just a setting on a dryer.”

Joan Jett Blakk: The drag queen who ran for president

6m 13s

On her 35th birthday, Joan Jett Blakk, the drag persona of actor Terence Smith, ran for president in lipstick, heels and eyeshadow, continuing a long tradition of drag as political activism. Blakk had also run for mayors of Chicago and San Francisco. During these “campaigns,” Blakk advocated for policies that many politicians are still talking about today, including universal healthcare.

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