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

Paul Mooney on his career and relationship with Richard Pryor

10m 39s

On April 6, 2007, Paul Mooney reflected on the mechanics of stand-up comedy and his unique role as best friend to comedy’s all-time greatest, Richard Pryor. Interview conducted by director Michael Kantor for the six-hour PBS comedy series, “Make ‘Em Laugh: The Funny Business of America” (2009).

How Lily Tomlin found liberation in exploring her Laugh-In characters

12m 35s

On October 10, 2007, Lily Tomlin spoke about her time on Laugh-In and how she developed her characters. Interview conducted by director Michael Kantor for the six-hour PBS comedy series, “Make ‘Em Laugh: The Funny Business of America” (2009).

How Phyllis Diller broke down the doors for female comics

11m 35s

On September 19, 2007, Phyllis Diller reflected on how her comedy was a response to years of “take my wife” jokes. Interview conducted by director Michael Kantor for the six-hour PBS comedy series, “Make ‘Em Laugh: The Funny Business of America” (2009).

Jeff Foxworthy on how every American might be a "redneck"

15m 41s

On November 16, 2006, Jeff Foxworthy discussed how comedians need to be able to connect with their audiences and shared his definition of a redneck. Interview conducted by director Michael Kantor for the six-hour PBS comedy series, “Make ‘Em Laugh: The Funny Business of America” (2009).

Love, Jamie

19m 45s

Jamie Diaz is a 66-year-old Mexican-American trans woman and self-taught artist who has spent nearly 30 years in a men’s prison in Texas. See how her enduring friendship with Gabriel Joffe, a volunteer who happened upon one of her works, has helped Jamie’s art reach far beyond the prison walls.

Joan Rivers finds humor in being yourself

9m 59s

On November 16, 2006, Joan Rivers spoke about her experience as a female comic in the early 60s and finding her comedic voice. Interview conducted by director Michael Kantor for the six-hour PBS comedy series, “Make ‘Em Laugh: The Funny Business of America” (2009).

Conan O’Brien gets serious about silliness

15m 32s

On July 16, 2008, Conan O’Brien spoke about his style of late night and his reason for doing comedy. Interview conducted by director Michael Kantor for the six-hour PBS comedy series, “Make ‘Em Laugh: The Funny Business of America” (2009).

Dear Corky

16m 27s

New Yorker Corky Lee photographed his hometown’s Chinatown and Asian American communities around the country for over 50 years, documenting activists, celebrities and everyday heroes he encountered in over 100,000 photos. While documenting the latest rise of anti-Asian hate crimes, Lee passed away from COVID-19. In his own words and photos, this short documentary reveals the man behind the camera.

Jerry Seinfeld on his place in American sitcom history

16m 1s

On August 13, 2008, comedian Jerry Seinfeld discussed his collaboration with Larry David, the evolution of the American sitcom and the lure of stand-up comedy. Interview conducted by director Michael Kantor for the six-hour PBS comedy series, “Make ‘Em Laugh: The Funny Business of America” (2009).

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The Incomparable Mr. Buckley [ASL]

1h 40m

Discover the intellectual evolution and political legacy of William F. Buckley, Jr. See how the author and commentator, one of the foremost public intellectuals in American history, galvanized the modern conservative movement. This version contains on-screen ASL interpretation.

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The Incomparable Mr. Buckley [Extended Audio Description]

1h 42m

Discover the intellectual evolution and political legacy of William F. Buckley, Jr. See how the author and commentator, one of the foremost public intellectuals in American history, galvanized the modern conservative movement. This version of the film contains extended audio description and large open captions.

Weaving Nature

18m 39s

Maryland artist David Bacharach creates "The Mounds," an outdoor arts installation that confronts global climate change. Bacharach employs traditional weaving and metalsmithing techniques to build sculptures that reflect environmental problems that impact land, air and water. This synthesis of art and nature illustrates the interconnectedness of human activity and environmental degradation.

Susie Essman on "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and the unique "genius” of Larry David

8m 45s

On March 12, 2008, comedian and actress Susie Essman spoke about her longtime collaboration with Larry David on "Curb Your Enthusiasm." She discusses the unique viewpoint of the show and how improvisation is at its core. Interview conducted by director Michael Kantor for the six-hour PBS comedy series, "Make 'Em Laugh: The Funny Business of America" (2009).

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Moynihan [Extended Audio Description]

1h 44m

Discover the life and legacy of former U.S. Senator and diplomat Daniel Patrick Moynihan. Going beyond the “Moynihan Report,” President Joe Biden, Ta-Nehisi Coates and others reflect on his decades-long fight to end national poverty. This version contains extended audio description and large open captions.

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Moynihan [ASL]

1h 43m

Discover the life and legacy of former U.S. Senator and diplomat Daniel Patrick Moynihan. Going beyond the “Moynihan Report,” President Joe Biden, Ta-Nehisi Coates and others reflect on his decades-long fight to end national poverty. This version contains on-screen ASL interpretation.

Becoming Yamazushi

14m 8s

In 1986, a small Japanese restaurant opened its doors and became the first of its kind in Durham, North Carolina. Years later, Yamazushi, operated by George and Mayumi Yamazawa, transformed into an experience that many would say is the first of its kind in the American South. Hip hop artist G Yamazawa reveals the essence of his family’s story and the art of being unapologetically authentic.

Searching for Augusta Savage

21m 48s

Augusta Savage was the first person in the U.S. to open a gallery dedicated to African American art. A Harlem Renaissance sculptor and art educator, she was also one of the first Black women art activists of her time and fought for the inclusion of Black artists in the mainstream canon. Art historian Jeffreen M. Hayes, Ph.D. explores Savage's legacy, and why her artwork has been largely erased.

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HOPPER: An American love story [ASL + Audio Description]

53m 3s

Discover the secrets behind Edward Hopper’s most iconic and enigmatic works. Known for “Nighthawks” and other evocative paintings of American life, Hopper has left a lasting impression on our culture. Meet the man behind the brush, and see how his marriage to fellow artist Josephine Nivison Hopper shaped his art and career. This version contains on-screen ASL interpretation and audio description.

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HOPPER: An American love story [Extended Audio Description]

1h 7m

Discover the secrets behind Edward Hopper’s most iconic and enigmatic works. Known for “Nighthawks” and other evocative paintings of American life, Hopper has left a lasting impression on our culture. Meet the man behind the brush, and see how his marriage to fellow artist Josephine Nivison Hopper shaped his art and career. This version includes extended audio description and open captions.

Louis Gossett, Jr. honors Maya Angelou's storytelling impact

19m 53s

On December 8, 2014, Lou Gossett, Jr. sat down for a conversation about Dr. Maya Angelou’s role as a "matriarch" in the lineage of Black storytellers. Interview conducted by directors Rita Coburn and Bob Hercules for "Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise" (2017).

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