American Masters

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

Program Website

Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Sue and Edgar Wachenheim III, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Cheryl and Philip Milstein Family, Judith & Burton Resnick, Seton Melvin Charitable Trust, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, The Ambrose Monell Foundation, Lillian Goldman Programming Endowment, Vital Projects Fund, The Philip and Janice Levin Foundation, Ellen and James S. Marcus, The André and Elizabeth Kertész Foundation, Koo and Patricia Yuen and public television viewers.

Recent Episode

Tracey Ullman on Mel Brooks' intrinsically American comedy

11:45

Tracey Ullman discusses the joys of working with Mel Brooks.



Full Episodes View All Episodes

Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road

01:23:22

Explore the life of the legendary singer, songwriter and co-founder of The Beach Boys.

Joe Papp in Five Acts

01:21:56

Papp, founder of Free Shakespeare in the Park, believed great art is for all.

Baayork Lee on becoming a Broadway star at age 5

12:24

Baayork Lee discusses starring on Broadway at age 5 and working with Richard Rodgers.

I. M. Pei on sculpture

07:26

I. M. Pei shares his thoughts on the relationship between sculpture and scale.

Gloria Steinem on the legacy of Marilyn Monroe

11:00

Gloria Steinem talks about Marilyn Monroe in relation to the women's movement.

Laura Linney on mastering acting at Juilliard

15:07

Laura Linney discusses her time at Juilliard and how it helped shape her as an actor.