American Masters

Discover insightful profiles of important figures in America's artistic and cultural life.

Episodes

  • Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It

    Explore the life and 70-year career of the iconic Latina actor, performer and activist.
  • Buddy Guy: The Blues Chase The Blues Away

    Dive into the career of the legendary blues guitarist.
  • Ballerina Boys

    Discover The Trocks. Dancing on pointe shoes, these male ballerinas mix artistry and joy.
  • Amy Tan: Unintended Memoir

    The story of the author of the “The Joy Luck Club.”
  • Oliver Sacks: His Own Life (Audio Descriptive Version)

    Explore the life and work of the legendary neurologist and storyteller.
  • Oliver Sacks: His Own Life

    Explore the life and work of the legendary neurologist and storyteller.
  • Never Too Late: The Doc Severinsen Story

    Trace the life and groundbreaking career of the unstoppable musical icon.
  • Twyla Moves

    Explore choreographer Twyla Tharp’s career and famously rigorous creative process.

Specials

  • André Leon Talley on Mae West’s impact on fashion and style

    André Leon Talley recounts how Mae West used fashion and her sexuality to empower herself.
  • Fran Drescher on being a showrunner for the American sitcom

    Fran Drescher talks about how she took inspiration from Lucille Ball for "The Nanny."
  • James Earl Jones on Sidney Poitier and acting

    James Earl Jones talks Sidney Poitier's impact on himself and other young Black actors.
  • Lady Bunny on the echoes of Mae West in drag culture

    Drag performer and artist Lady Bunny talks about Mae West's influence.
  • Treat Williams on the acting process with Sidney Lumet

    Actor Treat Williams describes working with director Sidney Lumet on “Prince of the City.”
  • Keeping Video Art Alive With C.T. Lui

    Engineer Chi-Tien Lui has restored most of Nam June Paik's video art over the years.
  • Global Groove (1973) | Nam June Paik full video art

    "Global Groove" is a smorgasbord of experimental visual expressions.
  • Ethan Lim: Cambodian Futures

    Chef Ethan Lim creates vibrant dishes inspired by the rich, complex history of Cambodia.

About American Masters

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

Extras