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How It Feels To Be Free documentary

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How It Feels To Be Free documentary American Masters

Premiered January 18, 2021
How It Feels To Be Free documentary

How six iconic African American female entertainers challenged the entertainment industry.

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Episode Extras

Tyson was mindful of how she performed Black womanhood.
Watch (00:43)
Clip

Why Cicely Tyson was selective about her acting roles

The musician talks about why she admires Horne so much.
Watch (02:01)
Clip

Alicia Keys doesn’t mind being compared to Lena Horne

Carroll tells the story of an early makeup session for the TV show “Julia.”
Watch (01:50)
Clip

Diahann Carroll talks race and makeup while filming "Julia"

Producer, actor and writer Lena Waithe on the mixed feelings Blaxploitation evokes.
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Clip

Lena Waithe on mixed feelings towards Blaxploitation

Historian Ruth Feldstein on the role of women entertainers in the civil rights movement.
Watch (01:08)
Clip

The role of women entertainers in the civil rights movement

Having a role model on TV who looked like her made a big difference for Halle Berry.
Watch (01:57)
Clip

Halle Berry on how seeing Diahann Caroll on TV changed her

Waithe describes how Tyson's natural hair was an inspiration to many others.
Watch (01:58)
Clip

Lena Waithe on why Cicely Tyson's hair was revolutionary

How six iconic African American female entertainers challenged the entertainment industry.
Watch (00:30)
Preview

How It Feels To Be Free documentary

All Episodes

American Masters: Season 35

Becoming Helen Keller (Extended Audio Description Version): asset-mezzanine-16x9
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Becoming Helen Keller (Extended Audio Description Version)

Becoming Helen Keller: asset-mezzanine-16x9
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Watch (1:22:50)

Becoming Helen Keller

Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It: asset-mezzanine-16x9
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Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It

Buddy Guy: The Blues Chase The Blues Away: asset-mezzanine-16x9
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Buddy Guy: The Blues Chase The Blues Away

Ballerina Boys: asset-mezzanine-16x9
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Ballerina Boys

Amy Tan: Unintended Memoir: asset-mezzanine-16x9
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Amy Tan: Unintended Memoir

About the Program

American Masters

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

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Program Specials & Extras

Comedian Susie Essman talks about the unique traits of "Curb Your Enthusiasm."
Watch (08:45)
Special

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

Discover the life and legacy of former U.S. Senator and diplomat Daniel Patrick Moynihan.
Watch (1:44:19)
Special

Moynihan (Extended Audio Description)

Discover the life and legacy of former U.S. Senator and diplomat Daniel Patrick Moynihan.
Watch (1:43:31)
Special

Moynihan (ASL)

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