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Lena Waithe on mixed feelings towards Blaxploitation

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Lena Waithe on mixed feelings towards Blaxploitation American Masters

Premiered January 18, 2021
Lena Waithe on mixed feelings towards Blaxploitation

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

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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.
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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.
Watch (01:59)
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

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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."
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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.
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Moynihan (Extended Audio Description)

Discover the life and legacy of former U.S. Senator and diplomat Daniel Patrick Moynihan.
This Episode's video requires a Passport account.
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Moynihan (ASL)

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