Biography (1987)
Biography is a documentary television series. It was originally a half-hour filmed series produced for CBS by David Wolper from 1961 to 1964 and hosted by Mike Wallace. The A&E Network later re-ran it and has produced new episodes since 1987. The older version featured historical figures such as Helen Keller and Mark Twain, or long-dead entertainment figures such as Will Rogers or John Barrymore. The A&E series has placed the emphasis on such people as Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Plácido Domingo, Freddie Mercury, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Eric Clapton, Pope John Paul II, Gene Tierney, Selena, Diego Rivera, Mao Zedong and Queen Elizabeth II, and fictional characters like The Phantom, Superman, Hamlet, Betty Boop, and Santa Claus. The program ended up profiling enough figures that in 1999, A&E spun it off into an entire network, The Biography Channel.
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Episode 1 - Harry S. Truman
Release Date:Harry S. Truman
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Episode 2 - Henry Ford: Tin Lizzy Tycoon
Release Date: 1994-07-21His vision revolutionized industry, transformed life as we know it--and made him very, very rich.
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Episode 3 - Mata Hari
Release Date:Mata Hari
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Episode 4 - Paul Revere
Release Date:Paul Revere
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Episode 5 - Bruce Lee: The Immortal Dragon
Release Date: 1994-01-18A video tribute to a martial arts legend, Bruce Lee. Examined are his early years in Hong Kong and his journey to Hollywood, his role of Kato on the TV series 'The Green Hornet', and his years as the martial arts instructor to the stars. Lee's spectacular rise to super stardom through his Kung Fu films is detailed, with a revealing look at both the on-screen action and behind the scenes controversy. Celebrity interviews include actor James Coburn talking about Lee as a teacher and collaborator, and actress Diane McBain on Lee's Kato years. Lee's successors in martial arts cinema are profiled, and theories offered about mysterious deaths of Bruce Lee and his son Brandon. Plus rare footage and more! Although his life was cut short at the age of 32, Bruce Lee-- through his movies and his teachings-- will forever be remembered as the Immortal Dragon!
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Episode 6 - Sid Caesar: Television's Comedy Genius
Release Date: 1994-04-12The life of comedy genius Sid Caesar with interviews and film clips
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Episode 7 - The Rockefellers
Release Date: 1994-05-30The Rockefellers
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Episode 8 - Teddy: A Kennedy Portrait
Release Date: 1994-06-03Teddy: A Kennedy Portrait
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Episode 9 - General Omar Bradley
Release Date: 1994-06-06Files and footage from the archives of the U.S. Naval Institute highlight this profile of the military genius who prepared America's forces for World War II.
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Episode 10 - Marilyn Monroe - Behind the Legend
Release Date: 1994-06-10One-hour A&E biography hosted by Jack Perkins showing the life story of Marilyn with archival footage.
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Episode 11 - Houdini: The Great Escape
Release Date: 1994-06-20Documentary about Harry Houdini (1874-1926) which includes on camera appearances by Patrick Culliton, Penn and Teller, and Houdini's last living assistant, Dorothy Young.
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Episode 12 - George Washington: Founding Father
Release Date: 1994-06-24Explore the truths and explode the myths of the man who remains "First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen."
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Episode 13 - Christa McAuliffe: Teacher in Space
Release Date: 1994-07-11Christa McAuliffe: Teacher in Space
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Episode 14 - Wilbur and Orville: Dreams of Flying
Release Date: 1994-07-12Wilbur and Orville: Dreams of Flying
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Episode 15 - Gene Roddenberry: Star Trek and Beyond
Release Date: 1994-07-14Biography of "Star Trek" creator Gene Roddenberry.
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Episode 16 - Donald Trump: Master of the Deal
Release Date: 1994-07-21From his days on top of the world in the glitzy eighties to his decline and remarkable rebirth, chronicle the astonishing life of the modern Midas whose name is synonymous with wealth.
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Episode 17 - Frank Capra: Mr. Capra Goes to America
Release Date: 1994-07-25Frank Capra's rise to fame as one of early Hollywood's most acclaimed directors.
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Episode 18 - Davy Crockett: American Frontier Legend
Release Date: 1994-08-01He is known to millions as "the King of the Wild Frontier," but the real story of Davy Crockett is not nearly as familiar as his name.
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Episode 19 - Roy Rogers: American Legend
Release Date: 1994-08-02Roy Rogers, along with his wife Dale Evans, and horse Trigger become icons of the western genre.
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Episode 20 - Willie Nelson
Release Date: 1994-08-04Here's Willie Nelson's official, authorized biography! "Willie Nelson: My Life" is the close-up portrait of America's favorite singer/songwriter, from the days he sold one of his early hits, Family Bible, for $50 to buy milk for his children through his long struggle to superstardom. Included are frank and sometimes humorous interviews with Willie and his friends Ray Charles (who duets with Wilie on the song "Seven Spanish Angels"), Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Emmylou Harris, Sydney Pollack, Gary Busey, Mel Tillis, Ray Price, Jerry Jeff Walker and others.
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Episode 21 - Patsy Cline: Remembering Patsy
Release Date: 1994-08-05Patsy Cline died in a plane crash on March 5, 1963. Now, her musical legacy lives on in Remembering Patsy. This heartfelt celebration features 17 great Patsy Cline songs, and 10 rare television appearances, recently discovered and never before seen on video. You'll meet Patsy through her intimate home movies, her personal letters, as read by Arista recording artist Michele Wright, and the fond reminiscences of Patsy's husband, Charlie Dick, and Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn, George Jones, Mel Tillis, Roy Clark, Eddy Arnold, Bill Anderson and Jan Howard. A new generation of stars including Trisha Yearwood, k.d. lang, Ronna Reeves, Lisa Stewart, and Marsha Thorntorn, add insight into Patsy's influence and proof positive that Patsy Cline does live on in her music.
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Episode 22 - W.C. Fields: Behind the Laughter
Release Date: 1994-08-08W.C. Fields: Behind the Laughter
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Episode 23 - Eleanor Roosevelt: A Restless Spirit
Release Date: 1994-08-30One of this century's most respected and admired figures, she was a humanitarian who transformed the place of women in society, and in the White House. Eleanor Roosevelt created the tradition of the activist First Lady. A pioneer among Presidents' wives, she formed a staff, held press conferences, and defined an agenda beyond that of homemaker. She fought for Civil Rights, for women and the oppressed. Yet this towering public figure was also an orphan whose family was destroyed by alcoholism, the unhappy wife of a philandering husband, and a passionate friend. Experts and scholars finally succeed in connecting her public and private lives in this unique and intimate portrait. Revisit the complete, inspiring life story of Eleanor Roosevelt, champion of freedom and human dignity.
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Episode 24 - The Babe: The Story of Babe Ruth
Release Date: 1994-09-01Revisit the life of the immortal slugger whose incredible ability to hit home runs was matched only by his appetite for good living.
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Episode 25 - Pope John Paul II: Statesman of Faith
Release Date: 1994-09-12Pope John Paul II: Statesman of Faith
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Episode 26 - Bette Davis: If Looks Could Kill
Release Date: 1994-09-13Share the magical memories - and see clips from her Oscar winning performances - in this profile of the "First Lady of the American screen."
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Episode 27 - Gilda Radner: In Her Own Words
Release Date: 1994-09-14The life of comedian and original "Saturday Night Live" star Gilda Radner.
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Episode 28 - Benjamin Franklin: Citizen of the World
Release Date: 1994-09-15Franklin's own words come alive in this detailed portrait of America's first great statesman and Renaissance man.
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Episode 29 - Mike Tyson: Fallen Champ
Release Date: 1994-09-16Mike Tyson: Fallen Champ
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Episode 30 - Michelangelo: Artist and Man
Release Date: 1994-09-21Examine the broad canvas of Michelangelo's life and legacy to probe the very soul of the artist who was recognized as a genius in his own lifetime.
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Episode 31 - Edgar Allan Poe: The Mystery of Edgar Allan Poe
Release Date: 1994-10-27Descend into the dark world and tragic life of the melancholy author who is the uncontested master of the macabre, and hear excerpts from his famous works.
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Episode 32 - Cleopatra: Destiny's Queen
Release Date: 1994-11-25Ancient art and period accounts, along with commentary from the world's leading Egyptologists brings the fabled story of Cleopatra to life.
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Episode 33 - Van Cliburn: Concert Pianist
Release Date: 1994-12-01Biography of the legendary pianist, and his 1994 summer tour.
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Episode 34 - Admiral William 'Bull' Halsey
Release Date: 1994-12-05Admiral William 'Bull' Halsey
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Episode 35 - FDR: The War Years
Release Date: 1994-12-06Follow the life and career of the famed politician in the years before he became president, and explore the forces that shaped his vision.
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Episode 36 - Hirohito
Release Date: 1994-12-07Hirohito
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Episode 37 - Clint Eastwood: The Man from Malpaso
Release Date: 1994-12-11A look at the life and career of actor/director Clint Eastwood, including scenes from his past film and television work and interviews with friends, fellow actors and crew members who have worked with him over the years.
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Episode 38 - Santa Claus
Release Date: 1994-12-19A look at the "life' of Santa Claus from his beginnings as the real Saint Nicholas of Myra to the modern American and pop culture icon of Christmas.
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Episode 39 - Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop
Release Date: 1994-12-20A look at the career of the entertainer and puppeteer and her sassy sheep character.
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Episode 40 - Stooges: The Men Behind the Mayhem
Release Date: 1994-12-23For six decades, the Three Stooges ran amuck in a riotous frenzy of eye-poking, ear-slapping, kicks, jabs, punches and frying pans to the cranium. Now Laughsmith Entertainment and A&E offer fans of the Moronic Maestros a chance to relive the Golden Age of Stoogery. Through rare recordings, exclusive interviews and outtakes of behind-the-scenes antics, "Stooges: The Men behind the Mayhem" tells the pure, uncensored Stooge story--from the early vaudeville years with Shemp and Ted Healy, through the golden years at Columbia Pictures with Curly, to the final feature films with Curly Joe DeRita, "the last Stooge." Whether you're fascinated by the unrestrained id, or just enjoy the good, clean humor of pliers applied to the nose, you'll find something to love in this in-depth look at America's most beloved madcaps The Three Stooges!
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Episode 41 - FDR: Years of Crisis
Release Date: 1994-12-26 -
Episode 42 - Andrew Carnegie: Prince of Steel
Release Date: 1995-01-01 -
Episode 43 - Andrew Jackson: A Man for the People
Release Date: 1995-01-03A portrait of "Old Hickory," President Andrew Jackson (1767-1845), from his Tennessee law days through his military career to his tenure as the seventh U.S. President. Included: interviews with historians. Monte Markham is the narrator.
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Episode 44 - Aristotle Onassis: The Golden Greek
Release Date: 1995-01-04 -
Episode 45 - Attila: Scourge of God
Release Date: 1995-01-05 -
Episode 46 - Benedict Arnold: Triumph and Treason
Release Date: 1995-01-06 -
Episode 47 - Charles Dickens: A Tale of Ambition and Genius
Release Date: 1995-01-09 -
Episode 48 - Charles Manson: Journey into Evil
Release Date: 1995-01-10 -
Episode 49 - Charlton Heston: For All Seasons
Release Date: 1995-01-11 -
Episode 50 - Christopher Columbus: Explorer of the New World
Release Date: 1995-01-12 -
Episode 51 - Crazy Horse: The Last Warrior
Release Date: 1995-01-13 -
Episode 52 - Daniel Boone
Release Date: 1995-01-16 -
Episode 53 - Genghis Khan: Terror and Conquest
Release Date: 1995-01-17 -
Episode 54 - George Custer: Showdown at the Little Bighorn
Release Date: 1995-01-18 -
Episode 55 - Goebbels: Master of Propaganda
Release Date: 1995-01-19 -
Episode 56 - H.G. Wells: Time Traveler
Release Date: 1995-01-20 -
Episode 57 - Hercules: Power of the Gods
Release Date: 1995-01-23 -
Episode 58 - Huey Long: The Kingfish
Release Date: 1995-01-24 -
Episode 59 - Jack the Ripper: Phantom of Death
Release Date: 1995-01-25 -
Episode 60 - John Dillinger: Public Enemy #1
Release Date: 1995-01-26 -
Episode 61 - John Wilkes Booth: Assassin in the Spotlight
Release Date: 1995-01-27 -
Episode 62 - Lee Harvey Oswald: An American Tragedy
Release Date: 1995-01-30 -
Episode 63 - Leif Ericson: Voyages of a Viking
Release Date: 1995-01-31 -
Episode 64 - Malcolm X: A Search for Identity
Release Date: 1995-02-01 -
Episode 65 - Marco Polo: Journey to the East
Release Date: 1995-02-02 -
Episode 66 - Mozart
Release Date: 1995-02-03 -
Episode 67 - Nostradamus: Prophet of Doom
Release Date: 1995-02-06 -
Episode 68 - Patrick Henry: Voice of Liberty
Release Date: 1995-02-07 -
Episode 69 - Ponce de León: The First Conquistador
Release Date: 1995-02-08 -
Episode 70 - Sherlock Holmes: The Great Detective
Release Date: 1995-02-09 -
Episode 71 - Sitting Bull: Chief of the Lakota Nation
Release Date: 1995-02-10 -
Episode 72 - Susan B. Anthony: Rebel for the Cause
Release Date: 1995-02-13 -
Episode 73 - The Gettys: A Tragedy of Riches
Release Date: 1995-02-14 -
Episode 74 - The James Gang: Outlaw Brothers
Release Date: 1995-02-15 -
Episode 75 - The Red Baron: Master of the Air
Release Date: 1995-02-16 -
Episode 76 - The Vanderbilts: An American Dynasty
Release Date: 1995-02-17 -
Episode 77 - Theodore Roosevelt: Roughrider to Rushmore
Release Date: 1995-02-20 -
Episode 78 - Thomas Jefferson: Philosopher of Freedom
Release Date: 1995-02-21 -
Episode 79 - Tokyo Rose: Victim of Propaganda
Release Date: 1995-02-22 -
Episode 80 - Wild Bill Hickock: Gentleman of the Old West
Release Date: 1995-02-23 -
Episode 81 - Yitzhak Rabin: Soldier of Peace
Release Date: 1995-02-24