Biography

Biography

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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Episodes

Harry S. Truman

1. Harry S. Truman

Harry S. Truman

Henry Ford: Tin Lizzy Tycoon

2. Henry Ford: Tin Lizzy Tycoon

His vision revolutionized industry, transformed life as we know it--and made him very, very rich.

Mata Hari

3. Mata Hari

Mata Hari

Paul Revere

4. Paul Revere

Paul Revere

Bruce Lee: The Immortal Dragon

5. Bruce Lee: The Immortal Dragon

A 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!

Sid Caesar: Television's Comedy Genius

6. Sid Caesar: Television's Comedy Genius

The life of comedy genius Sid Caesar with interviews and film clips

The Rockefellers

7. The Rockefellers

The Rockefellers

Teddy: A Kennedy Portrait

8. Teddy: A Kennedy Portrait

Teddy: A Kennedy Portrait

General Omar Bradley

9. General Omar Bradley

Files 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.

Marilyn Monroe - Behind the Legend

10. Marilyn Monroe - Behind the Legend

One-hour A&E biography hosted by Jack Perkins showing the life story of Marilyn with archival footage.

Houdini: The Great Escape

11. Houdini: The Great Escape

Documentary about Harry Houdini (1874-1926) which includes on camera appearances by Patrick Culliton, Penn and Teller, and Houdini's last living assistant, Dorothy Young.

George Washington: Founding Father

12. George Washington: Founding Father

Explore the truths and explode the myths of the man who remains "First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen."

Christa McAuliffe: Teacher in Space

13. Christa McAuliffe: Teacher in Space

Christa McAuliffe: Teacher in Space

Wilbur and Orville: Dreams of Flying

14. Wilbur and Orville: Dreams of Flying

Wilbur and Orville: Dreams of Flying

Gene Roddenberry: Star Trek and Beyond

15. Gene Roddenberry: Star Trek and Beyond

Biography of "Star Trek" creator Gene Roddenberry.

Donald Trump: Master of the Deal

16. Donald Trump: Master of the Deal

From 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.

Frank Capra: Mr. Capra Goes to America

17. Frank Capra: Mr. Capra Goes to America

Frank Capra's rise to fame as one of early Hollywood's most acclaimed directors.

Davy Crockett: American Frontier Legend

18. Davy Crockett: American Frontier Legend

He 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.

Roy Rogers: American Legend

19. Roy Rogers: American Legend

Roy Rogers, along with his wife Dale Evans, and horse Trigger become icons of the western genre.

Willie Nelson

20. Willie Nelson

Here'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.

Patsy Cline: Remembering Patsy

21. Patsy Cline: Remembering Patsy

Patsy 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.

W.C. Fields: Behind the Laughter

22. W.C. Fields: Behind the Laughter

W.C. Fields: Behind the Laughter

Eleanor Roosevelt: A Restless Spirit

23. Eleanor Roosevelt: A Restless Spirit

One 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.

The Babe: The Story of Babe Ruth

24. The Babe: The Story of Babe Ruth

Revisit the life of the immortal slugger whose incredible ability to hit home runs was matched only by his appetite for good living.

Pope John Paul II: Statesman of Faith

25. Pope John Paul II: Statesman of Faith

Pope John Paul II: Statesman of Faith

Bette Davis: If Looks Could Kill

26. Bette Davis: If Looks Could Kill

Share the magical memories - and see clips from her Oscar winning performances - in this profile of the "First Lady of the American screen."

Gilda Radner: In Her Own Words

27. Gilda Radner: In Her Own Words

The life of comedian and original "Saturday Night Live" star Gilda Radner.

Benjamin Franklin: Citizen of the World

28. Benjamin Franklin: Citizen of the World

Franklin's own words come alive in this detailed portrait of America's first great statesman and Renaissance man.

Mike Tyson: Fallen Champ

29. Mike Tyson: Fallen Champ

Mike Tyson: Fallen Champ

Michelangelo: Artist and Man

30. Michelangelo: Artist and Man

Examine 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.

Edgar Allan Poe: The Mystery of Edgar Allan Poe

31. Edgar Allan Poe: The Mystery of Edgar Allan Poe

Descend 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.

Cleopatra: Destiny's Queen

32. Cleopatra: Destiny's Queen

Ancient art and period accounts, along with commentary from the world's leading Egyptologists brings the fabled story of Cleopatra to life.

Van Cliburn: Concert Pianist

33. Van Cliburn: Concert Pianist

Biography of the legendary pianist, and his 1994 summer tour.

Admiral William 'Bull' Halsey

34. Admiral William 'Bull' Halsey

Admiral William 'Bull' Halsey

FDR: The War Years

35. FDR: The War Years

Follow the life and career of the famed politician in the years before he became president, and explore the forces that shaped his vision.

Hirohito

36. Hirohito

Hirohito

Clint Eastwood: The Man from Malpaso

37. Clint Eastwood: The Man from Malpaso

A 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.

Santa Claus

38. Santa Claus

A 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.

Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop

39. Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop

A look at the career of the entertainer and puppeteer and her sassy sheep character.

Stooges: The Men Behind the Mayhem

40. Stooges: The Men Behind the Mayhem

For 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!

FDR: Years of Crisis

41. FDR: Years of Crisis

Andrew Carnegie: Prince of Steel

42. Andrew Carnegie: Prince of Steel

Andrew Jackson: A Man for the People

43. Andrew Jackson: A Man for the People

A 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.

Aristotle Onassis: The Golden Greek

44. Aristotle Onassis: The Golden Greek

Attila: Scourge of God

45. Attila: Scourge of God

Benedict Arnold: Triumph and Treason

46. Benedict Arnold: Triumph and Treason

Charles Dickens: A Tale of Ambition and Genius

47. Charles Dickens: A Tale of Ambition and Genius

Charles Manson: Journey into Evil

48. Charles Manson: Journey into Evil

Charlton Heston: For All Seasons

49. Charlton Heston: For All Seasons

Christopher Columbus: Explorer of the New World

50. Christopher Columbus: Explorer of the New World

Crazy Horse: The Last Warrior

51. Crazy Horse: The Last Warrior

Daniel Boone

52. Daniel Boone

Genghis Khan: Terror and Conquest

53. Genghis Khan: Terror and Conquest

George Custer: Showdown at the Little Bighorn

54. George Custer: Showdown at the Little Bighorn

Goebbels: Master of Propaganda

55. Goebbels: Master of Propaganda

H.G. Wells: Time Traveler

56. H.G. Wells: Time Traveler

Hercules: Power of the Gods

57. Hercules: Power of the Gods

Huey Long: The Kingfish

58. Huey Long: The Kingfish

Jack the Ripper: Phantom of Death

59. Jack the Ripper: Phantom of Death

John Dillinger: Public Enemy #1

60. John Dillinger: Public Enemy #1

John Wilkes Booth: Assassin in the Spotlight

61. John Wilkes Booth: Assassin in the Spotlight

Lee Harvey Oswald: An American Tragedy

62. Lee Harvey Oswald: An American Tragedy

Leif Ericson: Voyages of a Viking

63. Leif Ericson: Voyages of a Viking

Malcolm X: A Search for Identity

64. Malcolm X: A Search for Identity

Marco Polo: Journey to the East

65. Marco Polo: Journey to the East

Mozart

66. Mozart

Nostradamus: Prophet of Doom

67. Nostradamus: Prophet of Doom

Patrick Henry: Voice of Liberty

68. Patrick Henry: Voice of Liberty

Ponce de León: The First Conquistador

69. Ponce de León: The First Conquistador

Sherlock Holmes: The Great Detective

70. Sherlock Holmes: The Great Detective

Sitting Bull: Chief of the Lakota Nation

71. Sitting Bull: Chief of the Lakota Nation

Susan B. Anthony: Rebel for the Cause

72. Susan B. Anthony: Rebel for the Cause

The Gettys: A Tragedy of Riches

73. The Gettys: A Tragedy of Riches

The James Gang: Outlaw Brothers

74. The James Gang: Outlaw Brothers

The Red Baron: Master of the Air

75. The Red Baron: Master of the Air

The Vanderbilts: An American Dynasty

76. The Vanderbilts: An American Dynasty

Theodore Roosevelt: Roughrider to Rushmore

77. Theodore Roosevelt: Roughrider to Rushmore

Thomas Jefferson: Philosopher of Freedom

78. Thomas Jefferson: Philosopher of Freedom

Tokyo Rose: Victim of Propaganda

79. Tokyo Rose: Victim of Propaganda

Wild Bill Hickock: Gentleman of the Old West

80. Wild Bill Hickock: Gentleman of the Old West

Yitzhak Rabin: Soldier of Peace

81. Yitzhak Rabin: Soldier of Peace

Episodes

American MastersAmerican ExperienceEarth at Night in ColourTop GearLegacy: The True Story of the LA LakersMessi's World Cup: The Rise of a LegendWelcome to EarthThe Men Who Built AmericaNatural WorldWho Do You Think You Are?A Real Bug's LifeInto the Unknown: Making Frozen IINatureMysteries at the MuseumSecrets of the Penguins30 for 30BaseballMegaStructures