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Explore an elite few of the 20th century's greatest figures in this biography series.
This unique and stylish new biography series explores an elite few of the 20th century's greatest figures. Each chapter in these artfully-crafted episodes is inspired by some of the most memorable words spoken by these world icons. "In Their Own Words" sheds light on key moments in their lives, illuminating their fascinating personalities and spotlighting their profound significance.
This unique and stylish new biography series explores an elite few of the 20th century's greatest figures. Each chapter in these artfully-crafted episodes is inspired by some of the most memorable words spoken by these world icons. "In Their Own Words" sheds light on key moments in their lives, illuminating their fascinating personalities and spotlighting their profound significance.
Providing Support for PBS.org
Providing Support for PBS.org
About the Show
"In Their Own Words" is a unique biography series that explores an elite few of the 20th century’s greatest figures. The inaugural season features episodes on a diverse trio of extraordinary subjects: three-time World Heavyweight Champion boxer Muhammad Ali, Muppets creator Jim Henson, and Britain’s long-reigning monarch Queen Elizabeth II.

Each chapter in these artfully crafted biographies is inspired, and marked by, some of the most memorable words spoken by these world icons: words that describe the subject creatively and intimately. These memorable quotes keynote the storytelling, as each sequence sheds new light on key moments in our subjects’ lives, illuminating their fascinating personalities and spotlighting their profound cultural and historical impact for a new generation of television viewers.
Episode 1 | Queen Elizabeth II
The film follows the Queen’s remarkable life, from her youth – when few expected she’d ever wear the crown – to her uncle Edward VIII’s stunning abdication, her father’s coronation as King George VI, her experience during World War Two, her own sudden ascension to the throne, and her eventful reign of more than 60 years.
Episode 2 | Muhammad Ali
The film follows Ali’s rise from the Columbia Gym in Louisville to international fame, as he transcended his great athletic achievements to become one of the most influential Americans of his time: how this once polarizing figure ultimately became a beloved and honored national hero.
Episode 3 | Jim Henson
The film follows Henson’s career from his first work with his Muppets in the early 1950’s during television’s Golden Age up to his sudden and shocking death in 1990, as he transcended puppetry to become one of the most creative, prolific and influential artists of his time.
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