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Archive Interview Highlights

Watch curated interviews from The American Masters Digital Archive. The full collection includes over 1,000 hours of never-before-seen, raw interviews: a treasure trove of the movers and shakers of American culture, including Maya Angelou, Patti Smith, Mel Brooks, Carol Burnett, Matthew Broderick, Carl Reiner, Joan Rivers, Dionne Warwick, Lee Grant, Sidney Lumet, Betty White and many others.

Full Collection

Harvey Fierstein on gay representation on Broadway and its deep history WATCH: 13:08
Harvey Fierstein on gay representation on Broadway and its deep history
Harvey Fierstein talks to director Michael Kantor backstage during the production of "Hairspray."
When Ringo Starr met Mae West WATCH: 10:00
When Ringo Starr met Mae West
Ringo Starr describes his friendship with Mae West.
Mel Brooks' wild ride to his first Broadway show ever WATCH: 5:44
Mel Brooks' wild ride to his first Broadway show ever
Mel Brooks talks about the first Broadway show he ever saw—Cole Porter's "Anything Goes."
John Kander and Fred Ebb on “Cabaret,” creativity and collaboration WATCH: 5:56
John Kander and Fred Ebb on “Cabaret,” creativity and collaboration
Composer John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb talk about how they have worked together.
Isabella Rossellini compares her acting and modeling WATCH: 28:24
Isabella Rossellini compares her acting and modeling
Isabella Rossellini discusses her acting versus modeling career.
Quincy Jones explains how he got started in music WATCH: 15:00
Quincy Jones explains how he got started in music
Quincy Jones discusses his early career, friendships and how he defines himself.
How Phyllis Diller broke down the doors for female comics WATCH: 11:35
How Phyllis Diller broke down the doors for female comics
Phyllis Diller reflects on how her comedy was a response to years of “take my wife” jokes.
How Lily Tomlin found liberation in exploring her Laugh-In characters WATCH: 12:35
How Lily Tomlin found liberation in exploring her Laugh-In characters
Lily Tomlin speaks about her time on Laugh-In and how she developed her characters.
Paul Mooney on his career and relationship with Richard Pryor WATCH: 10:39
Paul Mooney on his career and relationship with Richard Pryor
Paul Mooney reflects on the mechanics of stand-up and his role as Richard Pryor's best friend.
Jeff Foxworthy on how every American might be a "redneck" WATCH: 15:41
Jeff Foxworthy on how every American might be a "redneck"
Jeff Foxworthy discusses regionalism in comedy and why "redneck" is a state of mind.
Joan Rivers finds humor in being yourself WATCH: 9:59
Joan Rivers finds humor in being yourself
Joan Rivers speaks about her experience as a female comic in the early 60s.
Conan O’Brien gets serious about silliness WATCH: 15:32
Conan O’Brien gets serious about silliness
Conan O’Brien speaks about his style of late night and his reason for doing comedy.