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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

Jerry Seinfeld on his place in American sitcom history WATCH: 16:01
Jerry Seinfeld on his place in American sitcom history
Jerry Seinfeld discusses his collaboration with Larry David and the evolution of the sitcom.
Susie Essman WATCH: 8:45
Susie Essman on "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and the unique "genius” of Larry David
Comedian Susie Essman talks about the unique traits of "Curb Your Enthusiasm."
Louis Gossett, Jr. honors Maya Angelou's storytelling impact WATCH: 19:53
Louis Gossett, Jr. honors Maya Angelou's storytelling impact
Lou Gossett, Jr. discusses Dr. Maya Angelou’s role as a "matriarch."
Jerry Lewis on comedy and his bond with Sammy Davis, Jr. WATCH: 9:45
Jerry Lewis on comedy and his bond with Sammy Davis, Jr.
Jerry Lewis talks about becoming a comedian and his friendship with Sammy Davis, Jr.
Neil Young on David Geffen’s success as a media mogul WATCH: 15:10
Neil Young on David Geffen’s success as a media mogul
Neil Young speaks about David Geffen’s role as a performer in the art of the deal.
How Rita Moreno auditioned and rehearsed for West Side Story WATCH: 20:32
How Rita Moreno auditioned and rehearsed for West Side Story
Rita Moreno reflects on the 1961 production of "West Side Story."
How Billy Crystal learned to imitate Sammy Davis, Jr. WATCH: 19:23
How Billy Crystal learned to imitate Sammy Davis, Jr.
Billy Crystal speaks on his admiration for and working relationship with Sammy Davis, Jr.
John Singleton on having Maya Angelou as a mentor WATCH: 13:33
John Singleton on having Maya Angelou as a mentor
John Singleton came to Maya Angelou for guidance while working on "Poetic Justice."
Steve Martin on how David Geffen thrived through friendships WATCH: 14:41
Steve Martin on how David Geffen thrived through friendships
Steve Martin discusses how David Geffen found Hollywood success through his friendships.
Filmmaker Jonas Mekas on living in Andy Warhol's New York WATCH: 22:21
Filmmaker Jonas Mekas on living in Andy Warhol's New York
Filmmaker Jonas Mekas describes the burgeoning art scene of New York City in the 1960s.
André Leon Talley on Mae West’s impact on fashion and style WATCH: 15:24
André Leon Talley on Mae West’s impact on fashion and style
André Leon Talley recounts how Mae West used fashion and her sexuality to empower herself.
Fran Drescher on being a showrunner for the American sitcom WATCH: 21:12
Fran Drescher on being a showrunner for the American sitcom
Fran Drescher talks about how she took inspiration from Lucille Ball for "The Nanny."