American Masters

John Singleton on having Maya Angelou as a mentor

On April 23, 2014, director John Singleton reflected upon coming to Maya Angelou for guidance while working on his film "Poetic Justice," and how Angelou influenced him and Tupac on the set of the film and in the years after. Interview conducted for "Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise" (2017), directed by Rita Coburn and Bob Hercules.

John Singleton on having Maya Angelou as a mentor

13m 33s

  • Neil Young on David Geffen’s success as a media mogul: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Neil Young on David Geffen’s success as a media mogul

    15m 10s

    On November 29, 2011, Neil Young spoke about David Geffen’s role as a performer in the art of the deal and how the media mogul found success in the behind-the-scenes action. Interview conducted by director Susan Lacy for "Inventing David Geffen" (2012).

  • How Rita Moreno auditioned and rehearsed for West Side Story: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    How Rita Moreno auditioned and rehearsed for West Side Story

    20m 32s

    On December 12, 2006, Rita Moreno reflected on how Jerome Robbins’ toughness as a director and choreographer shaped the 1961 production of "West Side Story" and helped her sharpen her skillset. Interview conducted by director Judy Kinberg for "Jerome Robbins: Something to Dance About" (2009).

  • How Billy Crystal learned to imitate Sammy Davis, Jr.: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    How Billy Crystal learned to imitate Sammy Davis, Jr.

    19m 23s

    On May 10, 2016, director Sam Pollard interviewed Billy Crystal about his admiration for and working relationship with Sammy Davis, Jr., who he would later impersonate on "Saturday Night Live." Interview conducted for "Sammy Davis Jr.: I've Gotta Be Me" (2019).

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