Biography
2009
TV-PG
First hosted by veteran actor Peter Graves, and later by Jack Perkins, this popular Arts and Entertainment Network series profiled the lives of notable figures in the history of entertainment, sports, arts, science, politics and warfare. The show is notable for its in-depth research, which often provides viewers with little-known information about well-known people.
Where to Watch Biography • 2009
42 Episodes
- Bill GatesE6
Bill GatesFrom college dropout to the world's richest man, follow the amazing journey of the sultan of software. He dropped out of Harvard to build a software business. The company he founded is one of the biggest in the world, and his programs now run on 95% of computers. Bill Gates is an American icon for the silicon age, a tech nerd who turned his genius into the world's largest personal fortune, an entrepreneur who built a dominant company from the ground up according to his vision. From his privileged childhood to his recent battles with the Justice Department, BIOGRAPHY® profiles the "Sultan of Software" through interviews with those who know him best, including his mother and father. Get a glimpse of Gates the businessman through the eyes of Microsoft Co-Chairman Steven Ballmer, while childhood and college friends offer a more personal portrait. From the birth of MS-DOS to his increasing ventures beyond the world of computing, this is a compelling profile of one of the most influential businessmen of the century. - Freddie MercuryE9
Freddie MercuryFreddie Mercury Freddie Mercury, originally named Faroukh Bulsara, grew up in India and moved to Britain in 1964 to work for a time in Heathrow airport. Initially a vocalist in a band called Wreckage, Mercury joined Queen in 1971. At this point the band was made up of ex-Smile members Brian May on guitar and Rodger Taylor on drums. John Deacon answered an advert in the music press to become the band's bassist. Their early career saw them release the poorly received album 'Queen' in 1973, and go on tour extensively, supporting Mott the Hoople. Their second album, 'Queen 2', gave them their first hit single: 'Seven Seas Of Rye'. They gradually found a loyal audience in a difficult time for music; Freddie made a charismatic front man and the band worked together as a skilful team. 'Sheer Heart Attack' and 'A Night At The Opera' followed, the former bearing 'Killer Queen', the latter 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. This epic song was a record breaker, remaining the longest running number one for twenty years. Mercury wrote the catchy number 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love', from the album 'The Game', released in 1980, the same year that the band penned the score to 'Flash Gordon'. Mercury's solo work included material for the soundtracks to 'Electric Dreams' and 'Metropolis'. His version of 'The Great Pretender' was a hit in 1987. He recorded an album and single, 'Barcelona', with opera diva Montserrat Caballe, for the Barcelona Olympics. The group worked together again on 'The Miracle' and 'Innuendo', which was the last material to be released before Freddie's tragic death from AIDS in November 1991. He only admitted he was suffering from the virus the day before his death. On 22 November 1991, Mercury had called Queen's manager Jim Beach over to his Kensington home, to discuss a public statement. The next day, 23 November, the following announcement was made to the press: "Following the enormous conjecture in the press over the last two weeks, I wis - Moses and the Ten CommandmentsE10
Moses and the Ten CommandmentsAlthough chosen by God to receive the Ten Commandments and lead the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt, Moses was often plagued by self-doubt. This A&E Biography special examines the complex life of this Biblical figure, telling his story through interviews with experts and illustrating it with images of rare paintings and artifacts, as well as beautiful location photography. Though born of Hebrew slaves and always a reluctant prophet, Moses nonetheless managed to free God's people from the Pharaoh's chains of slavery, under which they had lived for centuries. - Tragic Side of ComedyE11
Tragic Side of ComedyWhy do those who make us laugh the hardest seem to have the most troubled souls? This two-hour event will look at the fantastic rises and fatal descents of such stars as John Belushi, Chris Farley, Phil Hartman, and others uncovering the reasons why the gift of laughter often comes with such a steep price tag. We'll hear from friends, lovers, colleagues, psychiatrists, authors and more going deep inside the troubled lives and hysterical work of some of the greatest comic minds of our time. - Diff'rent Strokes
E12Diff'rent StrokesWhat do a softcore porn star-turned-armed robber, a rehabilitated coke addict, and a bankrupt 4'8" 40-year-old have in common? They were the child stars of Diff'rent Strokes, the popular NBC/ABC sitcom that aired from the late '70s to the mid '80s. From what happened behind the scenes to what went wrong after the cameras stopped rolling, we'll find out what the gang was really talkin' about when Gary Coleman would ask, "Wha'choo talkin' 'bout, Willis?" - Beverly Hills, 90210E16
Beverly Hills, 90210"Beverly Hills, 90210" invents the genre of primetime teenage soap opera and paves the way for a generation of imitators. In 1990 Beverly Hills 90210 was the most exciting teen drama that had ever hit the airwaves-it was also the most controversial. In this revealing behind-the-scenes look at one of the most iconic television series from the '90s relive the friendships the scandals and the gutsy storylines that brought 90210 cast members unbridled fame. Learn how the stars of the show were originally cast and why the program was initially panned by critics. Discover how the show created a new genre-the prime-time teenage soap opera-and how it paved the way for a generation of angst-ridden dramas from Party of Five to Felicity to Dawson's Creek. Finally find out what happened to the cast after they stepped off the set for the final time in 2000. Featuring no-holds-barred interviews with cast members and critics as well as archival footage from some of the show's most notable moments BIO-® presents the real story behind BEVERLY HILLS 90210. - Kirstie Alley
E19Kirstie AlleyKirstie Alley won an Emmy for playing Rebecca Howe, the neediest soul in the bar where everyone knows your name, and then won a second in the made-for-TV movie, David's Mother. She has also starred in the enormously popular Look Who's Talking movies as well as her own sitcom vehicle, Veronica's Closet. Now, though, she's more known for her continuing struggle to keep her weight under control - a battle she has both won and lost over the years. - Robert DeNiro
E20Robert DeNiroWidely considered one of the greatest actors of all time, this is the story of two-time Academy Award-winner Robert DeNiro. DeNiro grew up in his New York's Little Italy, the son of divorced parents, known then simply as "Bobby Milk." We'll follow him as he drops out of school, joins a local street gang before finding his way to the stage and subsequently to the big screen. We'll go inside his over-the-top method acting rituals, look at how he snagged famous roles in such films as The Godfather II, Taxi Driver, Raging Bull and The Goodfellas as well as his more recent comedic performances in Meet the Parents. - Sarah Jessica ParkerE25
Sarah Jessica ParkerShe grew up on Broadway (playing the lead role in Annie at age 12) and was a familiar face in the '80s (Footloose and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun), but it wasn't until Sarah Jessica Parker was in her '30s that she became the cultural icon that she is today. Her Biography explores how the funny-faced girl from Ohio became a producer, a fashion industry muse, and a recipient of multiple Golden Globe Awards, Emmys, and SAG Awards... and how she picked up Robert Downey Jr., JFK Jr., and Matthew Broderick along the way. - Woody HarrelsonE27
Woody HarrelsonPortrait of the actor who was plucked from obscurity and found stardom on the hit TV sitcom Cheers. Harrelson became a violent youth when his father was sent to jail. He started acting in high school, and nailed the audition for Cheers after hearing about the casting call from a friend. He went on to star in White Men Can't Jump and such controversial movies as Natural Born Killers and The People vs. Larry Flynt. Harrelson also became a vegan, took up yoga, and became an activist--he was arrested for climbing the Golden Gate Bridge in an effort to protect California's redwoods. - Norman Rockwell: An American PortraitE34
Norman Rockwell: An American PortraitThis Biography video spotlights Norman Rockwell, the complicated painter who produced the glorious and uncomplicated illustrations that thrilled readers for decades and helped to shape the nation. In a career spanning 60 years, Norman Rockwell produced over 320 covers for the Saturday Evening Post.
