She helped introduce balsamic vinegar, sun-dried tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, and numerous delectable dishes to America despite not being able to write in English.
Playlist American Masters
American Masters
The "Architect" of Conservatism in America is the Subject of a New 'American Masters'
Daniel HautzingerThe Incomparable Mr. Buckley examines the life of William F. Buckley, Jr. with an eye toward the rise of the conservatism he espoused and how it was eclipsed – how we got to our present moment. We spoke to the filmmaker.
Edward Hopper's Iconic 'Nighthawks'
Daniel HautzingerEdward Hopper is the subject of a new American Masters documentary. His most famous painting – one of the most famous American images – was acquired by the Art Institute of Chicago the year he painted it.
Ethan Lim's Cambodian-Inspired Fine Dining Puts Guests at Ease and Summons Memories
Daniel HautzingerAt his Chicago restaurant Hermosa, Ethan Lim offers Cambodian-inspired sandwiches during the day and a "Family Meal" multi-course private dining menu at night. He's the subject of a new American Masters profile.
'American Masters' Features an Opera Singer with Ties to Chicago
Daniel HautzingerJ'Nai Bridges, the subject of a new American Masters documentary, was a member of the Lyric Opera of Chicago's Ryan Opera Center for three years, and is currently singing Carmen at the Lyric. She has also worked with the Chicago area composer Shawn E. Okpebholo.
A Q&A with the Director of a New Marian Anderson Documentary
Daniel HautzingerMarian Anderson, who was the first Black soloist at the Metropolitan Opera and gave an unforgettable concert at the Lincoln Memorial after being denied the use of a concert hall, is the subject of a new American Masters profile. We spoke to the director.
Buddy Guy, American Master
Daniel HautzingerA new documentary explores the Chicago blues legend's life as he refined his craft and influenced some of rock's most famous guitarists. "It is the American story," says the filmmaker. "Buddy worked his ass off and kept at it, despite never having massive success."
Some of PBS's Best Documentaries, According to 'Esquire'
Daniel HautzingerEsquire recently pointed out that, while Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and other streaming services have been making waves with documentaries over the past few years, PBS has been offering top-level documentaries for decades.
Celebrating the 'Unsung Women Who Changed America' a Century Ago
Daniel HautzingerAmerican Masters: Unladylike2020 encompasses a documentary and series of video profiles of 26 little-known women from the turn of the twentieth century who were pioneers in their fields and fought for civil rights.
PBS Announces Local Livestreaming and 2020 Shows
Daniel HautzingerPBS has announced a local livestreaming service in partnership with YouTube, as well as some exciting new shows coming in 2020, from WTTW's Prehistoric Road Trip to the five-part Asian Americans and a pair of new documentaries, about Rita Moreno and George W. Bush.
Chicago's Pulitzer Prize Winners in Journalism
Daniel HautzingerOver the 102 years that the Pulitzer Prize has been awarded, four distinct Chicago newspapers have won, for a total of 47 Prizes. Explore the journalism winners, from someone who received a Prize posthumously to the only person to receive two Pulitzers at a Chicago paper.
From the Archive: Sammy Davis, Jr. on the Civil Rights Movement
Daniel HautzingerWatch Sammy Davis, Jr. on the pioneering show "Our People," the first televised weekly forum for black issues, discuss the ongoing empowerment of African Americans in 1968. "Don't let 'em pigeonhole me, man, cuz I will not allow myself as a black individual to be pigeonholed," he says.
Lorraine Hansberry and the House That Inspired 'A Raisin in the Sun'
Daniel HautzingerThe essential play A Raisin in the Sun is based on its playwright Lorraine Hansberry's own experience as a child moving into an all-white Chicago neighborhood, a situation that produced a Supreme Court case. Revisit the story here.
The People Who Bring Disney Films to Life
Daniel HautzingerEven though they're the ones who create what you see and love in Disney films, animators, designers, and art directors aren't household names. Discover the people responsible for Fantasia, Jafar, the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, and more, and learn about their adventurous lives.
Famous Artists Who Also Happen to Be Living Centenarians
Daniel HautzingerThe Chinese American artist Tyrus Wong, responsible for the artistic look of Bambi and subject of a new American Masters documentary, lived to be 106 years old. What famous artists born more than a century ago are still living – some even working – today?
