TV series
Biography
Biography is a documentary television series. It was originally a half-hour filmed series produced for CBS by David Wolper from 1961 to 1964 and hosted by Mike Wallace. The A&E Network later re-ran it and has produced new episodes since 1987. The older version featured historical figures such as Helen Keller and Mark Twain, or long-dead entertainment figures such as Will Rogers or John Barrymore. The A&E series has placed the emphasis on such people as Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Plácido Domingo, Freddie Mercury, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Eric Clapton, Pope John Paul II, Gene Tierney, Selena, Diego Rivera, Mao Zedong and Queen Elizabeth II, and fictional characters like The Phantom, Superman, Hamlet, Betty Boop, and Santa Claus. The program ended up profiling enough figures that in 1999, A&E spun it off into an entire network, The Biography Channel.
Availability
Not streaming in United States
Checked Sep 1, 2026
Biography premiered April 6, 1987. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.
Synopsis
Biography is a documentary television series. It was originally a half-hour filmed series produced for CBS by David Wolper from 1961 to 1964 and hosted by Mike Wallace. The A&E Network later re-ran it and has produced new episodes since 1987. The older version featured historical figures such as Helen Keller and Mark Twain, or long-dead entertainment figures such as Will Rogers or John Barrymore. The A&E series has placed the emphasis on such people as Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Plácido Domingo, Freddie Mercury, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Eric Clapton, Pope John Paul II, Gene Tierney, Selena, Diego Rivera, Mao Zedong and Queen Elizabeth II, and fictional characters like The Phantom, Superman, Hamlet, Betty Boop, and Santa Claus. The program ended up profiling enough figures that in 1999, A&E spun it off into an entire network, The Biography Channel.
Season 3 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 2
Henry Ford: Tin Lizzy Tycoon
His vision revolutionized industry, transformed life as we know it--and made him very, very rich.
Where to watch Biography
Episode 5
Bruce Lee: The Immortal Dragon
A video tribute to a martial arts legend, Bruce Lee. Examined are his early years in Hong Kong and his journey to Hollywood, his role of Kato on the TV series 'The Green Hornet', and his years as the martial arts instructor to the stars. Lee's spectacular rise to super stardom through his Kung Fu films is detailed, with a revealing look at both the on-screen action and behind the scenes controversy. Celebrity interviews include actor James Coburn talking about Lee as a teacher and collaborator, and actress Diane McBain on Lee's Kato years. Lee's successors in martial arts cinema are profiled, and theories offered about mysterious deaths of Bruce Lee and his son Brandon. Plus rare footage and more! Although his life was cut short at the age of 32, Bruce Lee-- through his movies and his teachings-- will forever be remembered as the Immortal Dragon!
Where to watch BiographyEpisode 6
Sid Caesar: Television's Comedy Genius
The life of comedy genius Sid Caesar with interviews and film clips
Where to watch Biography
Episode 9
General Omar Bradley
Files and footage from the archives of the U.S. Naval Institute highlight this profile of the military genius who prepared America's forces for World War II.
Where to watch BiographyEpisode 10
Marilyn Monroe - Behind the Legend
One-hour A&E biography hosted by Jack Perkins showing the life story of Marilyn with archival footage.
Where to watch BiographyEpisode 11
Houdini: The Great Escape
Documentary about Harry Houdini (1874-1926) which includes on camera appearances by Patrick Culliton, Penn and Teller, and Houdini's last living assistant, Dorothy Young.
Where to watch BiographyEpisode 12
George Washington: Founding Father
Explore the truths and explode the myths of the man who remains "First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen."
Where to watch BiographyEpisode 13
Christa McAuliffe: Teacher in Space
Christa McAuliffe: Teacher in Space
Where to watch BiographyEpisode 14
Wilbur and Orville: Dreams of Flying
Wilbur and Orville: Dreams of Flying
Where to watch BiographyEpisode 15
Gene Roddenberry: Star Trek and Beyond
Biography of "Star Trek" creator Gene Roddenberry.
Where to watch BiographyEpisode 16
Donald Trump: Master of the Deal
From his days on top of the world in the glitzy eighties to his decline and remarkable rebirth, chronicle the astonishing life of the modern Midas whose name is synonymous with wealth.
Where to watch BiographyEpisode 17
Frank Capra: Mr. Capra Goes to America
Frank Capra's rise to fame as one of early Hollywood's most acclaimed directors.
Where to watch BiographyEpisode 18
Davy Crockett: American Frontier Legend
He is known to millions as "the King of the Wild Frontier," but the real story of Davy Crockett is not nearly as familiar as his name.
Where to watch BiographyEpisode 19
Roy Rogers: American Legend
Roy Rogers, along with his wife Dale Evans, and horse Trigger become icons of the western genre.
Where to watch BiographyEpisode 20
Willie Nelson
Here's Willie Nelson's official, authorized biography! "Willie Nelson: My Life" is the close-up portrait of America's favorite singer/songwriter, from the days he sold one of his early hits, Family Bible, for $50 to buy milk for his children through his long struggle to superstardom. Included are frank and sometimes humorous interviews with Willie and his friends Ray Charles (who duets with Wilie on the song "Seven Spanish Angels"), Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Emmylou Harris, Sydney Pollack, Gary Busey, Mel Tillis, Ray Price, Jerry Jeff Walker and others.
Where to watch BiographyEpisode 21
Patsy Cline: Remembering Patsy
Patsy Cline died in a plane crash on March 5, 1963. Now, her musical legacy lives on in Remembering Patsy. This heartfelt celebration features 17 great Patsy Cline songs, and 10 rare television appearances, recently discovered and never before seen on video. You'll meet Patsy through her intimate home movies, her personal letters, as read by Arista recording artist Michele Wright, and the fond reminiscences of Patsy's husband, Charlie Dick, and Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn, George Jones, Mel Tillis, Roy Clark, Eddy Arnold, Bill Anderson and Jan Howard. A new generation of stars including Trisha Yearwood, k.d. lang, Ronna Reeves, Lisa Stewart, and Marsha Thorntorn, add insight into Patsy's influence and proof positive that Patsy Cline does live on in her music.
Where to watch BiographyEpisode 22
W.C. Fields: Behind the Laughter
W.C. Fields: Behind the Laughter
Where to watch BiographyEpisode 23
Eleanor Roosevelt: A Restless Spirit
One of this century's most respected and admired figures, she was a humanitarian who transformed the place of women in society, and in the White House. Eleanor Roosevelt created the tradition of the activist First Lady. A pioneer among Presidents' wives, she formed a staff, held press conferences, and defined an agenda beyond that of homemaker. She fought for Civil Rights, for women and the oppressed. Yet this towering public figure was also an orphan whose family was destroyed by alcoholism, the unhappy wife of a philandering husband, and a passionate friend. Experts and scholars finally succeed in connecting her public and private lives in this unique and intimate portrait. Revisit the complete, inspiring life story of Eleanor Roosevelt, champion of freedom and human dignity.
Where to watch BiographyEpisode 24
The Babe: The Story of Babe Ruth
Revisit the life of the immortal slugger whose incredible ability to hit home runs was matched only by his appetite for good living.
Where to watch BiographyEpisode 25
Pope John Paul II: Statesman of Faith
Pope John Paul II: Statesman of Faith
Where to watch BiographyEpisode 26
Bette Davis: If Looks Could Kill
Share the magical memories - and see clips from her Oscar winning performances - in this profile of the "First Lady of the American screen."
Where to watch BiographyEpisode 27
Gilda Radner: In Her Own Words
The life of comedian and original "Saturday Night Live" star Gilda Radner.
Where to watch BiographyEpisode 28
Benjamin Franklin: Citizen of the World
Franklin's own words come alive in this detailed portrait of America's first great statesman and Renaissance man.
Where to watch BiographyEpisode 30
Michelangelo: Artist and Man
Examine the broad canvas of Michelangelo's life and legacy to probe the very soul of the artist who was recognized as a genius in his own lifetime.
Where to watch BiographyEpisode 31
Edgar Allan Poe: The Mystery of Edgar Allan Poe
Descend into the dark world and tragic life of the melancholy author who is the uncontested master of the macabre, and hear excerpts from his famous works.
Where to watch BiographyEpisode 32
Cleopatra: Destiny's Queen
Ancient art and period accounts, along with commentary from the world's leading Egyptologists brings the fabled story of Cleopatra to life.
Where to watch BiographyEpisode 33
Van Cliburn: Concert Pianist
Biography of the legendary pianist, and his 1994 summer tour.
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Episode 35
FDR: The War Years
Follow the life and career of the famed politician in the years before he became president, and explore the forces that shaped his vision.
Where to watch BiographyEpisode 37
Clint Eastwood: The Man from Malpaso
A look at the life and career of actor/director Clint Eastwood, including scenes from his past film and television work and interviews with friends, fellow actors and crew members who have worked with him over the years.
Where to watch BiographyEpisode 38
Santa Claus
A look at the "life' of Santa Claus from his beginnings as the real Saint Nicholas of Myra to the modern American and pop culture icon of Christmas.
Where to watch BiographyEpisode 39
Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop
A look at the career of the entertainer and puppeteer and her sassy sheep character.
Where to watch Biography
Episode 40
Stooges: The Men Behind the Mayhem
For six decades, the Three Stooges ran amuck in a riotous frenzy of eye-poking, ear-slapping, kicks, jabs, punches and frying pans to the cranium. Now Laughsmith Entertainment and A&E offer fans of the Moronic Maestros a chance to relive the Golden Age of Stoogery. Through rare recordings, exclusive interviews and outtakes of behind-the-scenes antics, "Stooges: The Men behind the Mayhem" tells the pure, uncensored Stooge story--from the early vaudeville years with Shemp and Ted Healy, through the golden years at Columbia Pictures with Curly, to the final feature films with Curly Joe DeRita, "the last Stooge." Whether you're fascinated by the unrestrained id, or just enjoy the good, clean humor of pliers applied to the nose, you'll find something to love in this in-depth look at America's most beloved madcaps The Three Stooges!
Episode credits
Directed by Paul E. GieruckiWritten by Paul E. Gierucki
Episode 43
Andrew Jackson: A Man for the People
A portrait of "Old Hickory," President Andrew Jackson (1767-1845), from his Tennessee law days through his military career to his tenure as the seventh U.S. President. Included: interviews with historians. Monte Markham is the narrator.
Where to watch BiographyEpisode information updated Sep 16, 2026
Available now in United States
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More about Biography
Cast
Peter Graves
Scarlett JohanssonSelf
Aileen WuornosSelf (archive footage)
Tyria MooreSelf - Aileen's Girlfriend
Donna Jay FulksAileen Wuornos (voice)Credits
- Created by
- David L. Wolper, Agnes Nixon
- Written by
- Lucy Chase Williams, Daniel J. Golden, Peter Jones, Scott Lenz, Paul E. Gierucki, Andy Stevenson
Production details
- Status
- Returning Series
- Series type
- Scripted
- Episodes
- 355
- Original language
- English
Production
- Towers ProductionsUnited States
Departure FilmsUnited States- Atlas Media
- Actuality Productions
Foxstar ProductionsUnited States
Working Dog ProductionsUnited States