For fifteen years, A&E has brought the stories of some of the most world’s most fascinating lives to life. From queens of England to queens of pop culture, leaders of nations to leaders of cult movements—these stories fascinate us and provide both historical and cultural records of our time. In celebration of Biography’s anniversary, A&E presents a special edition of Biography, a two-hour show that recalls the most revealing, poignant, and funniest moments from the almost one thousand shows we have aired since 1987. We also recall the top-rated shows, and Biography producers reveal what it takes to put a life story on the screen. You might call it Biography’s biography! Biography: Fifteen Years and Counting would be useful for classes on World History and Culture, American History and Culture, Popular Culture, Media Studies and Communications. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

Objectives

Students will learn the evolution of an episode of Biography from inception to final airing. They will follow the procedure producers use for research, editing and producing the final product. They will understand the technical and emotional difficulties encountered in dealing with media portrayals and representation of human subjects.

• anecdote
• compelling
• correspondent
• eccentric
• gesture
• niche
• opulent
• peincarnation
• perennial
• precocious
• spawn
• tenacious
• vulnerable

1. Biography has told the stories of hundreds of influential people in the form of a documentary biography. What is Biography’s biography?

2. Biography is an extremely popular and successful television series. What makes Biography so successful?

3. Other television shows such as Saturday Night Live and The Late Show With David Letterman have lampooned Biography. How is this a measure of Biography’s success?

4. There are thousands of possible biographies that can be made. How do producers decide who will be profiled in an episode of Biography?

5. One of Biography’s great finds was discovered during the research for the Nicholas Brothers’ Biography. Who were the Nicholas Brothers? What was Biography’s exciting discovery?

6. Home movies are a large part of Biography’s resources. Discuss how home movies enhance the episodes.

7. What is the job of Biography? What is the show’s goal?

8. The producers of Biography are often surprised by their discoveries. What are some of the most significant surprises experienced by the producers?

9. How does Biography focus on the roles of mothers on their subjects?

10. Child stars are as much a part of yesterday’s entertainment industry as they are today. Compare and contrast the child stars of yesterday and today.

11. What are the special insights of the childhood episodes of Biography?

12. Discuss the unique, and sometimes tragic, lives of child stars.

13. What are some of the famous “early sightings” that have appeared on Biography?

14. Who would you consider “larger than life,” both historically and today?

15. Many of Biography’s episodes have dealt with icons. What is an icon? Who do you think are today’s icons?

16. Who is the biggest child star of all time?

17. Who are the greatest heroes profiled by Biography?

18. Discuss some of the stellar career crashes profiled on Biography. What causes some spectacular careers to crash?

19. Jewish immigrant Irving Berlin composed one of America’s most famous songs, God Bless America. What was the controversy that surrounded this song?

20. Many of Biography’s subjects have not only been famous, but also notorious. What makes someone notorious?

21. What are the top ten episodes of Biography?

22. What is your favorite Biography?

23. Who do you think should be a subject for an episode of Biography?

1. Choose someone who you think should be a subject for an episode of Biography and write a script for the show.

2. Create a storyboard for the process of creating an episode of Biography.

3. Interview your family and friends about their favorite episodes of Biography and create your own “top ten” list. Compare your findings with your classmates. How do they compare?