History

The Story Of...

Behind the razzle dazzle of fame and fortune, celebrities lives are marked by dizzying highs and devastating lows, drug and alcohol abuse, triumph and tragedy, all played out in the spotlight of global fame. Six 20th Century icons are profiled, revisiting their key roles and revealing their off-camera lives through extraordinary access to their friends, family and those who know them best.

The Story of Patrick Swayze

46m 38s

Patrick Swayze catapulted to fame in 1987 with Dirty Dancing becoming a sex symbol for his era. Starring roles in Ghost and Point Break proved his status as a leading man adept at both action and romance. Yet behind the movie-star exterior was a man plagued by demons, scarred by regret and driven to the brink of self-destruction.

Episodes

  • The Story of Patrick Swayze: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Story of Patrick Swayze

    S1 E106 - 46m 38s

    Patrick Swayze catapulted to fame in 1987 with Dirty Dancing becoming a sex symbol for his era. Starring roles in Ghost and Point Break proved his status as a leading man adept at both action and romance. Yet behind the movie-star exterior was a man plagued by demons, scarred by regret and driven to the brink of self-destruction.

  • The Story of Clint Eastwood: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Story of Clint Eastwood

    S1 E105 - 47m 22s

    After 39 years in the film industry, Clint Eastwood attended the Oscars as a first-time nominee in 1992. Aged 62, he took home awards for Best Director and Best Picture for Unforgiven ,a film that returned him to his cowboy roots and cemented his place as a star, producer and director in some of the most iconic films in cinema.

  • The Story of John Travolta: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Story of John Travolta

    S1 E104 - 47m 6s

    In the 1970s, John Travolta was considered Hollywood’s Prince of Cool, with breakthrough roles in Saturday Night Fever and Grease that propelled him to worldwide fame. But throughout his life, for every dizzying career high, he has suffered terrible personal losses.

  • The Story of Elizabeth Taylor: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Story of Elizabeth Taylor

    S1 E103 - 44m 58s

    Two-time Oscar winner Elizabeth Taylor was the unofficial Queen of Hollywood, a star from the age of 12 until the day she died. But behind the glitz she led a life of extremes, with a rollercoaster of stellar successes and shocking tragedies. Rarely-seen interviews with Taylor reveal the unwavering self-belief that enabled her to survive both good and bad fortune that cemented her legacy.

  • The Story of Marilyn Monroe: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Story of Marilyn Monroe

    S1 E102 - 46m 56s

    Although Marilyn Monroe featured in 30 films in her short life, her lasting star power has secured her place as an icon of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Featuring rare video and audio interviews, it's revealed how she was systematically underestimated by sexist studio bosses who refused to recognize the intelligence and creative contribution of this tragic trailblazer.

  • The Story of Jackie Kennedy Onassis: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Story of Jackie Kennedy Onassis

    S1 E101 - 48m 58s

    Two sides to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis' life are revealed: heart-breaking tragedy, and a powerful determination to survive. Furthermore, Jackie was a global style icon with star power equal to her husband, and a much-revered symbol of strength.

Schedule

WETA Passport

Stream tens of thousands of hours of your PBS and local favorites with WETA Passport whenever and wherever you want. Catch up on a single episode or binge-watch full seasons before they air on TV.

Similar Shows