TV One lifts the curtain of Black Hollywood and reveals the rarely or never-been-told stories behind some of Tinseltown's trailblazing and iconic talent, both on screen and behind the camera, with new episodes of UNSUNG HOLLYWOOD beginning tonight, July 22 at 8PM/ET.
This season features comedic LEGENDS Bernie Mac and George Wallace, famed actor Billy Dee Williams, a founding member of the "Rat Pack" and "Mr. Entertainment" himself, Sammy Davis, Jr., and influential film, Carwash. UNSUNG HOLLYWOOD recognizes and honors performers and productions that have paved the way for many of today's headliners through archival and contemporary clips, plus exclusive behind-the-scenes footage. The series also features in-depth personal interviews with the talent and/or family members, friends, industry associates, fellow entertainers and various cultural commentators.
Wednesday, July 22 - Bernie Mac
Bernie Mac "The Mac Man" brought groundbreaking no-holds-barred material from Chicago's South Side into the mainstream. His remarkable journey from hardcore to primetime was cemented with the hit series The Bernie Mac Show. Chris Rock, Cedric the Entertainer, Joe Torry and D. L. Hughley are among those interviewed on this fascinating episode.
Wednesday, July 29 - George Wallace
George Wallace has collected many nicknames over the course of his 40 year career, such as "The Godfather of Comedy," "Mr. Las Vegas," and "The King of Yo Mama Jokes." Known for his hilarious stand-up specials and comedic style, which highlights the amusing side of everyday occurrences, this episode gives viewers a glimpse into the life of funnyman George Wallace. Wallace reflects on his career along with fellow comedians Chris Rock and Jerry Seinfeld, his longtime best friend.
Wednesday, August 5 - Car Wash
This breakout 1970s film opened new vistas for black talent beyond Blaxploitation. Ironically, the studio's backstory on the making of the film was fraught with tensions around stereotypes and race. The film featured an incredible soundtrack that director Michael Schultz used to make his "closet musical." Car Wash was a stunning success around the globe, especially at the Cannes Film Festival, where it was honored with two awards. Bill Duke, Franklyn Ajaye, Antonio Fargas, Michael Shultz and Bonnie Pointer are interviewed in this tell-all episode.
Wednesday, August 12 - Billy Dee Williams
Known as "The Black Clark Gable," Billy Dee Williams achieved iconic success as a pioneering romantic lead in films like Lady Sings the Blues and Mahogany, as well as a global action hero Lando Calrissian in Star Wars. Williams talks candidly about his career highs and lows, family, loves and what it's like being Billy Dee. Joining Williams to reminisce on his life and career are Gladys Knight, Berry Gordy, James Caan, Judy Pace, Hill Harper, Suzanne de Passe and Eddie Griffin.
Wednesday, August 19 - Sammy Davis, Jr.
This episode uncovers the story of "Mr. Entertainment," the most talented and misunderstood superstar of his time. Sammy Davis Jr.'s remarkable career is chronicled from his childhood roots in 1920s vaudeville, to fame and acclaim in Vegas, movies, and beyond. A trailblazer for much of his career, he opened doors and broke barriers in show clubs, on Broadway, as well as in film and television. Though Sammy's career was out-paced by the militant 1960s, his comeback in the 1980s cinched his legendary status as an icon of talent and cool. Eddie Griffin, Shirley MacLaine, Obba Babatunde, Savion Glover and May Britt are among those interviewed on this revealing episode.
Unsung Hollywood is narrated by Gary Anthony Williams, and is Executive Produced by
ARTHUR Smith, Kent Weed, Mark Rowland and Frank Sinton of A. Smith & Co. Productions. Henry Schipper is the Co-Executive Producer. Lamar Chase serves as Producer for TV One. Executive in Charge of Production is Robyn Greene Arrington. D'Angela Proctor is Head of Original Programming for the network.
About A. Smith & Co. Productions:
A. Smith & Co. Productions creates some of the most innovative, highly rated and high quality programming for the domestic and international television marketplace. Founded in 2000 by
ARTHUR Smith and Kent Weed, the company has produced more than 2000 hours of award-winning programming. The company's current production slate includes such hits as "Hell's Kitchen," "Kitchen Nightmares," "American Ninja Warrior," "Divorce Hotel," "Joe Rogan Questions Everything," "Chainsaw Gang," "Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura," "Too Young to Marry?," "Save Our Business," "Full Throttle Saloon," "Unsung," "UFC Countdown" and many others. A. Smith & Co.'s library of programming includes hit shows such as "The Swan," "Skating with Celebrities," "Paradise Hotel," "Trading Spaces," "I Survived a Japanese Game Show," and "Pros vs. Joes." A. Smith & Co. has developed and produced the No. 1 show in America an astonishing 25 times and a Top 10 show more than 200 times. The company has produced programs with budgets totaling approximately one billion dollars, for more than 40 broadcast and cable networks. In 2011, A. Smith & Co. joined forces with Tinopolis Group and in doing so became the leading North American television production entity within the Tinopolis organization with the ability to tap into that company's resources on a worldwide basis.
About TV One:
Launched in January 2004,
TV One (www.tvone.tv) serves 57 million households, offering a broad range of real-life and entertainment-focused original programming, classic series, movies and music designed to entertain and inform a diverse audience of adult Black viewers. The network is the exclusive home of News One Now, the only live daily news program targeting Black viewers. In December 2008, the company launched
TV One High Def, which now serves 14 million households.
TV One is solely owned by Radio One [NASDAQ: ROIA and ROIAK, www.radio-one.com], the largest radio company that primarily targets Black and urban listeners.
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