Superstar

Releases

ABC News’ ‘Superstar’ Series Profiles Aaliyah, Exploring the Life, Music and Enduring Legacy of the R&B Icon

R&B icon Aaliyah ― who helped redefine the genre with her unique mix of old school and new school sound ― continues to inspire and influence music, fashion and culture decades after her untimely death in an August 2001 plane crash. ABC News announced today “Superstar: Aaliyah,” a one-hour special that follows the legendary artist’s life, music and enduring legacy. The primetime event explores how Aaliyah emerged as a chart-topping musician, actress on the rise and fashion trendsetter as a young teenager. The program sheds light on the circumstances of her underage marriage to R. Kelly, who has since been convicted as a sex offender, and shows how Aaliyah’s relevance continues as a new generation experiences her music decades later. The program features exclusive interviews with those who were close to Aaliyah, including music executive Damon Dash, her former boyfriend; Barry Hankerson, her uncle and CEO/founder of Blackground Records; and recording engineer and producer Jimmy Doug

Press Release - ABC News Studios

May 9, 2023

ABC News’ “Superstar” series profiles legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor.

Legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor is the blueprint for modern celebrity culture. She was the original influencer ― the first to use her fame to create a fragrance empire and forge frontiers in social activism. On and off the screen, she was larger than life. Known for her striking beauty, she was married eight times to seven different men, pursued by paparazzi around the globe, and even denounced by the Vatican. She also broke the glass ceiling by negotiating the first million-dollar salary in Hollywood. In an exclusive interview with Barbara Walters, she once said, “I know I’ve had an extraordinary life. I realized that it’s like a soap opera. It’s not like an ordinary life at all.” Over a decade after her death, ABC News’ “Superstar” series explores the iconic figure’s life, career and marriages. The star-studded television event features interviews with celebrities such as Fran Drescher, Rosie O’Donnell, Camilla Belle, Melissa Rivers and Dita von Teese. The program also includes

Press Release - Series

November 29, 2022

ABC News’ ‘Superstar’ Series Profiles Actress and Country Music Legend Reba McEntire

She is the “Queen of Country.” Known for her red hair and sassy style, Reba McEntire is one of the most successful female recording artists in country music history. From her humble beginnings on an Oklahoma cattle ranch to her rise as one of country music’s most influential stars, this one-hour special explores the experiences, triumphs and losses that made Reba McEntire a household name. Reba broke barriers and built an entertainment empire by expanding her career to movies, the Broadway stage and television. Rare childhood photos and intimate behind-the-scenes videos reveal her story of grit and determination in a male-dominated industry. The program also sheds light on her marriages, her current relationship with “Big Sky” co-star Rex Linn, and new details of how she dealt with the tragic plane crash that ended the lives of her tour manager and seven members of her band. The star-studded TV event features interviews with artists that know and admire Reba, including Carrie Underwoo

Press Release - ABC News Studios

April 8, 2022

ABC News’ ‘Superstar’ Profiles Iconic Actor Patrick Swayze and Chronicles His Rise to Fame

ABC News’ “Superstar” series profiles iconic actor Patrick Swayze and chronicles his rise to fame. “Superstar: Patrick Swayze” tells the dynamic life story of the American heartthrob — from his upbringing around his mother’s ballet company and her fight against segregation to the high school football injury that set him on his path to stardom to his leading roles in the hit films “Dirty Dancing” and “Ghost” and cult classics “Roadhouse” and “Point Break.” Through interviews with co-stars and friends who open up about Swayze for the first time publicly, as well as footage from the ABC News archives, the program provides new insight into Swayze’s courageous spirit, his many talents and the cancer diagnosis that tragically ended his life at the age of 57. The episode features interviews with co-stars Demi Moore, Tony Goldwyn, Liam Neeson, Lea Thompson and C. Thomas Howell, as well as family friends Debbie Allen and Jaclyn Smith. “Superstar: Patrick Swayze” airs Thursday, April 14 (10:00-

Press Release - ABC News Studios

November 22, 2021

ABC News’ ‘Superstar’ Series Chronicles Life and Career of Legendary Pop Star George Michael, One of the Most Successful Artists of All Time

ABC News’ “Superstar” series will chronicle the life and career of legendary pop star George Michael and paint a portrait of one of the most successful artists of all time, who sold over 100 million records worldwide. “Superstar: George Michael” reports on how he reinvented himself from a teenage heartthrob in Wham!, to a global superstar with his solo album “Faith,” and later to groundbreaking artist boldly paving a path for future stars. The program delves into his personal life, including his tragic romance with a Brazilian designer, his personal conflict with fame, the real story of his arrest in a Los Angeles public restroom, and his influential lawsuit against his record company. The hour also features interviews with GRAMMY® Award winning, multiplatinum artist and songwriter Sam Smith who discusses the significant influence Michael had on him; Paula Abdul, who choreographed Michael’s “Faith World Tour”; Rob Kahane, Michael’s longtime manager; Phil Lobel and Michael Pagnotta, Mi

Press Release - ABC News Studios

October 14, 2021

ABC News’ ‘Superstar’ Series Profiles Robin Williams, One of the World’s Most Beloved and Inventive Comedians

ABC News’ “Superstar” series will profile Robin Williams, one of the world’s most beloved and inventive comedians. The new episode recounts his life through Williams’ own voice, describing “the spark of madness” which defined his life. From his early days in the San Francisco Bay Area comedy scene to his meteoric rise on “Mork & Mindy,” the one-hour special explores the experiences that made Williams into a one-of-a-kind talent and reveals what gave voice to the characters in his mind. It also chronicles the creative force driving critically acclaimed films like “Good Will Hunting” and “Dead Poets Society,” as well as fan favorites such as “Aladdin.” The special explores his personal struggles, including substance abuse and depression, and his battle with Lewy Body Dementia before his tragic death in 2014. “Superstar: Robin Williams” features interviews with famous comedians and actors who knew and admired Williams, including Margaret Cho, Howie Mandel, Lewis Black, Jimmie Walker, Pau

Press Release - ABC News Studios

August 30, 2021

ABC News’ ‘Superstar: John Ritter’ Is No. 1 in Its Timeslot Across the Board: Total Viewers, Adults 18–49 and Adults 25–54

ABC News’ “Superstar,” featuring John Ritter, ranked No. 1 on Wednesday from 10:00-11:00 p.m. for the 2nd time in its three telecasts in Total Viewers (3.0 million), Adults 18-49 (0.4/3) and Adults 25-54 (0.7/4) versus CBS’ “48 Hours” (2.8 million, 0.3/3 and 0.5/3, respectively) and NBC’s encore “Chicago Med” (1.7 million, 0.3/2 and 0.4/2, respectively). “Superstar” improved by double digits on its previous telecast in Total Viewers (+50% – 3.0 million vs. 2.0 million) and Adults 25-54 (+40% – 0.7/4 vs. 0.5/3). “Superstar” saw gains in the hour for ABC on the same the night last year (2020 Republican Convention – 8/26/20) in all key target demos: Total Viewers (+76% – 3.0 million vs. 1.7 million), Adults 18-49 (+33% – 0.4/3 vs. 0.3/2) and Adults 25-54 (+75% – 0.7/4 vs. 0.4/2). The latest installment of ABC News’ new series “Superstar” journeyed through the life and career of comedic genius John Ritter. The program chronicled how Ritter became a top comedy icon of the 1970s, how he l

Press Release - Ratings

August 27, 2021

ABC News’ ‘Superstar’ Profiles Legendary Comedian Richard Pryor, Whose Groundbreaking Work Influenced Millions

ABC News’ “Superstar” profiles legendary comedian Richard Pryor, whose groundbreaking work influenced millions. Using material from the ABC News archives, “Superstar: Richard Pryor” explores the iconic comedian’s complex years growing up in a brothel, how he made his way into the world of show business, and how he found his place by breaking barriers with his honest comedy that depicted the realities of Black America. The primetime event also dives into his issues with drugs, a near-death experience that had a profound impact on him, his multiple sclerosis diagnosis, and his lasting legacy following his death. “Superstar: Richard Pryor” is told not only in Pryor’s own words, through his archival interview with ABC’s Barbara Walters, but also by friends, family and colleagues who knew him best. “Superstar: Richard Pryor” airs Wednesday, Sept. 1 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC. It can also be viewed the next day on demand and on Hulu. “Superstar” is produced by ABC News. David Sloan is s

Press Release - ABC News Studios

August 20, 2021

Latest Installment of ABC News’ ‘Superstar’ Series Journeys Through the Life and Career of 1970s Comedic Genius John Ritter

The latest installment of ABC News’ new series “Superstar” journeys through the life and career of comedic genius John Ritter. The program chronicles how Ritter became a top comedy icon of the 1970s, how he landed his starring role on the ABC hit “Three’s Company,” and how he found success as an actor outside of comedy. The television event also dives into his personal life and sudden and tragic death at just 54 years old that stunned the world. “Superstar: John Ritter” has new interviews with his son, Jason Ritter, and his first wife, Nancy Ritter, who open up about their memories of him and his legacy. The program includes interviews with top actors who worked with and were influenced by Ritter, including “Three’s Company” co-star Suzanne Somers, Bryan Cranston, Jimmy Kimmel, Kaley Cuoco, Henry Winkler and Raven-Symoné. “Superstar: John Ritter” also features footage from the ABC News archives, including Ritter’s interview with ABC News’ Barbara Walters, never-before-seen family vide

Press Release - ABC News Studios

August 16, 2021

Series Premiere of ABC News’ ‘Superstar’ Is No. 1 in All Key Demos: Total Viewers, Adults 18–49 and Adults 25–54

ABC News’ series premiere of “Superstar,” featuring Whitney Houston, ranked No. 1 in the Wednesday 10:00 p.m. hour in Total Viewers (3.5 million), Adults 18-49 (0.5/4) and Adults 25-54 (0.7/5) leading CBS’ S.W.A.T. (1.5 million, 0.2/2 and 0.3/2, respectively) and NBC’s Chicago P.D. (1.9 million, 0.3/2 and 0.4/3, respectively). “Superstar” posted increases on ABC’s performance on the night in the 10:00-11:00 p.m. time period hour versus the previous week across the board: Total Viewers (+67% – 3.5 million vs. 2.1 million), Adults 18-49 (+150% – 0.5/4 vs. 0.2/2) and Adults 25-54 (+75% – 0.7/5 vs. 0.4/2). “Superstar” drew ABC’s largest overall non-sports audience in the hour in 9 weeks – since 6/9/21. “Superstar” improved on the Network’s delivery in the hour year to year (“Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” – 8/12/20) in Total Viewers (+59% – 3.5 million vs. 2.2 million). The “Superstar” series premiere profiled music legend Whitney Houston and featured never-before-seen private video sh

Press Release - Ratings

Superstar

Releases

ABC News’ ‘Superstar’ Series Profiles Aaliyah, Exploring the Life, Music and Enduring Legacy of the R&B Icon

ABC News’ “Superstar” series profiles legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor.

ABC News’ ‘Superstar’ Series Profiles Actress and Country Music Legend Reba McEntire

ABC News’ ‘Superstar’ Profiles Iconic Actor Patrick Swayze and Chronicles His Rise to Fame

ABC News’ ‘Superstar’ Series Chronicles Life and Career of Legendary Pop Star George Michael, One of the Most Successful Artists of All Time

ABC News’ ‘Superstar’ Series Profiles Robin Williams, One of the World’s Most Beloved and Inventive Comedians

ABC News’ ‘Superstar: John Ritter’ Is No. 1 in Its Timeslot Across the Board: Total Viewers, Adults 18–49 and Adults 25–54

ABC News’ ‘Superstar’ Profiles Legendary Comedian Richard Pryor, Whose Groundbreaking Work Influenced Millions

Latest Installment of ABC News’ ‘Superstar’ Series Journeys Through the Life and Career of 1970s Comedic Genius John Ritter

Series Premiere of ABC News’ ‘Superstar’ Is No. 1 in All Key Demos: Total Viewers, Adults 18–49 and Adults 25–54

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