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Estelle Parsons

Actress

"I just care that I be a good person and that I follow my impulses in my life."

About This Interview

Actress Estelle Parsons spoke about her pioneering efforts as the first woman political reporter on television for the Today show. She reminisced about Today's early years, and working with the show's principals, including anchor Dave Garroway. She talked about her move from behind the camera to her appearances on features for Today, which included book reviews and interviews. She talked about her recurring role as "Bev Harris," Roseanne's mother, on the hit ABC sitcom Roseanne. Finally, she commented on her work at the famed "Actors Studio." The interview was conducted in New York City by Karen Herman on July 26, 2002.

Related To This Video

  • Shows

Shows

  • All in the Family
  • Backstairs at the White House
  • Mothers By Daughters
  • Roseanne
  • Today
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  • Highlights
  • Chapters
  • Shows

Highlights

  • Estelle Parsons on working on the <i>Today</i> show; and being a "Today girl" (23m 14s)Estelle Parsons on working on the Today show; and being a "Today girl" (23m 14s)
  • Estelle Parsons on working on starting on the <i>Today</i> showEstelle Parsons on working on starting on the Today show
  • Estelle Parsons briefly on appearing on <i>All in the Family</i> (01m 16s)Estelle Parsons briefly on appearing on All in the Family (01m 16s)
  • Estelle Parsons on her role as Beverly on <i>Roseanne</i> (16m 54s)Estelle Parsons on her role as Beverly on Roseanne (16m 54s)
  • Estelle Parsons on hosting the series <i>Mothers By Daughters</i> (01m 38s)Estelle Parsons on hosting the series Mothers By Daughters (01m 38s)

Chapters

  • Chapter 1
  • On her early years and influences
  • On starting on the Today show
  • Chapter 2
  • On working on the Today show
  • On joining The Actors Studio
  • Chapter 3
  • On her work in the theatre; on appearing in the Bonnie and Clyde feature film
  • On her television work including All in the Family, Backstairs at the White House, and Mothers By Daughters
  • On her role as Beverly on Roseanne
  • Chapter 4
  • On her advice to aspiring actors; on the characteristics of a good director; on Lee Strasberg and The Actors Studio; on how she'll be remembered

Shows

  • All in the Family
    • Estelle Parsons briefly on appearing on All in the Family (01m 16s)
  • Backstairs at the White House
    • Estelle Parsons on playing Bess Truman in Backstairs at the White House (01m 46s)
  • Mothers By Daughters
    • Estelle Parsons on hosting the series Mothers By Daughters (01m 38s)
  • Roseanne
    • Estelle Parsons on her role as Beverly on Roseanne (16m 54s)
  • Today
    • Estelle Parsons on working on starting on the Today show
    • Estelle Parsons on working on the Today show; and being a "Today girl" (23m 14s)
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