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A Roots Reunion
When Roots premiered in 1977, the nation came to a standstill. Eighty million people tuned in to the miniseries that would become legendary. Thirty-five years later, Roots is still making a difference, and Oprah has opened the doors to her California home to reunite six of the cast members who made television history. Get reacquainted with these actors and find out what they're doing today.
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First Look: Oprah and the Legendary Cast of Roots
In this OWN special event, Oprah opens the doors to her home and reunites the legendary cast of Roots 35 years after they helped make television history. More...
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Exclusive Webisode: The Impact of Roots on America
Did Roots open the door to a greater conversation about race in America? Watch as cast members John Amos, Leslie Uggams, Ben Vereen and Louis Gossett Jr. discuss why that door needs to be opened wider and where they think the country is today. More...
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Exclusive Webisode: How Roots Influenced Reading Rainbow
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Exclusive Webisode: Ben Vereen on Becoming "Chicken" George
When Ben Vereen first heard about a project called Roots, he knew he wanted to be a part of it. His agent had other ideas. Watch as Ben shares how the role of "Chicken" George finally came his way thousands of miles from Hollywood. More...
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Exclusive Webisode: LeVar Burton's Faith
At age 13, LeVar Burton studied for the Catholic priesthood. Watch as he and Oprah discuss his journey through faith, how to find a spiritual center and why life is like a walking prayer for LeVar. More...
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Exclusive Webisode: LeVar Burton and Oprah Debate Life's Big Questions
It's the question no one has asked LeVar Burton before: What's your definition of God? Watch to see his answer and his discussion with Oprah about more of life's big questions. More...
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Exclusive Webisode: Louis Gossett Jr. on Winning the Academy Award
Louis Gossett Jr. won an Emmy® for Roots and was only the third African-American male to win an Oscar®, for An Officer and a Gentleman. Watch as he describes how his life changed after Oscar. More...
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Cicely Tyson on Roots, Grief and Strength
In the iconic miniseries Roots, Cicely Tyson plays Binta, the mother of Kunta Kinte. During filming, Cicely lost her own mother. Watch as she discusses how being "broken open" influenced her onscreen portrayal of a mother whose son was taken from her. Plus, find out why Cicely says she treasures the negative experiences in her life more than the positive ones. More...
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LeVar Burton on Revisiting History's Painful Past in Roots
The Middle Passage was the hellish 4,000-mile journey slaves were forced to endure across the Atlantic and a nightmare actor LeVar Burton had to portray on film as Kunta Kinte in the legendary miniseries Roots. Watch as he explains how he believes the ancestors helped protect him during the difficult shoot. More...
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Sneak Peek: Roots Cast Members Arrive at Oprah's Home
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LeVar Burton on Filming the Whipping Scene from Roots
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Memories from the Set of Roots
Even before Roots riveted Americans, cast members say they knew they were a part of something special. Watch as John Amos, Leslie Uggams, Louis Gossett Jr. and Ben Vereen describe the atmosphere of the set. More...
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Leslie Uggams and Sandy Duncan on the Wagon Scene from Roots
Viewers haven't been able to forget the heart-wrenching scene in Roots when Sandy Duncan's villainous character Missy Anne doesn't stop Leslie Uggams' character Kizzy from being sold. Watch as Leslie and Sandy reflect on filming that scene and find out why Sandy has never watched Roots all the way through. More...
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Oprah's "Back to Our Roots" Dinner
After a day of filming, Oprah and cast members from Roots sat down for a "Back to Our Roots" dinner. Watch as Oprah and chef Art Smith consult on the menu. Then, join Oprah and cast members in a toast of thanks to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Alex Haley. More...
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The Cast of Roots
They're part of the cast that made Roots the most watched drama in television history. Learn more about them and see what they're doing today. More...
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Back to Our Roots Dinner Menu
In honor of Roots' 35th anniversary, Oprah reunited cast members from the legendary miniseries at her California home. To commemorate their meeting, chef Art Smith whipped up a "Back to Our Roots" dinner menu that's legendary in it's own right. More...
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