© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Lily Tomlin was inspired by Bella Abzug to fight

Season 40 Episode 3 | 1m 48s

In this film outtake, actress Lily Tomlin talks about campaigning for Bella Abzug and how she was inspired to fight for her rights by the politician.

Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo and Patricia Yuen, Lillian Goldman Programming Endowment, Seton J. Melvin, Thea Petschek Iervolino Foundation, Anita and Jay Kaufman, The Philip and Janice Levin Foundation, Kate W. Cassidy Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, The Ambrose Monell Foundation, Ellen and James S. Marcus, The Charina Endowment Fund, The Marc Haas Foundation and public television viewers.
Extras
Explore the life and legacy of notable Black scholar and civil rights pioneer W.E.B. Du Bois.
Actor John Goodman talks about his work on the film, "The Big Lebowski."
Follow Sudanese musician and ethnomusicologist Alsarah as she leads Alsarah and the Nubatones.
While in Congress, Bella Abzug elevated feminist causes, including women's financial independence.
In 1975, Bella Abzug went on the "Dinah!" show and questioned what was missing in our democracy.
Follow the meteoric rise of firebrand politician and activist Bella Abzug.
Follow the rise of politician and activist Bella Abzug. This contains on-screen ASL interpretation.
Follow the rise of politician and activist Bella Abzug. This contains Extended Audio Description.
Eight cultural icons on their journeys to becoming masters of their artistic disciplines.
Artist Ani Liu creates provocative artifacts at the intersection of art, science and technology.