| Roots (tv Miniseries) |
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''Roots'' was a ground-breaking event in U.S. television history. It received unprecedented Nielsen Ratings (with the finale still standing as the 3rd highest rated U.S. program ever {Link without Title} ) and captivated American television audiences, successfully crossing racial lines and piquing the interest of families in all ethnic groups. Some viewers reportedly took the telephone off of the hook for the eight consecutive nights of the broadcast. The series and its '' featured an impressive cast that included a Who's Who of popular actors of the day as well as an exhaustive list of African American actors at all levels of experience. The program introduced LeVar Burton in the role of Kunta Kinte . ''Roots'' and the book it was adapted from revived interest in Oral and genealogical history among all segments of the population. It also spurred an interest in African or African sounding names; 'Kizzy' (played by Leslie Uggams ), for example, became popular for African-American baby girls, notwithstanding that the name was often ascribed to the children of slaves, even those with no direct connection to Africa. Even an entire generation later, famous black American comedian Dave Chappelle satirized the TV series in a popular sketch aired on his short-lived Chappelle's Show . The series was directed by Marvin J. Chomsky, John Erman, David Greene and Gilbert Moses. It was produced by Stan Margulies; David L. Wolper was executive producer. The now-familiar score was composed by Gerald Fried and Quincy Jones . Ayn Rand praised the series portrayal of Heroism , but argued against what she saw as implicit Racism on the part of Alex Haley . EXTERNAL LINKS |
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