The First Black Movie Star, Beyoncé’s Secret Weapon, & Lisa Kudrow’s Comeback

Studio 360

Bert Williams was the most famous African-American entertainer of his day. But for some reason, his first film was never released. Now, 100 years later, it’s finally being seen. Also, we hear from Boots, the little-known producer on Beyonc’s last album. And Lisa Kudrow finally steps out of the long shadow of Friends’ Phoebe Buffay.

Will you support The World today?

The story you just read is available for free because thousands of listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. Every day, reporters and producers at The World are hard at work bringing you human-centered news from across the globe. But we can’t do it without you: We need your support to ensure we can continue this work for another year.

Make a gift today, and you’ll get us one step closer to our goal of raising $25,000 by June 14. We need your help now more than ever!