Learn how Noah, born and raised in South Africa, used his painful life stories to create a unique voice on the international comedy circuit. See how his tumultuous upbringing helped him secure one of the most coveted jobs in late-night television.

Lee Daniels, Hollywood Film & Television director, recalls his self-destructive streak during the AIDS epidemic that took the lives of so many friends. With no end in sight, Lee believed he would inevitably fall victim to the virus and turned to drugs get through those dark times.

Following his father’s dreams, director Lee Daniels set off to become a lawyer but soon realized that his own ambitions were to write and direct. With a few dollars to spare for a bus ticket, he took the leap to Hollywood to make his own dreams a reality.

Writer and Director Lee Daniels knew from a young age that he was destined for Hollywood. As a child, Daniels wrote plays and directed his siblings and the kids from the neighborhood. This creativity sparked a passion that would end up becoming a career.

Discover how Sen. Gillibrand started out representing a conservative district in upstate New York, then made a name as a politician willing to transcend simple ideology. Learn what drove her unlikely rise and her role as a leading voice for women’s rights.

After many rejections, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand was given the opportunity to work at HUD, where she served during the last seven months of the Clinton Administration. This position gave Kirsten the self-motivation to run for office.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand remembers her grandmother’s involvement in politics. Watching her grandmother organize groups for women sparked Kirsten’s interest, which led to her unstoppable passion for helping others.

When she was a lawyer, current Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand attended an event that Hillary Clinton spoke out about participating in politics. It was at this event that she realized she wanted to run for office.

Teamwork is what allowed Michael Strahan to break big several times over a career that took him from the football field to the television studio. Follow Super Bowl champ Strahan’s trajectory from football star to sports commentator and TV host.

As a child, former NFL player Michael Strahan struggled with insecurity. His father taught him the importance of exercise, giving Michael an outlet where he thrived, which ultimately led to the dissipation of his insecurities.

See how Roxane Gay, child of Haitian immigrants, transcended expectations to become a leading voice in the feminist movement with her essay collection “Bad Feminist.” How did she convert a painful childhood into a career that helped women around the world?

Trace Daniels’ path from West Philly to his the red-hot center of Hollywood. Learn how he conquered both the independent and mainstream sides of Hollywood, directing and producing critical darlings like The Butler and Empire.

Why and how did some of the world’s most influential artists, innovators, athletes and leaders break big? Talented men and women recount their most difficult, dramatic and serendipitous turning points. Emmy-winning journalist Carlos Watson hosts. Breaking Big airs Fridays at 8:30/7:30c beginning June 15. Join the conversation #BreakingBigPBS

While attending Oxford, Television Commentator Gretchen Carlson was considering giving up the violin. But in an attempt to prolong her playing and continue using her talent, her parents suggested Gretchen compete for Miss America. Despite her tomboy upbringing, Gretchen dedicated herself to the challenge and broke through those barriers.

As a young girl, Carmen Yulin Cruz aspired to be the Mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico. She first ran for the House of Representatives in 2001, but lost. Not easily discouraged, she ran once more and was victorious.

Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz never questioned her stance on egalitarian marriage until she met a gay couple with a longer running track record than her own. With an open mind, she began to explore the possibilities of a more progressive party.

Track the route of San Juan’s Mayor Cruz after Puerto Rico was slammed by a catastrophic hurricane. The city leader stood up and fought for relief aid, becoming the heroic voice of her struggling island and the Puerto Rican people.

Learn how sartorial savant Siriano parlayed confidence and a singular vision into a “Project Runway” victory. See how he surmounted rejection from FIT and created one of the most socially conscious and successful fashion lines in the industry.

See how former FOX News anchor Carlson—a Miss America winner and Stanford graduate—found the strength to sue her employers for sexual harassment and become an advocate for working women everywhere.

With his career just getting off the ground, fashion designer Christian Siriano felt the weight of the 2008 recession as much as the rest of the country. With labels and brands less willing to spend, Siriano had to work even harder to succeed.

After winning Project Runway, Christian Siriano was faced with the difficult task of staying relevant in the notoriously fickle and demanding fashion industry. Experts explain just how challenging that world is, and how Christian was able to create his own unique brand.

As a child, Project Runway winner Christian Siriano became enamored with the transformative nature of fashion after watching his mother create costumes for his sister’s ballet recitals.

Television Commentator Gretchen Carlson recalls her first brush with sexual harassment on the job and the coinciding panic that overtook her.

Television Commentator Gretchen Carlson is honored for taking a stand for herself during a time that wasn’t as welcoming to the plights of sexual harassment.