Terry Gross

Keenan Ivory Wayans. He co-wrote and acted in "Hollywood Shuffle," Robert Townsend's film about a black actor trying to make it in a world of show business stereotypes. He wrote, directed and starred in, "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka," a comedy that parodies black exploitation, kung fu and wild action movies. (REBROADCAST FROM 8/9/89)

Filmmaker, writer, director, playwright, producer and actor Melvin Van Peebles. His 1970 movie, "Sweet Sweetback's Baadass Song" made him famous and made Variety's list of all-time money-makers. He's launched two musicals on Broadway and written five novels. (REBROADCAST FROM 7/17/90)

Father Gregory J. Boyle. He is described as being "the priest who loves gangsters." Boyle is a pastor at the Dolores Mission Church in Los Angeles where they provide shelter for the women and children, a day care center, and an alternative high school. He provides support and guidance to young men in Latino gangs and shows them alternatives to their life of crime. His biography Father Greg and the Homeboys (Hyperion) was written by Celeste Fremon.

Executive Director of the Christian Coalition, Ralph Reed. The Christian Coalition is a national organization dedicated to mobilizing the religious right, for political and legislative objectives. The coalition was founded by evangelist Pat Robertson. It's "Contract with the American Family" includes calls for: school prayer; eliminating federal funding for abortions; limits on late-term abortions; restrictions on pornography on the Internet, and eliminating federal funding for the NEA and public broadcasting.

Actor/Director Ron Howard. As a child actor he appeared in "The Music Man" and the long running television series "The Andy Griffith Show." He also starred in the TV series "Happy Days" and was known for his roles in "American Graffiti." Howard later made a name for himself as a director of several movies including "Splash," "Cocoon," "Parenthood," and "Backdraft." His new film "Apollo 13" which stars Tom Hanks is now in theaters. Terry recently talked with Howard about "Apollo 13,".

Poet and writer Michael Ryan. His first book of poems won the Yale Series of Younger Poets Award and was nominated for a National Book Award in 1974. Ryan's book Good Hunger won the Lenore Marshall/Nation Award for the most outstanding book of poems published in 1989. His new book Secret Life (Pantheon) is his autobiography in which he shares his experiences of childhood molestation and sexual addiction. (Contains brief excerpt of 12/12/1989 interview).

Writer May Sarton. She died of breast cancer on Sunday, July 16, 1995. For many readers, Sarton was a heroic figure for her decision to expose her lesbianism in the early 60s, long before society was tolerant of the gay life, and also for her decision to lead a life of solitude. The author of over 35 novels, books of poetry and essays, Sarton was probably best known for her journals, Recovering, and At Seventy. (REBROADCAST FROM 7/7/89).

Stephen Engelberg of the New York Times. He is a former Eastern Europe correspondent and is presently an investigative reporter in the Washington bureau. Engelberg will reconstruct the story of the turning point in the Bosnian war: how the U.N. and Nato decided to bomb Serb headquarters last May, and then stop after the Serbs took peace keepers hostage.

Professor Raphael Ezekiel. A former psychology professor at the University of Michigan, Ezekiel has spent the last ten years investigating the leaders and members of the Klans and Neo-Nazi groups. His new book The Racist Mind: Portraits of American Neo-Nazis and Klansmen (Viking) looks into these groups and provides a foundation for understanding the personal and social roots of white racism. Ezekiel is presently based at the Harvard School of Public Health where he is studying youth violence prevention.

All Things Considered Host Noah Adams. After dropping out of college he began his radio career as a DJ. He was also a car salesman. Adams came to National Public Radio over twenty years ago as a writer and tape editor; he started working for "All Things Considered" soon after he was hired. Adams wrote a book, Noah Adams on All Things Considered. It discusses his involvement with ATC and how the show and his journalistic style have changed. (REBROADCAST FROM 10/19/92)