Ep 5. Billie Jean King
- September 10, 2013
American Masters season 26 episode 5 is titled "Billie Jean King". The episode is a biographical portrait of one of the most important female athletes of the 20th century, Billie Jean King. The tennis player's fascinating life and career are explored in detail, from her humble beginnings in Long Beach, California, to her groundbreaking victory against Bobby Riggs in the famous Battle of the Sexes match in 1973.
The episode delves deep into the personal and professional struggles King faced throughout her career, including her activism for gender and LGBTQ+ equality in sports and society at large. It also examines the obstacles King faced as a woman in a male-dominated sport, and the impact of her legacy on the generations of athletes that followed her.
Through interviews with King herself, as well as family members, friends, and fellow athletes, viewers gain a comprehensive understanding of the tennis player's unparalleled accomplishments on and off the court. The episode also features rarely seen archival footage and photographs of King throughout her life and career.
Overall, "Billie Jean King" is a poignant and inspiring tribute to a trailblazing athlete and advocate whose legacy continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
