Beyond the Spotlight

They are the people that rock our world; what rocks theirs? Beyond the Spotlight goes beyond fame to reveal the passions of celebrities.

Shaquille O’Neal went from being poor and bullied – and becoming a bully himself – to fame in the NBA. The greatest influence on Shaq’s life was his step-father, who taught him that “true pressure is not knowing where your next meal is coming from.”

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Shaquille O’Neal went from being poor and bullied – and becoming a bully himself – to fame in the NBA. The greatest influence on Shaq’s life was his step-father.

Shaquille O'Neal

At age 19, on a missionary trip to a clinic in Brazil, Kristen Bell helped to deliver two babies. The experience ignited her nurturing nature, which endures today in good works like the snack bars “This Saves Lives” and the organization she co-founded, “No Kid Hungry.”

At age 19, on a missionary trip to a clinic in Brazil, Kristen Bell helped to deliver two babies. The experience ignited her nurturing nature, which endures today.

Kristen Bell

At age 20 Samuel L. Jackson served as an usher at Martin Luther King’s funeral. Jackson and his wife LaTanya have fought for civil rights around the world, but their greatest satisfactions are hand written thank you notes from children they have supplied with books.

At age 20 Samuel L. Jackson served as an usher at Martin Luther King’s funeral. Jackson and his wife LaTanya have fought for civil rights around the world.

Samuel L. Jackson & LaTanya Richardson Jackson

Inspired by his mother to be “of service”, LeVar Burton entered the seminary at 13 years old. But after deciding the church didn’t have the answers to his many questions about life, he changed his focus to theater arts, ultimately becoming known for Roots, Reading Rainbow, and Star Trek.

LeVar Burton entered the seminary at 13 years old. But after deciding the church didn’t have the answers to his questions about life he changed his focus to theater.

LeVar Burton

Jimmy Donaldson, aka MrBeast, is the world’s first digital philanthropist. After becoming obsessed with YouTube at a young age, Jimmy built a viral video empire based on the joy he gets from helping others.

Jimmy Donaldson, aka MrBeast, is the world’s first digital philanthropist. Jimmy built a viral video empire based on the joy he gets from helping others.

MrBeast

These are the intriguing people who capture our attention, fill our social feeds and shape pop culture. In this episode, an intimate portrait of NFL legend Joe Namath, including his journey to help fellow players deal with long-term brain trauma.

Joe Namath grew up in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. After his parent’s divorce, Joe turns to sports.