Thomas Jefferson poster

Series profile

Thomas Jefferson

7.5/ 1019971h 30m

Documentary

The complex life of Thomas Jefferson, who wrote that "all men are created equal" yet owned slaves, is recounted by master filmmaker Ken Burns in this probing documentary. Covering Jefferson's diplomatic work in France, his two presidential terms, his retirement at Monticello and more.

Visual gallery

Behind the frames

Thomas Jefferson still 1

The cast

Faces behind the story

Sam Waterston

Sam Waterston

Thomas Jefferson (voice)

Blythe Danner

Blythe Danner

Martha Jefferson (voice)

Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow

Jefferson's grandaughter (voice)

Ossie Davis

Ossie Davis

Narrator (voice)

Michael Potts

Michael Potts

Isaac

Gore Vidal

Gore Vidal

Self

George Will

George Will

Self