The fragments of the past that we see on stage reveal the significance of our lives today more than all the talk shows and reality programming of our popular culture.

After the broadcast interview ended the actor talked to Bill about why he passed on the part of King Lear 20 years ago and his reason for taking it this time around.

John Lithgow joins Bill to talk about the challenges and triumphs of playing Shakespeare's greatest role, and why we are so drawn to the tale of this flawed, contradictory leader at this moment.

The artistic director of NYC's Public Theater notes that some Shakespeare plays become particularly popular when they reflect the America we live in.