Renowned actor Robert Sean Leonard has recently narrated two new episodes of PBS’s series “New York: A Documentary Film,” which examines the evolution of the city, particularly in the wake of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The acclaimed actor, known for his roles in “Dead Poets Society” and “House,” has a deep personal history with New York City, having moved there at a young age to pursue his dreams in acting.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Robert-Sean-Leonard-092226-d105005a3dbb4f95bddf6a27b949167d.jpg)
Leonard, now 57, grew up in Ridgewood, New Jersey and made the bold decision to relocate to Manhattan when he was just 16 years old. This pivotal moment in his life came while he was an understudy for actor Matthew Broderick in a Neil Simon play. When Broderick departed for a movie role in “War Games,” Leonard seized the opportunity to take the stage. The young aspiring actor soon found himself living in an apartment on 10th Avenue and 29th Street, navigating the complexities of adulthood well before most of his peers.
Despite chasing his dreams in the vibrant city, Leonard eventually sought a quieter life when it came to raising his family. He and his wife, Gabriella Salick, consider their three daughters, born between 2009 and 2018, and the environment they grow up in to be paramount. This led the family to return to New Jersey, where Leonard now enjoys his role as an involved parent. “I cherished all the times I had there,” he reflected, reminiscing about his own childhood. With pride, he noted how he participates in school activities, such as handing out pizza at the same grammar school he attended.
Leonard’s perspective on upbringing starkly contrasts with many of his actor peers who have remained in New York City, like Cynthia Nixon and Josh Hamilton. He acknowledges there are advantages to both experiences, but for him, a backyard and open spaces for his children to play were essential. “I need a screen door and to see kids running around in the backyard,” he admitted, indicating his preference for a more traditional family setting.
Despite his relocation, Leonard maintains close ties with the city. He recently concluded a successful run in Wendy Wasserstein’s play “An American Daughter” and is enthusiastic about lending his voice to the new episodes of “New York: A Documentary Film,” directed by Ric Burns and James Sanders. The series, which originally premiered in 1999, had been on hold since 2003 until the resumption with these latest installments.
The episodes titled “Shadows of the Past” and “The Future of Cities” delve into the transition of New York City from a place fraught with challenges to one demonstrating resilience and adaptability. The first new episode, “Shadows of the Past,” sketches a picture of the city’s troubling decline during the 1970s, marked by a surge in crime and drug-related issues. It illustrates how these problems began to recede, enabling New York to reclaim its place among the world’s leading cities, culminating just before the 9/11 attacks.
Following the events of 2001, “The Future of Cities” highlights the City’s recovery under the leadership of then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg. This episode navigates through a series of historical challenges, including the financial crisis of 2008, the devastation brought by Superstorm Sandy in 2012, and the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. It concludes by looking forward to the inauguration of Zohran Mamdani as New York City’s mayor in January 2026.
Ric Burns, the director of the series, expressed his admiration for Leonard’s work and his significance to the project. In his view, New York City encapsulates a unique spirit, offering a sense of belonging to people from all walks of life. “What makes New York such a special place is that — more than any other place in the world — it’s a place where everyone in the world belongs,” Burns noted.
Leonard’s participation adds a remarkable layer to the documentary, as his authentic connection to New York lends an intimate quality to the narrative. Burns has had the pleasure of collaborating with Leonard for nearly three decades and appreciates the depth he brings as a narrator.
The latest episodes of “New York: A Documentary Film” are available for streaming on PBS and Prime Video, offering viewers a compelling exploration of the city’s history, its challenges, and its remarkable capacity for renewal. This new chapter promises to engage audiences with stories of resilience and the indomitable spirit of one of the world’s most iconic cities, while also showcasing Leonard’s enduring bond with the metropolis that shaped his early life and career.