Philip Roth documentary on KQED

“Philip Roth: Unmasked,” a profile of the prolific Jewish American novelist, will be shown on KQED TV-Channel 9 at 10 p.m. March 29. In the 90-minute film, the 80-year-old Roth discusses intimate aspects of his life and art.

Roth grants very few interviews, but for the first time allowed a journalist to spend 10 days interviewing him on camera. In “Unmasked,” he discusses women, rabbis and politicians in his life, and more. The author of 31 books in his four decade-career, including “Goodbye Columbus” and  “Portnoy’s Complaint,” Roth announced his retirement from writing last November.

The American Masters feature explores Roth’s life and career, and will rebroadcast through the following week on several KQED channels.