Levar Burton's Emotional Connection to His Ancestors
LeVar Burton is overcome with emotion when when he reads the 1940 census for Arkansas that reveals that he and his father's ancestors share something truly profound.
Levar Burton Reflects Proudly on "Reading Rainbow"
When asked, by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., "What are you proudest of?", Levar Burton replied, "...It's gotta be Reading Rainbow... Believing so much in the power of education, as we do in my family, and having an impact on the reading habits of a couple of generations of human beings, It doesn't get any better than that."
How Wes Studi Got Into Theater
Actor Wes Studi's friend Jay WhiteCrow recommended the American Indian Theater Company in Tulsa to help him navigate meeting new people after his divorce.
Fathers and Sons Preview
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. meets actors LeVar Burton and Wes Studi — two men who grew up without their fathers, haunted by questions about their family trees.
The Secret Marriage in Valerie Bertinelli's Family History
Historical records reveal that Valerie Bertinelli's grandfather left behind his pregnant wife in his home country of Italy, immigrating to the United States and meeting Valerie's actual grandmother.
Brendan Fraser's Ancestor Attempted Murder!
Brendan Fraser discovers his great-great grandfather was fired for striking, and responded by shooting at the man who replaced him in the job! It appears that no criminal case was ever brought against the man, an Irish immigrant making his way in the turbulent Pennsylvania coal mines.
Brendan Fraser's Austrian Ancestry Revealed
Brendan learns that his great-grandfather, Herman Drobesch, was Austrian, not German, and served in the Austrian artillery corps during World War I.
Journey From Brazil to Becoming a Baker
Valerie Bertinelli explores her mother's family history, uncovering the hardships and challenges they faced. She discovers her great-great-grandfather William's remarkable journey to Brazil and the demanding work he undertook. Despite the difficulties, Valerie finds a strong connection with her ancestor, especially when she learns that they both share a passion for baking.
Forever Young Preview
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. meets Valerie Bertinelli and Brendan Fraser—two actors who found fame when they were young and lived their lives in the limelight, cut off from their roots. Each discovers ancestors who paved the way for their success.
The Mystery of Alanis Morissette's Missing Family Members
Alanis Morissette discusses her Hungarian Jewish heritage and learns about her grandfather's search for his lost brothers during the aftermath of World War II and the Holocaust. Alanis Morissette is one of the most influential singer-songwriter-musicians/artists in contemporary music. Her deeply expressive music and performances have earned vast critical praise, 14 Canadian Juno Awards, 7 Grammys®
Ciara Discovers Her Ancestors' Hidden Relationship
DNA research helps Ciara Harris discover one of her biological ancestors was not who the records show, and that a relationship must have occurred between this mystery man and her great-great grandmother. Ciara is a Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. During her 20-year career, she has sold over 23 million records and 22 million singles worldwide.
Ciara's Deep Southern Roots
Ciara learns about her great-grandfather Luther's upbringing on a cotton farm with numerous siblings, shedding light on her deep roots in South Carolina.
Alanis Morissette's Daredevil Ancestors Memorialized in Song
In 1815, an ancestor of Alanis Morissette, and his companions, attempted a daring feat of riding a boat over the Chaudière Falls in Ontario, Canada. A folk song recounts their bravery, with some losing their lives in the attempt.
Born to Sing Preview
Henry Louis Gates , Jr. explores the roots of singers Alanis Morissette and Ciara — using DNA analysis and genealogical detective work to trace lineages that run from shtetls in Eastern Europe to Jazz Age Harlem. Along the way, Alanis and Ciara reimagine their families and meet the people who laid the groundwork for their success — including one ancestor who was at the center of a song.
Season 10 Inside Look
In addition to exploring the family mysteries of three members of the viewing public, chosen for the series following a casting call, Season 10 of "Finding Your Roots" dives into the ancestral backgrounds and stories of Valerie Bertinelli, Danielle Brooks, LeVar Burton, Ciara, Michael Douglas, Lena Dunham, Brendan Fraser, Sammy Hagar, Sunny Hostin, Tracy Morgan, Alanis Morissette and more.
Extended Trailer
Check out the incredible guests who will be joining Henry Louis Gates, Jr. this season to uncover their roots. And for the first time in our show’s 10 season history, three *viewers like you* will be featured on the show. This season is remarkable in many ways, and we will see you in January, only on PBS!
Out of the Past Preview
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. uncovers the lost roots of actors Billy Crudup and Tamera Mowry-Housley, traveling back generations to recount significant events in history—from the American Revolution to the journey of the Mayflower—in a deeply personal way.
Anchormen Preview
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. introduces trail-blazing journalists Jim Acosta and Van Jones to the ancestors who blazed a trail for them, meeting runaway slaves and immigrant settlers who took enormous chances so that their descendants might thrive.
And Still I Rise Preview
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. reveals the unexpected family trees of activist Angela Y. Davis and statesman Jeh Johnson, using DNA and long-lost records to redefine notions of the black experience—and challenge preconceptions of America’s past.
Jeh Johnson's Grandfather was a Renowned Sociologist at Fisk
"If you know your legacy, you know your history, you will find many interesting things." -- Jeh Johnson remarking on the long line of accomplished ancestors on the maternal and paternal sides of his family.
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