African American Ancestry
Rosanne Cash learns she has African American ancestry on both sides of her family tree.
Johnny Cash was an Amateur Genealogist
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. learns that Johnny Cash was an amateur genealogist, and as a result, Rosanne had a bit of knowledge about her ancestral background.
A Surprise in DNA
Clint Black learns that he is 1% Sub-Saharan African, equivalent to a fourth or fifth great grandparent of full Black African ancestry.
DNA cousins with Angela Bassett
Rosanne Cash learns that she shares an identical stretch of DNA with Angela Bassett.
How Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” Impacted His Outlook on Music
Pharrell Williams opens up about how, with the right messaging, people can communicate beyond language with the human soul.
Kasi Lemmons Is Moved to Learn About Her African Ancestors
Kasi Lemmons discovers that her third great grandfather was transported to the United States from Africa in the early 1800s.
Write My Name in the Book of Life Preview
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. helps musician Pharrell Williams and filmmaker Kasi Lemmons uncover extraordinary rare first-person accounts of their enslaved ancestors.
Dark Origins of A Surname
Pharrell Williams discovers that his surname was given to his ancestors by their slave owners.
What Art Is About
Kasi Lemmons discusses how she does not feel beholden to censorship when it comes to the Black experience and is interested in showing humanity's gray areas.
Experiencing Slavery So Intimately
Pharrell Williams discusses how he has experienced slavery intimately through his family tree.
DNA Cousins with Kevin Bacon
Kasi Lemmons discovers she has a shared identical stretch of DNA with actor Kevin Bacon.
The Shirts on Their Backs Preview
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. reveals the immigrant roots of actors Tony Shalhoub and Christopher Meloni, introducing ancestors who came to America to build a better life.
Christopher Meloni’s Journey to Find a Hollywood Agent
Christopher Meloni talks about how he had a lot to learn about acting when he first entered the industry.
How Tony Shalhoub’s Family Contributed to His Success
Tony Shalhoub talks about how his family supported his career choice and how without them, the stress would have consumed him.
Only in America
Christopher Meloni learns that his great-grandfather was orphaned and left to take care of himself at the age of twelve.
DNA Cousin with Nancy Pelosi
Christopher Meloni learns that he is distantly related to Nancy Pelosi.
Anti-Immigrant Sentiment
Tony Shalhoub discovers Anti-immigrant sentiments from a 1989 article and reflects how little has changed since then.
How the Catholic Church Impacted Jane Lynch’s Acting Career
Jane Lynch opens up about how her family attended Irish Catholic Church every Sunday to socialize.
No Irish Need Apply Preview
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the roots of actor Jane Lynch and comedian Jim Gaffigan, revealing the Irish American experience through their families.
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