Celebrity Ethnicity – EthniCelebs.com |What Nationality Background Ancestry Race

Justin Theroux

by Lil Vacha

Justin Theroux

Birth Name:

Justin Paul Theroux

Birth Place:

Washington, D.C., United States

Birth Date:

August 10, 1971

Ethnicity:
*French-Canadian (paternal grandfather)
*Italian (paternal grandmother)
*English, with more distant German, and even more distant Spanish and Dutch (mother)

Justin’s father is of half French-Canadian and half Italian descent. Justin’s mother is of mostly English ancestry; Justin is also 1/32 German and 1/128 Spanish, through his mother’s ancestors. Justin’s mother also has remote Dutch ancestors.

Justin’s paternal grandparents were Albert-Eugene Theroux (the son of Joseph-Louis-Eugene Theroux and Eva-Almira Brousseau) and Anna Dittami (the daughter of Alexander L. Dittami and Angelina or Angela M. Calesa).

Justin’s maternal grandparents were John de Lafayette Grissim (the son of John de Lafayette Grissim and Irene Baker) and Phyllis Hollins (the daughter of Gerald Vanderbilt Hollins and Virginia Kobbé). Gerald was the son of Harry Bowly Hollins, a financier, and Evelina Merseole Knapp. Virginia was the daughter of Gustav Kobbé, a music critic and author, and Carolyn Wheeler. Most of the names on Justin’s mother’s family tree are English; Gustav’s father was a German immigrant, and one of Gustav’s maternal great-grandfathers, Gabriel Sistare, was a Spanish immigrant, thus making Justin Theroux 1/32 German and 1/128 Spanish (through those lines). Justin’s mother also has remote Dutch ancestry.

Justin’s genealogy (focusing mostly on his father’s side) – http://worldconnect.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=PED&db=bobstg&id=I273969

Justin’s maternal grandfather (John de Lafayette Grissim)’s genealogy – http://worldconnect.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=PED&db=juuledwards&id=I33842

Genealogy of Justin’s maternal great-grandfather, Gerald Vanderbilt Hollins – http://worldconnect.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=PED&db=cbryant6&id=I078165

Genealogy of Justin’s maternal great-great-grandfather, Gustav Kobbé – http://worldconnect.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=PED&db=sustaire&id=I1777

photo by kathclick/Bigstock.com

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Jenna Elfman

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Jenna Elfman

Birth Name: Jennifer Mary Butala

Birth Place: Los Angeles, California, United States

Birth Date: September 30, 1971

Ethnicity?: Croatian, English

Jenna’s paternal grandparents were John Butala and Mary Ference (the daughter of Joseph Ference and Helen). John and Mary were both of Croatian descent.

Jenna’s mother’s maiden name is Grace, possibly indicating English ancesty.

Genealogy of Jenna Elfman – http://worldconnect.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=PED&db=9112105403&id=I43546

Jenna’s paternal grandparents on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XHCL-4LW

photo by DFree/Bigstock.com

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Dianna Agron

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s_bukley / Shutterstock.com

Birth Name:

Dianna Elise Agron

Birth Place:

Savannah, Georgia, U.S.

Date of Birth:

April 30, 1986

What Race or Ethnicity?:
*Ashkenazi Jewish (father)
*German, Irish (mother, who converted to Judaism)

Dianna Agron is an American actress, famous for starring in the television series Glee. Dianna’s father is from a Jewish family (they moved to the United States from Ukraine, Russia, Poland, Latvia, and Estonia). Dianna’s mother has German and Irish ancestry; she converted to Judaism when marrying Dianna’s father. Dianna was raised Jewish and was Bat Mitzvah.

Dianna’s paternal grandfather was Howard Alan Agron (the son of Jack Agron and Edith Kohn). Howard was born in Oklahoma. Jack Agron was born in Novgorod Seversk, Ukraine, the son of Hillel “Hilya” Agronsky and Sonya Chernikoff. Dianna’s ancestry on that line has been traced back as far as her paternal great-great-great-great-grandfather, Shmuel Labe Agronsky, who was born in Russia in 1820. Edith Kohn was born in Kansas, to Jewish parents who immigrated from Eastern Europe, Samuel Kohn and Anna; one census lists them as having been born in Russia, and another census lists them as having been born in Poland.

Dianna’s paternal grandmother was Frieda Joy “Joyce” Wasserman (the daughter of Leopold Aman Wasserman and Ethel Arona Friedman). Leopold was a Latvian Jewish immigrant. Ethel was born in Texas, to Jewish parents, Bernhard Friedman and Rosalie; they are listed as having been born in Estonia on one census, and Russia on another census.

Dianna’s maternal grandfather was surnamed “Barnes”. Dianna’s maternal grandmother was Mabel Georgina Hustedt (the daughter of Henry Hustedt and Mabel A. Connelly). Henry Hustedt was the son of Henry or Harry J. Hustedt and Georgina Louise Hoeveler, who were both German immigrants. Mabel A. Connelly was the daughter of Joseph William Connelly and Mary O’Donald. Mabel A. Connelly and her parents were both born in California, while all of Mabel’s grandparents were born in Ireland.

Genealogy of Dianna Agron, focusing mostly on her father’s side – http://worldconnect.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=PED&db=:ag1004&id=I0987

Dianna’s paternal grandfather, Howard Alan Agron, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XHVR-3NM

Dianna’s paternal great-grandmother, Edith Kohn, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MFDG-4VS

Dianna’s paternal grandmother’s obituary – http://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Wasserman-119

Dianna’s paternal grandmother’s brother, Samuel Wasserman, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XCX3-NVR

Genealogy of Dianna’s maternal grandmother, Mabel Georgina Hustedt – http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/a/f/f/Joe-Affolter-CA/WEBSITE-0001/UHP-0198.html

Dianna’s maternal great-grandfather, Henry Hustedt, on the 1910 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MVGX-YZ5

Dianna’s maternal great-grandmother, Mabel A. Connelly, on the 1900 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M95H-GDD

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Joseph Gordon-Levitt

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kathclick/bigstock.com

Birth Name:

Joseph Leonard Gordon-Levitt

Birth Place:

Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

Date of Birth:

February 17, 1981(1988-08-26)

What Race or Ethnicity?:
*100% Ashkenazi Jewish (from Russia, Poland, Lithuania, and Romania)

Joseph Gordon-Levitt is an American actor, known for playing Tommy on the television series 3rd Rock from the Sun, as well as for his roles in the films 10 Things I Hate About You, (500) Days of Summer, and The Dark Knight Rises. His parents are Dennis Levitt and Jane Gordon.

Joseph’s father’s family were Russian Jews and Polish Jews, while his mother’s family were Lithuanian Jews, Romanian Jews, and Russian Jews.

Joseph’s paternal grandfather was Milton R. Levitt (born Milton Levitz, the son of Louis Levitz and Fraudel “Fannie” Isaacson). Milton was born in Ohio, to Russian Jewish parents. Milton’s paternal grandparents were Meyer Levitz and Lena Friedsohn (the daughter of Nathan Friedsohn and Rachel), while Milton’s maternal grandparents were Dave Isaacson and Irene Lena “Ida” Feinstock (Dave Isaacson’s wife’s name is also listed as Riva).

Joseph’s paternal grandmother was Celia Roth (the daughter of F. Charles Roth and Fanny “Frade” Mekel). Celia was born in Pennsylvania, while Celia’s parents were Polish Jews. Fanny’s parents were named Boruch Mekel and Sarah.

Joseph’s maternal grandfather was film director Michael Gordon (born Irving Kunin Gordon, the son of Paul Gordon and Eva). Michael was born in Baltimore, Maryland, while Michael’s parents were Jews from Eastern Europe. They are listed as being born in Russia in some records, Lithuania in another record, and in yet another record, Paul is listed as having been born in Russia, while Eva is listed as having been born in Pennsylvania, to parents who were born in Russia.

Joseph’s maternal grandmother was Elizabeth A. Cohn (the daughter of Edward Kohn and Celia Finberg or Feinberg). Edward was born in Romania, to Jewish parents, Alex Kohn and Sarah Robinorets. Celia was born in Russia, to Alex Finberg and Anna, who were both also Jewish.

Genealogy of Joseph Gordon-Levitt – http://familypedia.wikia.com/wiki/Joseph_Gordon-Levitt_(1981)

Marriage record of Joseph’s paternal grandparents, Milton Levitz (later Milton Levitt) and Celia Roth – https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/K8FJ-QDP

Joseph’s paternal grandfather, Milton Levitz, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MDG9-XXM

Joseph’s paternal grandmother, Celia Roth, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XC8X-HGM

Joseph’s maternal grandparents, Michael Gordon (“Mickeal Gordon”) and Elizabeth Gordon, on the 1940 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/KQS4-BD3

Joseph’s maternal grandfather, Irving K. Gordon (later Michael Gordon), on the 1920 U.S. Census –
https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M63K-R2J
Joseph’s maternal grandfather, Irving K. Gordon, on the 1930 U.S. Census –
https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/X3WL-MGS

Marriage records of Joseph’s maternal great-grandparents, Edward Kohn and Celia Finberg – https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XDHV-61V
https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/X8HH-R8W

Joseph is also able to speak French and is a self-confessed Francophile. The youtube link below shows an interview with Joseph on a television show where he speaks French –
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsJGZ4bKHZA

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Natalie Portman

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Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com

Birth Name: Natalie Hershlag

Birth Place: Jerusalem, Israel

Eye Color: Hazel

Hair Color/texture: dark brown straight

Ethnicity:
*100% Ashkenazi Jewish (from Poland, Romania, Austria, Russia, and Lithuania)

Natalie Portman is an Israeli-born actress. She is famous for her role in the Stars Wars series (Episode I, Episode II, and Episode III). Natalie’s father is Israeli-born; his family were Jews from Poland and Romania. Two of Natalie’s paternal great-grandparents were killed in the Holocaust. Natalie’s mother is American; her family were Jewish immigrants from Austria, Poland, and Lithuania. Natalie is able to speak Hebrew, and studied French, Japanese, Arabic, and German.

Natalie’s paternal grandfather was Zvi Yehuda Hershlag (the son of Eliezer “Leiser” Hershlag and Leah Penzak). Zvi Yehuda Hershlag was born in Rzeszów, Poland, to Jewish parents. Eliezer “Leiser” was born in Dembitz, Poland, in 1885, to Israel Hershlag and Miriam, while Leah was born in Rzeszow, Poland, in 1888. Eliezer and Leah were both killed in the Holocaust, in 1942, in Belzec, Poland.

Natalie’s paternal grandmother, Mania Portman, was a Romanian Jew. Natalie has stated that Mania’s mother spied for the British during World War II.

Natalie’s maternal grandfather was Arthur “Art” Stevens (born Arthur Edelstein; the son of Moses Edelstein and Helen Klar). Arthur was born in New York; Arthur’s paternal grandparents were Austrian Jews and Arthur’s maternal grandparents were Russian Jews. Moses Edelstein was the son of Avraham Edelstein (the son of Baruch Edelstein [the son of Yosef Edelstein and Neche Ettinger] and Henie Scheninger [the daughter of Abraham Scheninger and Eidel]) and Bruche Hendel (the daughter of Leib Hendel and Breine Kiwak). Helen Klar was the daughter of Hershel Klar and Sarah.

Natalie’s maternal grandmother was Bernice Hurwitz (the daughter of Michael Hurwitz and Esther Schiff). Bernice was born in Maryland, as were her parents. All of Bernice’s grandparents were Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe; according to one census, all of her grandparents were born in Lithuania; other censuses list all of her grandparents as having been born in Russia. Michael Hurwitz was the son of Israel Hurwitz and Bosie “Bessie”. Esther Schiff was the daughter of Harry Schiff and Lizzie.

Source: Natalie’s paternal great-grandfather, Eliezer “Leiser” Hershlag, at Yad Vashem – http://db.yadvashem.org/names/nameDetails.html?itemId=1953570&language=en

Natalie’s paternal great-grandmother, Leah Penzak, at Yad Vashem – http://db.yadvashem.org/names/nameDetails.html?itemId=1908817&language=iw

Natalie’s maternal grandfather, Arthur Edelstein, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/X4VH-WXX

Genealogy of Natalie’s maternal grandfather, Arthur Stevens (Edelstein) – http://www.geni.com/search?search_type=people&names=Arthur+Stevens+%28Edelstein%29

Natalie’s maternal grandmother, Bernice Hurwitz, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XHW6-FJ5

Natalie’s maternal great-grandfather, Michael Hurwitz, on the 1900 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M32C-9KQ
Michael Hurwitz on the 1910 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M2FJ-YMG

Natalie’s maternal great-grandmother, Esther Schiff (Shiff), on the 1900 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M3K7-P43
Esther Schiff (Scheff), on the 1910 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M2X1-NSH

Natalie talks about her background, 2006 – http://www.hillel.org/about/news/2006/mar/20060313_fit.htm

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Jaclyn Smith

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Jaclyn Smith

Birth Name: Jacquelyn Ellen Smith

Place of Birth: Houston, Texas, U.S.

Date of Birth: October 26, 1945

Eye Color: Blue

Hair Type/Color: Straight light Brown

Ethnicity: English, Scottish, Irish, Welsh

http://www.legacy.com/
http://worldconnect.rootsweb.ancestry.com/

photo by Joe Seer/Bigstock.com

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Nana Meriwether

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Nana Meriwether

Birth Name: Nana Meriwether

Place of Birth: South Africa

Date of Birth: May 24, 1985

Eye Color: Brown

Hair Type/Color: Curly Black

Ethnicity: African American

Family info: Meriwether is well known as the 2012 Miss USA winner. She was born in South Africa to African American parents.

photo by kathclick/Bigstock.com

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Manu Ginobili

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Birth Name: Emanuel David “Manu” Ginóbili

Place of Birth: Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Date of Birth: 28 July 1977

Eye Color: Brown

Hair Type/Color: Straight Black

Ethnicity: Italian Argentine

Family info: The professional basketball player was born in Argentina to an Italian Argentine family. He holds both Argentinian and Italian citizenship but plays for the Argentinian national team.

photo by Mike

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