Alexis Bledel

by ethnic on July 3, 2015

Birth Name: Kimberly Alexis Bledel

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

Date of Birth: September 16, 1981

Ethnicity: Danish, Scottish, English, Irish, Welsh, distant French and German

Alexis Bledel is an American actress and model. She is known for her roles in the movies Tuck Everlasting and Frank Miller’s Sin City, and the television series Gilmore Girls (one of Alexis’s paternal great-great-grandmothers was surnamed Gilmore). Alexis is married to actor Vincent Kartheiser, with whom she has a son.

Alexis’s father, Martin Bledel, was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he was raised. Alexis’s paternal grandfather was Argentinian-born (and was of Danish, and distant German, ancestry), and Alexis’s paternal grandmother was American-born (and had Scottish, English, and Irish ancestry).

Alexis’s mother, Nanette (Dozier), was born in Phoenix, Arizona, and moved to Mexico at the age of eight. Alexis’s maternal grandfather was a rancher in Arizona, Mexico, and Costa Rica. According to interviews, Alexis’s mother considers herself to be Mexican; she is not of Hispanic descent. Alexis’s mother’s Dozier line traces back to Leonard Dozier, who was born, c. 1643, in France. Alexis’s mother also has Welsh, English, Scottish, Irish, and German ancestry.

Alexis is fluent in Spanish, and has described herself as a Latina. She did not start speaking English until she began school.

Alexis’s maternal great-great-great-great-grandfather, John Hall Morgan, was Mayor of Memphis, Tennessee, from 1837 to 1838.

Alexis’s paternal grandfather was Enrique Einar Bledel Huus (the son of Einar Rudolf Dons-Blaedel Heise and Elena Maria Huus). Enrique was born in 1917, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and died in 2003. The surname “Bledel” originates from Paulus Blaedel, Alexis’s distant ancestor, a German who moved to Denmark (making Alexis of at least 1/128th German ancestry, at least from that line). Alexis’s great-grandfather Einar was born in Denmark, to Poul Dons-Blaedel and Charlotte Christine Heise. Alexis’s great-grandmother Elena was born in Argentina, to Danish parents, Frits Johannes Raahauge Huus and Inger Marie Andersen.

Alexis’s paternal grandmother is Jean Campbell (the daughter of Norman Walter Campbell and Irene Slater). Jean was born in Troy, New York, and has English, Scottish, and Irish ancestry. Jean moved to Argentina after meeting Alexis’s paternal grandfather. Norman was born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, the son of Robert Archibald Campbell and Evelyn Smith. Irene was born in Attleboro, Massachusetts, the daughter of Warren H. Slater and Rebecca Richardson Gilmore; Rebecca’s maternal grandparents were Irish.

Alexis’s maternal grandfather was Lewis David Dozier III (the son of Lewis David Dozier, Jr. and Elizabeth Overton). Alexis’s grandfather Lewis was born in Missouri. Alexis’s great-grandfather Lewis was the son of Lewis David Dozier and Rebecca E. Lewis. Elizabeth was the daughter of John W. Overton and Mary Oliver “Mamie” Goodbar. Alexis’s great-grandmother Elizabeth re-married to Gussie Busch, the prominent brewing magnate who built the Anheuser-Busch Companies into the largest brewery in the world.

Alexis’s maternal grandmother’s surname is Slater.

Sources: Genealogy of Alexis Bledel (focusing on her father’s side) – https://www.geni.com

Obituary of Alexis’s paternal grandfather, Enrique Einar Bledel Huus – http://www.legacy.com

Genealogy of the Bledel family, mentions Alexis’s father and paternal grandparents – http://dons.dk

Alexis’s paternal great-grandmother, Irene Slater, on the 1910 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Alexis’s paternal great-great-grandmother, Rebecca Richardson Gilmore, on the 1900 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Genealogy of Alexis’s maternal grandfather, Lewis David Dozier III (focusing on his father’s side) – http://www.genealogy.com

Alexis’s maternal grandfather, Lewis David Dozier III, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org
Lewis David Dozier III on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Obituary of Alexis’s maternal grandfather, Lewis David Dozier III – https://books.google.com

Genealogies of Alexis’s maternal great-grandparents, Lewis David Dozier, Jr. and Elizabeth Overton – https://www.findagrave.com

photo by s_bukley / Shutterstock.com

Tagged as: Argentinian, Danish, English, French, German, Irish, Mexican, Scottish, Welsh

{ 239 comments }

Sanaa Lathan

by ethnic on January 27, 2015

Birth Name: Sanaa McCoy Lathan

Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.

Date of Birth: September 19, 1971

Ethnicity: African-American

Sanaa Lathan is an American actress. She is known for starring in the movies Blade (1998), Brown Sugar (2002), and Alien vs. Predator (2004). Her father, Stan Lathan, is a producer and director. Her mother, Eleanor McCoy (Eleanor Leslie McCoy), performed on Broadway. Her brother is DJ Tendaji Lathan.

Sanaa’s parents are both African-American. Her first name, “Sanaa”, means “work of art” in Swahili.

Some websites state that she has Native American ancestry. It is not clear if this ancestry has been verified/documented.

Sanaa’s paternal grandparents were Stanley Edward Lathan (the son of William E. Lathan and Addie) and Julia Elizabeth Dunston (the daughter of Charles Dallas Dunston, Sr. and Lillian Pauline Muldrow). Lillian was the daughter of Phillip Muldrow and Rebecca E. Turner.

Sanaa’s maternal grandfather was Wesley Brice McCoy (the son of Wesley Duncan/Deer McCoy and Perses Helen Brice). Sanaa’s great-grandfather Wesley was the son of Duncan McCoy and Rosetta Nash. Perses was the daughter of John D. Brice and Paul.

Sources: Sanaa’s paternal grandfather, Stanley Edward Lathan, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Sanaa’s paternal grandmother, Julia Elizabeth Dunston, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Sanaa’s paternal great-grandparents, Charles Dallas Dunston and Lillian Pauline Muldrow, on the 1910 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Sanaa’s maternal grandfather, Wesley Brice McCoy, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Obituary of Sanaa’s maternal grandfather, Wesley Brice McCoy – http://wagnercares.com

Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com

Tagged as: African American

{ 133 comments }

Jennifer Lawrence

by ethnic on April 1, 2012

Birth Name: Jennifer Shrader Lawrence

Place of Birth: Louisville, Jefferson, Kentucky, United States

Date of Birth: August 15, 1990

Ethnicity: English, German, Irish, Scottish, remote French

Jennifer Lawrence is an American actress. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for Silver Linings Playbook (2012). She is the first, and thus far only, person born in the 1990s to have won an acting Oscar.

Her family has lived in the United States for many generations. Her ancestry includes English, German, Irish, Scottish, and remote French, roots.

Jennifer is a fifth cousin, once removed, of actor Jeremy Renner. Jennifer’s five times great-grandparents, Robert Tague and Sarah/Sallie Caplinger, were also Jeremy’s four times great-grandparents.

Jennifer’s patrilineal line can be traced back to Robert Lawrence, who was born, c. 1589, in Chelsea, Middlesex, England, and who died, c. 1682, in Nansemond, Virginia.

Jennifer’s paternal grandfather was David Vernon Lawrence (the son of Francis Marion Lawrence and Bessie Steger). Francis was the son of James Ogden Lawrence and Penelope Nellie Burroughs. Bessie was the daughter of Samuel Jefferson Steger and Ida Louisa O’Banion.

Jennifer’s paternal grandmother was Doris Shrader (the daughter of William Martin Shrader and Reva Mae Adams). William was the son of John William Shrader and Permelia Alice/Allie Martin. Reva was the daughter of John Thadius Adams and Lena Rivers Tague.

Jennifer’s maternal grandfather is Charles J. Koch (the son of Charles A. Koch and Mary P. Sheehan). Jennifer’s great-grandfather Charles was the son of Charles Koch and Anna/Annie Kleinhens/Kleinhenz, and was of German descent. Mary P. was the daughter of Martin J. Sheehan and Mary Elizabeth Broderick, and was of Irish ancestry.

Jennifer’s maternal grandmother is Carolyn M. Mongtomery (the daughter of Robert C. Montgomery and Esta M. White). Robert was the son of Charles Arthur Montgomery and Leona/Leana M. Blocher. Esta was the daughter of Hiram M. White and Viola Agnes Gregory.

Sources: Jennifer Lawrence’s and Jeremy Renner’s genealogical relation – http://blogs.ancestry.com

Genealogies of Jennifer Lawrence – http://worldconnect.rootsweb.ancestry.com
http://famouskin.com
http://www.geni.com

Genealogy of Jennifer Lawrence (focusing on her father’s side) – http://www.wikitree.com

Genealogy of Jennifer’s paternal grandfather, David Vernon Lawrence – http://www.lawrencefamhis.com

Genealogy of Jennifer’s paternal grandfather, David Vernon Lawrence (focusing on his mother’s side) – http://worldconnect.rootsweb.ancestry.com

Picture of, and some information on, Jennifer’s paternal grandfather, David Vernon Lawrence – http://www.bigbluehistory.net

Genealogy, and obituary, of Jennifer’s paternal grandmother, Doris (Shrader) Lawrence – http://www.findagrave.com

Marriage record of Jennifer’s maternal great-grandparents, Robert C. Montgomery and Esta M. White – https://familysearch.org

image via kathclick/Bigstock.com

Tagged as: Academy Award for Best Actress, English, French, German, Irish, Scottish

{ 88 comments }

Taylor Kitsch

by follers on May 23, 2010

"Lone Survivor" New York City Premiere - Arrivals

Place of Birth: Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada

Date of Birth: April 8, 1981

Ethnicity: German/Austrian, English

Taylor Kitsch is a Canadian actor and model. The Kitsch family in Kelowna originates in Galicia, Austria, and is likely of ethnic German origin. His mother’s family likely has British Isles ancestry.

Taylor’s paternal great-grandparents likely were Philip Andrew Kitsch and Elizabeth Caroline Phillips. They were both Austrian. Philip was the son of Johann Philipp Kitsch and Katherina Maria Elisabetha Schneider. Elizabeth Phillips was the daughter of August Phillips and Caroline Keib.

Taylor’s maternal grandparents were Ken Green and Marjorie.

Source: Genealogy of Taylor Kitsch – https://www.geni.com

Photo by Prphotos.com

Tagged as: Austrian, English, German

{ 22 comments }

Meg Ryan

by follers on November 18, 2009

Birth Name: Margaret Mary Emily Hyra

Place of Birth: Fairfield, Connecticut, U.S.

Date of Birth: November 19, 1961

Ethnicity:
*25% Rusyn/Ruthenian
*25% Polish
*37.5% Irish [approximate]
*12.5% German

Meg Ryan is an American actress, director, and producer.

Her father is of half Rusyn/Ruthenian and half Polish ancestry. Her mother is of approximately three quarters Irish and one quarter German descent. Meg was born Margaret Mary Emily Hyra, and took on Anne as a confirmation name. Meg has a son, actor Jack Quaid, with her former husband, actor Dennis Quaid; and a daughter, that she adopted from China.

Meg’s paternal grandfather was Michael Orest Hyra (the son of Orest J. Hyra and Anna “Annie” Durniak). Meg’s grandfather Michael was of Rusyn/Ruthenian descent. Meg’s great-grandfather Orest was born in Galicia, Halychyna, the son of Georgi John Hyra and Katarzyna Mary Fylak. Anna was born in Pennsylvania, to immigrant parents.

Meg’s paternal grandmother was Mary Helen Jackowitz (the daughter of Michael Jackowitz/Jackiwicz/Jackewicz and Petronella). Mary Helen was born in Connecticut, to Polish parents, from Kaunas, Lithuania.

Meg’s maternal grandfather was William E. Duggan (the son of Michael John Duggan and Matilda Dolz). Michael was born in Ireland, to Denis Duggan and Johanna Kellaher. Matilda was born in New York, to German parents, George Dolz and Mary Elizabeth Franck.

Meg’s maternal grandmother was Margaret M. Ryan (the daughter of Thomas Timothy Ryan and Emily Louise McManus or O’Connor). Thomas was born in New York, to Irish parents, Timothy Ryan and Johanna Luby. Emily was born in New York, the daughter of Phillip H. McManus, who was born in Ireland, and of Ann/Ana Thomas, who was also born in the British Isles.

Sources: Genealogy of Meg Ryan – http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com

Genealogy of Meg Ryan (focusing on her father’s side) – https://www.geni.com

Meg’s paternal grandfather, Michael Orest Hyra, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Genealogy of Meg’s paternal great-grandfather, Orest J. Hyra – http://records.ancestry.com

Meg’s paternal grandmother, Mary Helen Jackowitz, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Meg’s mother on the 1940 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Meg’s maternal grandfather, William E. Duggan, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Marriage record of Meg’s maternal great-grandparents, Michael John Duggan and Matilda Dolz – https://familysearch.org

Meg’s maternal grandmother, Margaret M. Ryan, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org
Margaret M. Ryan on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Meg’s maternal great-grandparents, Thomas Timothy Ryan and Emily Louise McManus or O’Connor, on the 1910 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Photo by miromiro/Bigstock.com

Tagged as: German, Irish, Polish, Rusyn, Ruthernian

{ 22 comments }

Harry Dean Stanton RIP

May 7, 2009

Date of Birth: July 14, 1926 Place of Birth: West Irvine, Estill, Kentucky, United States Date of Death: September 15, 2017 Place of Death: Los Angeles, California, U.S. Ethnicity: English, some Scots-Irish (Northern Irish), Scottish, and Irish, distant Welsh, French, and Swedish Harry Dean Stanton was an American actor, musician, and singer. He was the […]

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Javier Bardem

March 13, 2009

Birth Name: Javier Ángel Encinas Bardem Place of Birth: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain Date of Birth: March 1, 1969 Ethnicity: Spanish Javier Bardem is a Spanish actor. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for No Country for Old Men (2007). Javier was born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, […]

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Dylan O’Brien

August 9, 2008

Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S. Date of Birth: August 26, 1991 Ethnicity: *50% Irish *25% English *12.5% Italian *12.5% Spanish Dylan O’Brien is an American actor, musician, and director. Dylan is the son of Lisa (Rhodes), an actress who ran an acting school, and Patrick Broderick O’Brien, a camera operator. Dylan’s […]

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Michael Keaton

June 8, 2008

Birth Name: Michael John Douglas Place of Birth: Forest Grove, Robinson Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, U.S. Date of Birth: September 5, 1951 Ethnicity: *German, English, Scottish, Scots-Irish/Northern Irish (father) *Irish (mother) Michael Keaton is an American actor, comedian, director, and producer. He is known for playing Batman in the Tim Burton films Batman (1989) and […]

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Bill Skarsgård

May 15, 2008

Birth Name: Bill Istvan Günther Skarsgård Place of Birth: Vällingby, Sweden Date of Birth: 9 August, 1990 Ethnicity: Swedish Bill Skarsgård is a Swedish actor. He is the son of actor Stellan Skarsgård (Stellan John Skarsgård), and of his wife, My, a physician. Among his siblings are actors Alexander Skarsgård, Gustav Skarsgård, and Valter Skarsgård. […]

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Robert M. La Follette, Sr.

September 19, 2017

Birth Name: Robert Marion La Follette Date of Birth: June 14, 1855 Place of Birth: Primrose, Wisconsin, U.S. Date of Death: June 18, 1925 Place of Death: Washington, D.C. Ethnicity: English, some French, Scottish, and Scots-Irish/Northern Irish Robert M. La Follette, Sr. was an American politician, known a “Fighting Bob”. As a member of the […]

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Belly

September 19, 2017

Birth name: Ahmad Balshe Place of Birth: Jenin, Palestine Date of Birth: April 7, 1984 Ethnicity: Palestinian Arab Belly is a Canadian rapper. He was born in Jenin, Palestine, and was raised in Ottawa, Canada. He gained notoriety at the start of his career through his association with The Weeknd. He and The Weeknd once refused to […]

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Dick Cavett

September 19, 2017

Birth Name: Richard Alva Cavett Place of Birth: Gibbon, Nebraska, U.S. Date of Birth: November 19, 1936 Ethnicity: German, Welsh, English, Scottish, distant Irish Dick Cavett is an American television personality and talk show host. He was the host of The Dick Cavett Show from 1968 to 1986. Dick is the son of Erabel “Era” (Richards) and Alva Bayard […]

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Jason Lewis

September 19, 2017

Place of Birth: Newport Beach, Orange County, California, United States [evidently] Date of Birth: June 25, 1971 Ethnicity: English, some Dutch Jason Lewis is an American actor and fashion model. Jason’s paternal grandfather was William Jack Lewis (the son of Edward Wayland Lewis and Florence E. Buxton). Edward was the son of Simpson Hawley Lewis and Medora Jane Gregory. Florence […]

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Mark McGrath

September 19, 2017

Birth Name: Mark Sayers McGrath Place of Birth: Hartford, Connecticut, U.S. Date of Birth: March 15, 1968 Ethnicity: Irish, possibly other Mark McGrath is an American singer of the rock band Sugar Ray. He is married to beautician Carin Kingsland, with whom he has two children. Mark’s maternal grandparents likely were Edward McGrath and Catherine. Mark’s maternal […]

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