Nathan Lane

Lane in 2013, photo by PrPhotos

Birth Name: Joseph Lane

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

Date of Birth: February 3, 1956

Ethnicity: Irish

Nathan Lane is an American actor and writer. A Tony-winning stage performer, he is also known for his roles in the films The Birdcage, Mouse Hunt, The Producers, The Lion King, and Win a Date with Tad Hamilton!, and television’s Modern Family, The Good Wife, and Only Murders in the Building, among many other works.

Nathan is the son of Nora Veronica (Finnerty) and Daniel Joseph Lane, a truck driver. He was born into a Catholic family, and all of his grandparents were born in Ireland. His uncle is a Jesuit priest. Nathan is married to theatre producer and writer Devlin Elliott.

Nathan’s paternal grandfather was John Joseph Lane (the son of Bartholomew “Batt” Lane and Bridget Hallisey/Hallisy). John was born in Claddanure East Towland, County Kerry. Bartholomew was the son of Bartholomew “Batt” Lane. Bridget was the daughter of Denis Hallisey/Hallisy and Hanora/Honora Falvey.

Nathan’s paternal grandmother was named Jane Mary McCarthy (the daughter of John McCarthy).

Nathan’s maternal grandfather was John Joseph Finnerty (the son of Michael Finnerty and Bridget Kelly).

Nathan’s maternal grandmother was Mary Anne Donnellan (the daughter of Patrick Donnellan and Mary Connor). Nathan’s great-grandmother Mary was the daughter of James Connor and Catherine.

A DNA test whose results were displayed on the show Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (2022) stated that Nathan’s genetic ancestry is:

*100% European

Genetically, he was found to have a common ancestor with actor and comedian Bob Odenkirk.

Sources: Nathan’s father on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Nathan’s mother on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org