Benji Madden

Madden in 2010, photo by Prphotos

Birth Name: Benjamin Levi Combs

Place of Birth: Waldorf, Maryland, U.S.

Date of Birth: March 11, 1979

Ethnicity: English, along with some Irish, Scottish, and German

Benji Madden is an American guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and producer. He is the guitarist for rock band Good Charlotte.

He is the twin brother of musician Joel Madden. Benji is married to actress and model Cameron Diaz, with whom he has two children.

Benji’s paternal grandfather is Paul Roger Combs (the son of Leslie P. Combs and Nellie Pernicey Strickland). Paul was born in North Carolina. Leslie was the son of James Carraway Combs and Florence Isabella Seymour. Nellie was the daughter of Eddie Miller Strickland and Mary Ginn.

Benji’s paternal grandmother is Jessie Marie Crews/Cruse (the daughter of William Joseph Cruse and Nattie/Mattie Nance). Jessie was born in North Carolina. William was the son of Barney Cruse and Susie Hill.

Benji’s maternal grandmother is Mary Ann Canter (the daughter of Hugh Mitchell Canter and Regina Inez Willett). Hugh, an Assemblies of God minister, was the son of Andrew Mitchell Canter and Ola Rymple Scott. Regina was the daughter of William Washington Willett and Lilla Mae Robey. Benji’s Canter line traces back to William Canter, who was born, c. 1655, in England.

A writer for Heeb Magazine has claimed that Benji’s maternal grandmother was born Jewish, and later converted to Christianity. Benji’s brother Josh has also stated that their maternal grandmother is of Jewish heritage. This statement is not accurate. Benji’s maternal grandmother is not of Jewish background.

Sources: Marriage record of Benji’s paternal grandparents, Paul Roger Combs and Jessie Marie Crews/Cruse – https://www.familysearch.org

Obituary of Benji’s maternal step-grandfather, Leon James Hanback – http://www.tributes.com

Benji’s maternal great-grandparents, Hugh Mitchell Canter and Regina Inez Willett, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org