Brian d’Arcy James

James in 2009, photo by Prphotos

Place of Birth: Saginaw, Michigan, U.S.

Date of Birth: June 29, 1968

Ethnicity:
*87.5% Irish
*12.5% English/Welsh

Brian d’Arcy James is an American actor and musician.

His uncle, mother’s brother, was actor Brian Kelly, and his grandfather Harry Kelly was Governor of Michigan. Brian is married to Jennifer Prescott, with whom he has a daughter.

Brian’s paternal grandfather was John William James (the son of William Henry James and Mary Ellen Mann). John was born in Toronto Junction, York, Ontario, Canada. Brian’s great-grandfather William was the son of William Henry James, who was born in Devon, England, and of Elizabeth Rees/Reese Demmery, who was born in Keynsham, Somerset, England. Mary Ellen was the daughter of Catherine Looney, and had Irish ancestry.

Brian’s paternal grandmother was Helen Loraine Collaton (the daughter of Joseph Patrick Collaton and Ellen/Helen Crowley). Brian’s grandmother Helen was born in Toronto, York, Ontario, Canada. Joseph was born in Peel, Ontario, the son of Irish parents, Daniel Collaton/Colaton and Mary Carey. Brian’s great-grandmother Ellen was born in York, the daughter of Timothy Crowley and Elizabeth Burns/Byrne, who were also Irish.

Brian’s maternal grandfather was Harry Kelly (Harry Francis Kelly, the son of Henry Michael Kelly and Mary/Mollie Agnes Morrissey). Harry was born in Illinois, and was a Republican politician, who was Secretary of State of Michigan, from 1939 to 1943, and Governor of Michigan, from January 1, 1943 to January 1, 1947. Henry was the son of Martin Kelly and Mary Ellen Meagher/Maher, who was born in Tipperary, Ireland. Brian’s great-grandmother Mary Agnes was the daughter of Lawrence Morrissey and Maria McGuire, Canadians of Irish descent.

Brian’s maternal grandmother was Anne/Anna Veronica O’Brien (the daughter of Michael E. O’Brien and Nellie V. Harrington). Anne was born in Michigan. Michael was born in Michigan, the son of Irish parents, Patrick J. O’Brien and Mary Harrington. Nellie was also born in Michigan, also to Irish parents, Sylvester A. Harrington and Mary Shea.

Sources: https://www.latimes.com

Genealogy of Brian d’Arcy James (focusing on his mother’s side) – http://www.geni.com

Brian’s maternal grandmother, Anne Veronica O’Brien, on the 1910 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org