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Hollywood Ancestry
- Feb 14
- 4 min
William Moseley's Ancestor Inspired Chinese Translation of the Bible
'Narnia' actor William Moseley's 3rd great grandfather sparked interest in translating the Bible into Chinese and sending Protestant missions to China. You probably recognize William Moseley best for his roles as Peter Pevensie in The Chronicles of Narnia films, and as Prince Liam in the E! series The Royals. William also has acting credits in at least 29 roles, including the upcoming film Medieval (which my medieval history geek heart is excited for). William Moseley was kin
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Hollywood Ancestry
- Oct 26, 2020
- 6 min
Sarah Jessica Parker Descended from Accused Witch
'Hocus Pocus' star Sarah Jessica Parker played a Salem witch—turns out she's descended from one of the real-life accused witches. | By Mike Batie Disney's Hocus Pocus has become a favorite Halloween classic. For many, the holiday just isn't complete without an annual viewing of the Sanderson sisters wreaking havoc on Salem, Massachusetts with their witchy ways. Sarah Jessica Parker played one of these fictional witches—also named Sarah. In reality, Parker is descended from a
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Hollywood Ancestry
- Aug 30, 2020
- 3 min
Chadwick Boseman Helped Many Make a Stronger Connection to their African Heritage
The late actor and producer Chadwick Boseman helped many find a stronger sense of identity in their African roots. Chadwick Boseman's passing came as a surprise for many across the world a few days ago, as he kept his health condition private. It's evident he was adored by many, as shown by the reaction to the tweet that announced his passing from colon cancer, which hit the top of Twitter's metrics as it went viral with over six million likes at the time of this writing. Bos
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Hollywood Ancestry
- Jun 15, 2020
- 5 min
Cameron Boyce's Grandmother was Among First Students to Desegregate High School in the South
The late Disney star Cameron Boyce's grandmother was part of the first group of black students who desegregated high school in Tennessee. | BY MIKE BATIE Many know Cameron Boyce from Disney's Descendants movie series, where he played the role of Carlos, the son of Cruella de Vil. The modern twist on the children of Disney's classic characters remains a popular sensation for its adventure, comedy, music, and energetic choreography. Sadly, Cameron, who had been diagnosed with e
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Hollywood Ancestry
- May 4, 2020
- 6 min
MATTHEW NOSZKA'S POLISH HERITAGE
Matthew Noszka has an impressive Polish heritage of immigrant ancestors chasing and achieving the American dream. Follow their journey from Poland in the 1800s to the present. By Mike Batie Matthew Noszka is an American actor and model. Noszka recently starred in Netflix's holiday ensemble flick Let It Snow, playing the role of JP Lapierre opposite Kiernan Shipka (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) and Mitchell Hope (Disney's Descendants). I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline with
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Hollywood Ancestry
- Mar 8, 2020
- 2 min
'Flash' Star Grant Gustin Descended from Ancient Channel Islands Line
The star of the CW's 'Flash' series descends from a Jersey Island patriarchal family line. Grant Gustin stars as The Flash in the CW series, which has received great reviews by critics and viewers alike, running now for seven seasons. Grant's patriarchal Gustin line traces back over 450 years to the Channel Islands, specifically Jersey, a small island in the English Channel, just 19 miles off of the coast of France. I was able to follow Grant Gustin's family line back thirtee
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Hollywood Ancestry
- Feb 7, 2020
- 4 min
"Hidden Figures" Actress Taraji P. Henson's Great-Great Uncle was First to Reach the North Pole
The "Hidden Figures" actress has a relative in her family tree who made a great contribution to science by being the first to reach the North Pole. Actress and author Taraji P. Henson starred in the historical drama movie Hidden Figures, portraying real-life African-American mathematician Katherine Johnson, whose work contributed to NASA, the space race, and the advancement of science. An interesting tie-in to Taraji's ancestry is that her great-great uncle, Matthew Alexander
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Hollywood Ancestry
- Jan 2, 2020
- 4 min
Like Leia, Carrie Fisher's Ancestor Was a Prisoner Princess
There are many similarities between Princess Leia, the character portrayed by Carrie Fisher, and Fisher's own ancestor princess. Carrie Fisher said that she was Princess Leia, and Princess Leia was her. Those that knew Fisher described her as possessing many of the same qualities as Princess Leia: smart, strong, courageous, defiant, witty, strong-willed, a leader. It’s no wonder we see the two as inextricably linked and that many the world over look to Princess Leia/Carrie Fi
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Hollywood Ancestry
- Oct 16, 2019
- 9 min
Logan Lerman's Ancestors Fled Nazi-Controlled Europe
Actor Logan Lerman likely wouldn't be here today if his Jewish ancestors hadn't fled Nazi-controlled Europe when they did. | BY MIKE BATIE Many will recognize actor Logan Lerman from the epic war drama Fury, in which Lerman stars alongside Brad Pitt. Logan has a distinguished list of acting credits including (but not limited to): The Perks of Being a Wallflower Percy Jackson & the Olympians The Three Musketeers (2011) Stuck in Love 3:10 to Yuma, Noah The Patriot The Butterfly
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Hollywood Ancestry
- Sep 28, 2019
- 5 min
Ansel Elgort's Grandmother Saved Norway's Jewish Children from the Nazis
Ansel Elgort's grandmother was an amazing hero who saved many of Norway's Jewish children from being murdered by the Nazis. | BY MIKE BATIE Ansel Elgort has already had great success as a young actor, starring in franchise films such as Divergent and blockbusters such as Baby Driver and the movie that put him on the radar of most people: The Fault in Our Stars. At the time of this writing, Ansel's newest movie The Goldfinch recently hit theaters, and he will star in Steven Sp
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Hollywood Ancestry
- Sep 6, 2019
- 7 min
Braeden Lemasters Descended from Civil War Officer, POW
Musician and actor Braeden Lemasters is descended from a Civil War officer with a colorful past. Braeden Lemasters is a singer-guitarist in the hit band Wallows, which has been playing to sold out crowds on tour in North America and Europe for their album Nothing Happens. Braeden and friends Dylan Minnette and Cole Preston formed the band in their youth. Braeden is also an actor, having had roles in shows such as Six Feet Under (his first acting role), Men of a Certain Age (w
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Hollywood Ancestry
- Aug 28, 2019
- 4 min
A Kitty Cat Saved the Life of Dylan Minnette's Ancestor
The 13 Reasons Why star and Wallows band frontman is here today in his present form, in part because a cat saved his ancestor's life. | BY MIKE BATIE As Dylan Minnette's successful Netflix show 13 Reasons Why launches its third season this week, it's likely you know him as Clay Jensen in that show, the broody teen thrust into some dramatic and traumatic situations. Dylan is also a frontman in the band Wallows, which he formed together with friends Braeden Lemasters and Cole P
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Hollywood Ancestry
- Jul 20, 2019
- 5 min
'Game of Thrones' Actor Eugene Simon—Lancel of House Lannister—In Real Life Is of House Bruce
The actor who plays the role of Lancel Lannister in Game of Thrones is actually a descendant of Clan Bruce and the royal houses of Scotland and England. You likely know Eugene Simon as Lancel Lannister, the cousin and lover of Cersei Lannister in HBO's hit series Game of Thrones, based on the novels by George R.R. Martin. He's also starred as Jerome Clark in the series House of Anubis, as Eduard Einstein in the series Genius, as Young Ben Hur in the TV miniseries Ben Hur, as
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Hollywood Ancestry
- Jun 21, 2019
- 5 min
Beyoncé Descended from Acadian Hero and Cajun Pioneer
Beyoncé's family tree can be traced back to French colonials from Acadia and down to Afro-Creole survivors of slavery. | BY MIKE BATIE Beyoncé has become a household name in the United States and worldwide. The multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning artist stuns audiences the world over with her vocals, music videos, live concerts, and acting. What many may not know is that Beyoncé comes from a very unique and mixed ancestry which makes for a fascinating look at her family tr
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