#ethnicity

Sofia Carson Descends from Colombian and Middle Eastern Ancestors

Hollywood Ancestry

Jul 31
3 min

Sofia Carson Descends from Colombian and Middle Eastern Ancestors

The 'Purple Hearts' actress and musician is descended from a rich history of immigrants to Colombia and the United States. You probably know Sofia Carson from Disney's Descendants and her fantastic music. Sofia's most recent film, Purple Hearts, just started streaming on Netflix this weekend. Sofia has been all-in on this project — producing, acting, and performing her music in the film — which she spent several years bringing to the screen. First-generation in the USA Sofia

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'Elvis' Star Austin Butler Descended from Finnish Immigrants

Hollywood Ancestry

Jul 7
3 min

'Elvis' Star Austin Butler Descended from Finnish Immigrants

Austin Butler is descended from Finns on his mother's side, and through his mother, has a deeper connection to Elvis. Austin Butler has been acting since a young age, starring in hit Nickelodeon and Disney Channel shows, including Hannah Montana, and in two CW series: The Carrie Diaries and Arrow. He also had a role in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. The world knows Butler now for his portrayal of Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann's biopic Elvis. In order to po

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'Top Gun: Maverick' Actor Glen Powell is Descended from the Warriors of Genghis Khan

Hollywood Ancestry

May 22
5 min

'Top Gun: Maverick' Actor Glen Powell is Descended from the Warriors of Genghis Khan

Glen Powell, who plays air warrior 'Hangman' in the new Top Gun: Maverick, is descended from the ancient Tatar warriors of Genghis Khan. Actor Glen Powell's ancient ancestors fought on the backs of the fastest horses with Genghis Khan's army, and today Glen is fighting from the cockpit of some of the fastest jets in Top Gun: Maverick. DESCENDED FROM LIPKA TATARS On his father's side, Glen Powell is descended from Lipka Tatars who immigrated to the U.S. in the early 1900s. The

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William Moseley's Ancestor Among Royal Institute of British Architects

Hollywood Ancestry

Mar 21, 2021
4 min

William Moseley's Ancestor Among Royal Institute of British Architects

'Narnia' actor William Moseley is descended from an architect who designed churches, markets, and taught architecture at Kings College London. I'm back with this fourth installment on the ancestry of William Moseley, best known for his roles in The Chronicles of Narnia films and the E! series The Royals. Thanks to William sharing some information with me, I've found a wealth of info on his family tree and have so much to share about what I found. Huge thanks to William! Let's

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William Moseley Descended from Welsh Schooner Captains

Hollywood Ancestry

Mar 10, 2021
3 min

William Moseley Descended from Welsh Schooner Captains

William Moseley, star of The Chronicles of Narnia films and The Royals TV series, comes from a line of distinguished sea captains. You probably know actor William Moseley best from The Chronicles of Narnia movies and the E! series The Royals. This is the third installment I'm doing on his ancestry, which, thanks to help from William, I've been able to find many fascinating branches of his family tree. William Moseley's Descent from Welsh Master Mariners As you can see from th

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William Moseley's Relative Discovered the Atomic Number

Hollywood Ancestry

Feb 14, 2021
5 min

William Moseley's Relative Discovered the Atomic Number

'Narnia' actor William Moseley is related to the eminent scientist who discovered the atomic number, revolutionizing the Periodic Table of Elements. You know William Moseley best from his roles as Peter in The Chronicles of Narnia films and as Prince Liam in the E! series The Royals. William was kind enough to share some family information with me and mentioned he was related to Henry Moseley, who was involved with the formation of The Periodic Table of Elements. Armed with t

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William Moseley's Ancestor Inspired Chinese Translation of the Bible

Hollywood Ancestry

Feb 13, 2021
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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Sarah Jessica Parker Descended from Accused Witch

Hollywood Ancestry

Oct 25, 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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Chadwick Boseman Helped Many Make a Stronger Connection to their African Heritage

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

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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'Flash' Star Grant Gustin Descended from Ancient Channel Islands Line

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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Like Leia, Carrie Fisher's Ancestor Was a Prisoner Princess

Hollywood Ancestry

Jan 1, 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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Logan Lerman's Ancestors Fled Nazi-Controlled Europe

Hollywood Ancestry

Oct 15, 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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Ansel Elgort's Grandmother Saved Norway's Jewish Children from the Nazis

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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Braeden Lemasters Descended from Civil War Officer, POW

Hollywood Ancestry

Sep 5, 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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A Kitty Cat Saved the Life of Dylan Minnette's Ancestor

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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Mark-Paul Gosselaar's Great Grandparents Were Murdered at the Sobibór Nazi Death Camp

Hollywood Ancestry

Aug 23, 2019
7 min

Mark-Paul Gosselaar's Great Grandparents Were Murdered at the Sobibór Nazi Death Camp

Mark-Paul Gosselaar⁠—the actor who played Zack Morris in Saved by the Bell⁠—has a family tree with a sad past tied to the Holocaust.

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'Game of Thrones' Actor Eugene Simon—Lancel of House Lannister—In Real Life Is of House Bruce

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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Josh Hutcherson Descends from Revolutionary War Soldiers

Hollywood Ancestry

Jul 2, 2019
8 min

Josh Hutcherson Descends from Revolutionary War Soldiers

Josh Hutcherson starred as the revolutionary fighter 'Peeta' in The Hunger Games, and in fact the real-life actor is descended from countless American Revolutionary War soldiers. You most likely know Josh Hutcherson as 'Peeta' from The Hunger Games movie series, the fighting ally and love interest of Katniss Everdeen. Josh has been in the movie biz for quite some time, starring in roles such as Red Dawn (2012), Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008), Zathura, Bridge to Ter

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Beyoncé Descended from Acadian Hero and Cajun Pioneer

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 tre

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