Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.
Date of Birth: September 26, 1938
Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish
Jonathan Goldsmith is an American actor. He is known for being The Most Interesting Man in the World in television commercials for Dos Equis beer from 2006 to 2016.
He is of Russian Jewish descent.
His son is actor David Goldsmith.
Photo by s_bukley/Bigstock.com
Birth Name: Margaret Siff
Place of Birth: The Bronx, New York City, New York, U.S.
Date of Birth: June 21, 1974
Ethnicity:
*Ashkenazi Jewish (father)
*Irish, Swedish (mother)
Maggie Siff is an american actress. She is most known for her roles as Rachel Menken Katz on Mad Men and Tara Knowles on Sons of Anarchy.
Her father is from an Russian Jewish family and her mother has Irish and Swedish ancestry.
Source: http://www.interfaithfamily.com
Photo by Starfrenzy/Bigstock.com
Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
Date of Birth: July 19, 1953
Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish
Howard Schultz is an American businessperson. He is the chairman and CEO of Starbucks. He formerly owned the Seattle SuperSonics.
Howard is the son of Elaine (Lederman) and Fred Schultz.
Howard’s paternal grandparents were Harry Schultz (the son of Max Schultz and Beckie Hirbst) and Elsie Liebowitz. Harry was born in New York, to parents from Belz, Poland. Elsie was born in New York, to parents from Russia.
Howard’s maternal grandparents were Wolfe Lederman and Lillian Stein (the daughter of Ester). Wolfe was born in Manchester, England. Lillian was born in New York, to parents from Russia.
Sources: Genealogy of Howard Schultz (focusing on his father’s side) – https://www.geni.com
Howard’s father on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org
Howard’s maternal grandparents, Wolfe Lederman and Lillian Stein, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org
Birth Name: Marian Hall Seldes
Date of Birth: August 23, 1928
Place of Birth: Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
Date of Death: October 6, 2014
Place of Death: New York City, New York, U.S.
Ethnicity:
*Ashkenazi Jewish (father)
*English, possibly other (mother)
Marian Seldes was an American stage, film, radio, and television actress. She was born in Manhattan, New York, the daughter of Gilbert Vivian Seldes, a journalist, and Alice Wadhams (Hall), a socialite. She had one brother, Timothy. Her uncle (father’s brother) was journalist, editor, and author George Seldes.
Marian’s paternal grandparents were George Sergius Seldes and Anna/Annie/Hannah I./Verna Saphro. George and Anna were Russian Jews.
Marian’s maternal grandparents were Benjamin Elihu Hall (the son of Monroe Elihu Hall and Ermina Prindle Wells) and Mary Hazard Brown. Monroe was the son of Elihu Hall. Ermina was the daughter of Benjamin Wells and Jane Anne Wadhams.
Source: Genealogy of Marian Seldes – https://www.geni.com
Photo by prphotos.com
Birth Name: Robert Allen Iger
Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.
Date of Birth: February 10, 1951
Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish
Bob Iger is American businessperson. He is the chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of The Walt Disney Company. He was previously president of ABC Television, and the president and chief operating officer (COO) of Capital Cities/ABC, Inc.
Bob is the son of Miriam “Mimi” A. (Tunick) and Arthur Lawrence Iger. His parents were both born in New York. Bob is married to television correspondent, editor, author, and model Willow Bay.
Bob’s paternal grandparents were Joseph Iger and Eva Zwern. Joseph was born in Oklahoma, to Austrian Jewish parents. Eva was born in New York, to Russian Jewish parents.
Bob’s maternal grandparents were Irving Tunick and Jenny/Jennie. Irving was a Russian Jewish immigrant. Jenny was Austrian Jewish.
Sources: Bob’s father on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org
Obituary of Bob’s father – http://www.legacy.com
Bob’s mother on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org
Obituary of Bob’s mother – http://obits.dignitymemorial.com
Photo by kathclick/Bigstock.com
Place of Birth: Highland Park, Illinois, U.S.
Date of Birth: October 6, 1976
Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish
Brett Gelman is an American actor and comedian. He is the son of Candace and Ira L. Gelman. Brett was raised Jewish.
Brett’s paternal grandfather was Meyer “Mike” Gelman (the son of Jankel/Jacob Gelman and Anna Malkin). Meyer was born in Indiana, to parents from Vitebsk, Belarus. Jankel was the son of Eli Gelman and Hinda Levine/Lavin.
Brett’s paternal grandmother was Kaye C. Weiner (the daughter of Isaac Weiner/Mann and Fannie Rabinovitz). Kaye was born in Illinois. Isaac was born in Ostroh, Poland (now Ukraine), the son of Samuel Mann and Shmiel Spitzman. Fannie was born in Vitebsk, Belarus, the daughter of Koppel Rabinovitz and Sonya Bunya.
Sources: Obituary of Brett’s uncle (father’s brother), Andrew Joel Gelman – http://www.legacy.com
Genealogy of Brett Gelman (focusing on his father’s side) – https://www.geni.com
Photo by kathclick/Bigstock.com
Birth Name: Joshua Ho-Sang
Place of Birth: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date of Birth: January 22, 1996
Ethnicity:
*Afro-Jamaican, Chinese (father)
*Chilean-Ashkenazi Jewish (mother)
Josh Ho-Sang is an Canadian professional ice hockey player.
Josh is the son of Ericka and Wayne Ho-Sang. His father was born in Kingston, Jamaica, of African and Chinese (Josh’s great-grandfather was from Hong Kong) descent. His mother is Jewish, and was born in Santiago, Chile. Josh’s maternal grandmother is from a Jewish family from Russia and Germany. Josh’s maternal grandfather has been described as Spanish/Chilean, but it is not clear if he is also Jewish. Josh was raised celebrating Jewish holidays.
Sources: https://www.nytimes.com
http://www.espn.com
http://blogs.timesofisrael.com
https://colorofhockey.com
http://www.sportsnet.ca
Place of Birth: Bethesda, Maryland, U.S.
Date of Birth: May 27, 1955
Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish
Richard Schiff is an American comedian and actor. He is the son of Edward Schiff and Charlotte Schiff-Booker (born Grad). Richard has a brother, Paul, who is a film producer. Richard is married to actress Sheila Kelley, and they have two children.
Richard was raised Jewish. His mother is originally from Brooklyn, New York. Richard has stated that his ancestors moved to the U.S., through Ellis Island, from Ukraine, Austria, and Poland.
Richard’s paternal granfather was a gangster associated with the New York mob.
Richard’s maternal grandfather was Maurice Grad (the son of Samuel Grad and Lottie Prazer). Maurice was born in New York. Samuel was originally from Austria. Lottie was born in either Poland or Russia, to parents from Russia.
Richard’s maternal grandmother was Selma Goldberg (the daughter of Abraham Goldberg and Hanna Rosen). Selma was born in New York.
Sources: http://www.jewishtelegraph.com
http://www.independent.co.uk
Richard’s maternal grandfather, Maurice Grad, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org
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Birth Name: Jason Alexander Katims
Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
Date of Birth: November 30, 1960
Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish
Jason Katims is an American television writer, producer, and playwright. He is the son of Ruth Sandra (Ohsie) and Robert Harold Katims/Kotimsky. He has a sister, Barna, and a brother, Michael. They were raised Jewish.
Jason’s paternal grandfather was Barney Berel Kotimsky (the son of Julius Kotimsky and Rose Friedman). Julius was born in Russia, the son of Herman Kotimsky and Sara Cohen. Rose was also born in Russia, the daughter of Harris Friedman and Slepe Koff.
Jason’s paternal grandmother was Pauline Schmetterling (the daughter of Arthur Otto Schmetterling and Clara Stockhamer). Arthur was born in Pidvolochysk, Austria (now Ukraine), the son of Kelman/Carmen Schmetterling and Breine/Bryna Friedman. Clara was also born in Austria, to parents from Austria.
Jason’s maternal grandparents were Robert Ohsie and Bertha. Robert was born in New Jersey, to parents from Russia. Bertha was born in Russia.
Sources: Genealogy of Jason Katims (focusing on his father’s side) – https://www.geni.com
Jason’s paternal grandmother, Pauline Schmetterling, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org
Jason’s maternal grandparents, Robert Ohsie and Berth, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org
Photo by Joe Seer/Bigstock.com
Birth Name: Tara Lyn Charendoff
Place of Birth: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date of Birth: February 12, 1973
Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish
Tara Strong is a Canadian and American actress. She is the daughter of Lucy and Syd Charendoff.
Photo by kathclick/Bigstock.com
Birth Name: Victoria Syde Praver
Place of Birth: San Diego, California, United States
Date of Birth: June 4, 1987
Ethnicity:
*Ashkenazi Jewish (father)
*Italian, Norwegian, German, Czech/Bohemian, some Dutch (mother)
Tori Praver is an American model and swimwear fashion designer. She was born in San Diego, California, the daughter of Lori J. (Boggio) and Stephen L. Praver. She had a brother, Ryan. Tori was raised in Maui, Hawaii, U.S. Tori is married to surfer, model, photographer, and independent filmmaker Danny Fuller. They have two children.
Tori’s paternal grandfather was Edwin Praver (the son of Albert Praver and Eve/Eva). The surname “Praver” can be traced back to Galicia (now Poland/Ukraine). Albert was born in New York, to Russian Jewish parents. Eva was also born in New York, also to Russian Jews.
Tori’s paternal grandmother was Joan L. Rauch (the daughter of Benjamin G. Rauch and Syde). Benjamin was born in New York, to Austrian Jewish parents. Syde was also Jewish, and was born in New York, to a father from Russia and a mother from New York.
Tori’s maternal grandfather was Joseph” Joe” Louis Boggio. He had Italian ancestry.
Tori’s maternal grandmother was Barbara Ann Bergsrud (the daughter of Burton Andrew Bergsrud and Irma Zita Hinker). Burton was born in Iowa, to a Norwegian father, Hans Bergsrud, and a first-generation American mother, Anna G., whose parents hailed from Norway. Irma’s father, John Henry Huinker/Hinker, was born in Iowa, of mostly German, and some Dutch, descent, with German roots in North Rhine-Westphalia. Irma’s mother, Tori’s great-great-grandmother Rose, was born in Iowa, to Bohemian parents, Frederick Houdek and Kathryn Houska.
Sources: Birth certificate of Tori Praver – https://familysearch.org
Obituary of Tori’s brother, Ryan B. Praver – http://archives.starbulletin.com
Tori’s surname origin – http://www.geshergalicia.org
Engagement announcement of Tori’s paternal grandparents, Edwin Praver and Joan L. Rauch – https://www.newspapers.com
Tori’s paternal grandfather, Edwin Praver, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org
Tori’s paternal grandmother, Joan L. Rauch, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org
Obituary of Tori’s maternal grandfather, Joseph “Joe” L. Boggio – http://www.recordgazette.net
Genealogy of Tori’s mother’s family – http://stlucas.square7.ch
http://ossianfestinastlucasfamilies.weebly.com
Photo by kathclick/Bigstock.com
Birth Name: George Virden Watsky
Place of Birth: San Francisco, California, United States
Date of Birth: September 15, 1986
Ethnicity:
*Ashkenazi Jewish (father)
*English, distant Irish (mother)
George Watsky is an American hip hop artist, poet, and author. He was born in San Francisco, California, the son of Paul Norman Watsky and Clare E. (Miller). He has a twin brother, Simon.
George’s paternal grandparents were Seymour A. Watsky (the son of Abraham Watsky and Ethel Frank) and Sydelle “Syde” Siegel. Seymour was both born in New York, to parents from Russia.
George’s maternal grandfather was Clement Woodnutt Miller, a U.S. Representative from California (the son of Clement Woodnutt Miller and Katherina Hulda Dunham). George’s great-grandfather Charles was the son of Charles R. Miller, who had Irish and English ancestry, and of Abigail “Abbie” Morgan.
George’s maternal grandmother was Katherine Southerland (the daughter of Clarence A. Southerland and Katherine Virden). Clarence was the son of Clarence Southerland/Sutherland and Amy F.
Sources: https://www.youtube.com
Obituary of George’s paternal grandmother, Sydelle “Syde” (Siegel) Watsky – http://query.nytimes.com
Genealogy of George’s maternal grandfather, Clement Woodnutt Miller – https://www.geni.com
Family Tree of George’s (maternal) great-great-greatgrandfather, Robert H. Miller – http://www.ancestry.com
Obituary of George’s maternal grandmother, Katharine (Southerland) Miller Johnson – https://www.washingtonpost.com
Photo by prphotos.com
Birth Name: Robin Joselit Weigert
Place of Birth: Washington, D.C., U.S.
Date of Birth: July 7, 1969
Ethnicity:
*75% Ashkenazi Jewish
*25% German
Robin Weigert is an American television and film actress.
She was born in Washington, D.C., the daughter of Dionne Joselit (Laufman), a pianist, and Wolfgang Oscar Weigert, a psychiatrist. She has a brother, David.
Robin’s father was born in Berlin, Germany. He moved with his parents to Maryland, U.S., at the age of six. Robin’s mother is American.
Robin’s paternal grandfather was Oscar Weigert. Oscar was born in Berlin, Germany, to a German Jewish family.
Robin’s paternal grandmother was Edith Vowinckel (the daughter of Emanuel “Eduard” Gottfried Vowinckel and Agnes Augusta Hedwig “Auguste” Pieper). Edith was born in Düsseldorf, Germany, and her ancestors were all Germans/Prussians of Protestant background. Emanuel was the son of Johann Wilheim Vowinckel and Carolina “Caroline” Fudickar. Agnes was the daughter of Abraham “Albert” Pieper and Johanna Frederika “Friederike” Wüsthoff.
Robin’s maternal grandfather was Harold Laufman (the son of Jacob Laufman and Sophia Pietrokowski). Harold was Jewish. Jacob was born in Poland, to a father from Russia and a mother from Poland. Sophia was born in Poland.
Robin’s maternal grandmother was Marilyn Joselit (the daughter of Lawrence D. Joselit and Helen Goodman). Marilyn was Jewish. Lawrence was born in Illinois, to a father from Germany and a mother from Illinois, whose own parents were from Germany. Helen was born in Illinois, to a father from Russia, Samuel Goodman, and a mother from Illinois.
Source: Genealogy of Robin’s father, Wolfgang Oscar Weigert (focusing on his mother’s side) – https://www.geni.com
Obituary of Robin’s father, Wolfgang Oscar Weigert –http://www.legacy.com
Genealogy of Robin’s paternal great-grandparents Emanuel (Eduard) Gottfried Vowinckel and Agnes Augusta Hedwig (Auguste) Pieper – http://www.heidermanns.net
Obituary of Robin’s maternal grandfather, Harold Laufman – http://www.legacy.com
Photo by kathclick/Bigstock.com
Birth Name: Brian Thomas Grazer
Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, United States
Date of Birth: July 12, 1951
Ethnicity:
*German, Irish (father)
*Ashkenazi Jewish (mother)
Brian Grazer is an American film and television producer.
Brian was born in Los Angeles, the son of Arlyne/Arlene (Becker) and Albert Thomas “Tom” Grazer. His brother, Gavin, is an actor and director. Brian also has a sister, Nora Beth. They were raised in Sherman Oaks and Northridge, California.
His father was born in California, and raised Catholic. His mother was Jewish, and originally from New York. Brian was raised Catholic.
Brian’s paternal grandparents were Albert Vincent Grazer and Helen O’Grady/Grady (the daughter of Francis E. O’Grady). Helen was born in Michigan, to parents from Canada. Francis’ parents were Irish.
Brian’s maternal grandparents were Jack Becker and Sonia F. Neisloss (the daughter of Barnet Neisloss and Ida). Barnet and Ida were born in Russia.
Sources: Genealogy of Brian Grazer – https://www.geni.com
Marriage record of Brian’s parents – https://familysearch.org
Brian’s paternal grandmother, Helen O’Grady/Grady, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org
Brian’s mother, Arlyne/Arlene Becker, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org
Obituary of Brian’s mother, Arlyne/Arlene (Becker) Grazer – http://www.legacy.com
http://dyslexia.yale.edu
https://issuu.com
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Birth Name: Seth Jared Greenberg
Place of Birth: Rockville Centre, Long Island, New York City, New York, U.S.
Date of Birth: January 4, 1976
Ethnicity:
*Ashkenazi Jewish (father)
*English, German, Lithuanian, possibly other (mother)
Seth Grahame-Smith is an American novelist, film director, film producer, and screenwriter.
He was born in Rockville Centre, New York, the son of Deborah Ann (Williams) and Barry Michael Greenberg. He was raised in Weston and Bethel, Connecticut.
Seth’s father is Jewish. Seth’s mother is Protestant. They divorced when Seth was three years old. Seth’s mother later changed her surname to “Grahame”, after British writer Kenneth Grahame, and to “Smith”, after her second husband.
Seth’s paternal grandfather was Aaron Herbert Greenberg (the son of Benjamin Greenberg and Sadie Streicher). Benjamin was born in Romania, the son of Meyer Augenblick and Matilda. Sadie was born in Russia, the daughter of Aaron Streicher and Ida Weingrad.
Seth’s paternal grandmother was Alice Rhoda Strauss (the daughter of Jacob Strauss and Clara Mandel/Mandell). Jacob was born in New York, to parents from Austria, Samuel Strauss and Bessie. Clara was born in Lemberg, Austria (now Liyv, Ukraine), the daughter of Hersch Finger and Chaje Weiblich.
Seth’s maternal grandfather was James Wesley Williams (the son of James Wesley Williams, Sr. and P. Maxham). Seth’s great-grandfather James was the son of Silas Williams.
Seth’s maternal grandmother was Mildred Ann Strauss (the daughter of Peter Strauss and Antonina Sincavage).
Sources: http://www.laweekly.com
Genealogy of Seth Grahame-Smith – http://www.genealogy.com
Seth’s paternal grandfather, Aaron Herbert Greenberg, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org
Photo by kathclick/Bigstock.com
Birth Name: Melissa Anne Rosenberg
Place of Birth: Marin, California, United States
Date of Birth: August 28, 1962
Ethnicity:
*Ashkenazi Jewish (father)
*Irish, possibly other (mother)
Melissa Rosenberg is an American screenwriter and television producer. She is the daughter of Patricia J. (Connolly), a lawyer, and Jack Lee Rosenberg, a psychotherapist, who is the founder of integrative body psychotherapy.
Melissa’s father is Jewish. Melissa’s mother is said to be of Irish ancestry.
Melissa’s paternal grandparents were Jack Rosenberg (the son of Fanny/Fannie Leber) and Sylvia Minton. Fanny was born in Russia.
Melissa is married to television director Lev L. Spiro. Lev is Jewish.
Sources: Birth certificate of Melissa Rosenberg – https://familysearch.org
Obituary of Melissa’s father, Jack Lee Rosenberg – https://www.facebook.com
Photo by s_bukley/Bigstock.com
Birth Name: Meghan R. Ory
Place of Birth: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Date of Birth: August 20, 1982
Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish, possibly other
Meghan Ory is a Canadian television and film actress. She is daughter of Bonnie and Nathan E. Ory. She has a brother, Jesse. Meghan is married to actor John Reardon.
Meghan’s surname, “Ory”, was originally spelt “Oritsky”, and hails from Ukraine.
Meghan’s paternal grandfather was Randolph Aaron “Randy” Ory (the son of Nathaniel Edward Ory and Jennie Gottlieb). Randolph was born in Anniston, Alabama, U.S., to Jewish immigrant parents. Nathaniel was born in Kiev, Ukraine, the son of Abraham Oritsky/Ory and Gussie Aaron. Jennie was also born in Kiev, the daughter of Thomas Gottlieb and Minnie Kaminsky.
Meghan’s paternal grandmother was Jesse/Jessie Pankin (the daughter of Harris Pankin and Ray). Jesse was born in New York, U.S. Harris and Ray were Russian Jewish immigrants.
Sources: Genealogy of Meghan Ory (focusing on her father’s side) – https://www.geni.com
Meghan’s paternal grandmother, Jesse/Jessie Pankin, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org
Photo by kathclick/Bigstock.com
Birth Name: Iris Barrel
Place of Birth: Astoria, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S.
Date of Birth: August 29, 1921
Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish
Iris Apfel is an American businessperson, interior designer, and fashion icon. She is the daughter of Sadye (Asofsky) and Samuel Barrel. Her parents were Jewish. Her father was born in Brooklyn, New York. Her mother was originally from Russia. Iris was married to Carl Apfel, until his death in 2015.
Iris’ paternal grandparents were Morris Barrel (the son of Moser J. Barrel and Reitha Jacobs) and Fannie Maltzman. Morris and Fannie were born in Russia.
Iris’ maternal grandparents were Abraham J. Asofsky and Syd Jennie Richman. Abraham was born in Slutsk, Belarus.
Sources: http://forward.com
Genealogy of Iris Apfel – https://www.geni.com
Birth record of Iris’ paternal uncle, Harrie Lipman Barrel – https://familysearch.org
Photo by prphotos.com
Birth Name: Margaret Emily Jakobson
Place of Birth: Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
Date of Birth: August 7, 1961
Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish
Maggie Wheeler is an American actress. She is the daughter of Barbara and John R. Jakobson. Her parents are both Jewish. Maggie is married to Daniel Borden Wheeler.
Maggie’s paternal grandparents were Louis Jakobson (the son of Adolph Sam Jakobson and Fanny Leftrist/Lefkowitz) and Lucille B. Rafelson (the daughter of Abraham J. Rafelson and Hattie London). Adolph and Fanny were born in Hungary. Abraham was originally from either Poland or Russia. Hattie was born in New York, to parents from Germany.
Sources: http://www.jta.org
Maggie’s paternal grandfather, Louis Jakobson, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org
Death record of Maggie’s paternal grandfather, Louis Jakobson – https://familysearch.org
Maggie’s paternal great-grandmother, Hattie London, on the 1910 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org
Photo by s_bukley/Bigstock.com
Place of Birth: Wayne, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Date of Birth: February 1, 1984
Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish
Abbi Jacobson is an American comedian, writer, actress and illustrator. She is known for co-creating, and co-starring in, the show Broad City, with Ilana Glazer.
Abbi’s paternal grandparents were Jack Jacobson and Estelle Abrams.
Abbi’s maternal grandfather was Henry Mehr (the son of Louis S. Mehr and Rose R. Raeffle). Henry was born in Delaware. Louis was born in Lithuania. Rose was born in Texas, the daughter of R. Raphael and Anna, who were from Germany.
Abbi’s maternal grandmother was Mitzi R. Brody (the daughter of Jacob Brody and Leah Kaplan). Mitzi was born in Pennsylvania. Jacob was born in Russia.
Source: Genealogy of Abbi Jacobson – https://www.geni.com
Photo by Prphotos