Place of Birth: Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, U.K.
Date of Birth: 11 July, 1958
Ethnicity: English, Ashkenazi Jewish
Mark Lester is a British actor. He is known for starring in the 1968 film Oliver! He is the son of Rita (Keene), an actress, and Michael Lester (born Michael Boris Letzer), an actor and producer.
His father was raised in a Jewish household, and was mentioned in The Jewish Chronicle paper of England during his own childhood.
Mark’s paternal grandfather was Abraham Letzer (born Abraham Lackshier, the son of Alec Lackshier/Leckzear/Leckshere/Letzer and Annie Fordham). Abraham was born in London, to Russian Jewish parents.
Mark’s paternal grandmother was Constance Sutton. It is not clear if Constance was of Jewish heritage; the surname “Sutton” is usually an English (non-Jewish) surname.
Mark’s maternal grandparents were likely Henry V. Keene and Violet S. Holloway.
Mark has said that he is the biological father of Paris Jackson, the daughter of singer Michael Jackson. It is not clear if there is any evidence for this.
Dave Frankel is an American film director, screenwriter, and producer.
Dave is the son of Tobia Simone (Brown) and journalist Max Frankel. David’s siblings are Margot and Jon.
Dave’s father was born in Gera, Thuringia, and raised in Weißenfels, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, before moving to New York. David’s mother is from Brooklyn, New York. They are both Jewish.
Dave’s paternal grandfather was Jakob Fränkel (the son of Isaak Fränkel). Jakob was born in Busk, Galicia, Poland (now Ukraine).
Dave’s paternal grandmother was Mary Katze. She was born in Sokal, Galicia, Poland (now Ukraine).
Dave’s maternal grandfather was Harold M. Brown (the son of Maurice Brown and Ida). Harold was born in New York, to parents from Russia.
Dave’s maternal grandmother was Pauline Kessler. Pauline was born in Odessa, Russian Empire (now Ukraine).
Sources: David’s father’s memoir, The Times of My Life and My Life with The Times (1999) – http://books.google.com
David Lewis was a Canadian labour lawyer and politician. He was Leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), from April 24, 1971 to July 7, 1975, carrying it into the 1972 and 1974 federal elections. He was a Member of Parliament from Ontario, from June 18, 1962 to April 8, 1963, and again from November 8, 1965 to July 8, 1974.
David was born in Svisloch, Russian Empire, the son of Rose (Lazarovitch) and Moishe Losz, a labour activist. His family moved to Canada in 1921, settling in Montréal, Québec. David is the father of politician and public speaker Stephen Lewis, and the grandfather of documentary filmmaker Avi Lewis.
David was the first Jewish person to lead a major (relatively) political party in Canada. Andrew Scheer, who was elected leader of the Conservative Party in 2017, is the only other person of Jewish background to do so.
David’s maternal grandfather was Usher Lazarovitch.
Place of Birth: Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
Date of Birth: September 12, 1992
Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish
Molly Tarlov is the daughter of Judith “Judy” (Roberts) and film producer Mark Tarlov. She has a sister, Jessica. Molly’s parents are both Jewish.
Molly’s paternal grandfather was Malcolm A. Tarlov (the son of Harry A. Tarlov and Rose Marcus). Harry was born in Connecticut, to parents from Russia. Rose was born in New York, to parents from Russia.
Molly’s paternal grandmother was Harriet/Harriett Barbakoff (the daughter of Albert Isaac Barbakoff and Lena Hoffman). Harriet was born in Pennsylvania, to parents from Russia.
Molly’s maternal grandparents were Michael “Mike” Roberts and Malvina “Mimi”. They were European Jews.
Sources: Molly’s paternal grandfather, Malcolm A. Tarlov, on the 1930 U.S. Census – http://www.familysearch.org
Molly’s paternal grandmother, Harriet/Harriett Barbakoff, on the 1940 U.S. Census – http://www.familysearch.org
Obituary of Molly’s great-aunt (paternal grandmother’s sister), Norma B. Lenore – http://www.legacy.com
Margot is the daughter of Lynn/Lynne (Yaffe/Jaffe) and Craig Bingham (born Craig Marlon Bingham). Margot has a brother, Cori.
Margot’s father is a American football player from Kingston, Jamaica, and is known for being the first Jamaican to play in the National Football League. Margot’s mother is Jewish, with roots in Germany/Prussia and Russia.
Margot’s maternal grandfather was Marvin H. Yaffe/Jaffe (the son of Gustave Yaffe and Ida Lillian). Marvin was born in Connecticut, to a father from Russia and a mother from New York, whose own parents were from Russia.
Margot’s maternal grandmother was Inge Mylon (the daughter of Ernst Mylon/Mislowitzer and Hildegard Joseph). Inge was born in Berlin, Germany. Hildegard was the daughter of Wilhelm Joseph and Martha Paris.
Sources: Genealogy of Margot’s mother, Lynn/Lynne Yaffe/Jaffe (focusing on her own mother’s side) – http://www.geni.com
Obituary of Margot’s maternal grandmother, Inge (Mylon) Yaffe – http://www.legacy.com
Ari’s father, Stuary Emery Leff, is Jewish American. Ari’s mother, Silvija Inga (Staprāns), is Latvian.
His stage name derived from the word “lauve”, which means “lion” in Latvian.
Ari’s paternal grandfather was Sanford Leonard Leff (the son of Harry Leff and Sarah Kohn). Harry was a Polish Jewish emigrant, from Łomża, Podlaskie, and was the son of Daron Leff and Leah Grunstein. Sarah was a Czech Jewish emigrant, from Želnava, Prachatice District, South Bohemian Region, and was the daughter of Meyer Jacob Kohn and Zypa “Sadie” Feimehl (also known as Goldsmith).
Ari’s paternal grandmother was Seena Sylvia Glaser (the daughter of Nathan Lefo Glaser and Anna Ella Silverman). Nathan was the son of Lithuanian Jewish immigrant, Mendel “Michael” Glaser, and of Latvian Jewish immigrant, Ida Sarah Fine. Anna was the daughter of Russian Jewish immigrants Samuel Silverman and Sarah Rappaport (also known as Drew).
Marisa Berenson is an American actress and model. Marisa’s sister was photographer Berinthia “Berry” Berenson, who died in the September 11 attacks. Berinthia was married to actor Anthony Perkins.
Marisa is the daughter of socialite Gogo Schiaparelli (born Maria-Luisa Yvonne Radha de Wendt de Kerlor) and diplomat Robert Lawrence/Laurence Berenson.
Marisa’s father was Jewish, from a Jewish family from Lithuania, Russia, France, and Hungary. His family’s surname was originally spelt “Valvrojenski”. Marisa’s mother had Italian, Swiss-French, Breton, and Polish roots.
Marisa’s paternal grandfather was Bernard Berenson (the son of Leyb/Louis/Lewis Berenson and Sarah Bernstein). Bernard was born in Massachusetts, to Russian Jewish parents. Leyb was the son of Wolf Berenson and Baylee. Sarah was the daughter of Isaac Bernstein and Slova. Through this side, Marisa is a second cousin, once removed, of art historian Bernard Berenson and athlete and educator Senda Berenson, who is one of the first two women elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Marisa’s paternal grandmother was Corinne Francesca Levy (the daughter of Anatole/Anatol Levy and Elizabeth/Eliza Nathan). Anatole was born in France, the son of Nathan Levy and Rachel/Rachiel Klein. Elizabeth was born in Hungary, the daughter of Emanuel Nathan and Fanny.
Marisa’s maternal grandfather was Wilhelm Frederick Radha de Wendt de Kerlor. Wilhelm was born in Switzerland, of French, Breton, and Polish descent.
Marisa’s maternal grandmother was Elsa Luisa Maria Schiaparelli (the daughter of Celestino Schiaparelli and Maria-Luisa Domenitis). Elsa was a prominent fashion designer, from Rome, Italy. Celestino was a prominent scholar, from Piedmont, and was the son of Luigi Schiaparelli. Maria-Luisa was from a Neapolitan family, of aristocratic background. Elsa’s uncle, Giovanni Schiaparelli, was a prominent astronomer.
Nora Ephron was an American journalist, essayist, playwright, director, novelist, producer, screenwriter, and blogger.
She was the daughter of Phoebe Ephron and Henry Ephron, who were playwrights and screenwriters. Her sisters, Delia Ephron, Hallie Ephron, and Amy Ephron, are all writers. Her family was Jewish.
Nora’s family’s surname was spelled “Efron” generations back. No genealogical connection between Nora and actor Zac Efron has been established, but is possible.
Nora’s patrilineal line can be traced to Israel Efron, who was born c. 1750, and was from Ivyanets, Belarus.
Nora’s paternal grandfather was Yitzhak Asher “Isaac” Ephron (the son of Chaim Nachum Ephron and Pearl Levitt). Yitzhak was from Valožyn, Minsk, Belarus. Chaim was the son of Israel Efron and Guda.
Nora’s paternal grandmother was Gittle “Gussie” Weinstein. Gittle was from Skidzyel’, now in Belarus.
Nora’s maternal grandparents were Louis Wolkind (the son of Bernard Wolkind and Grace Kunin) and Kate Lautkin.
James Schamus is an American screenwriter, producer, and director. He wrote and directed the film Indignation (2016).
James is married to author Nancy Kricorian (who is of Armenian and French-Canadian descent).
James is the son of Clarita (Gershowitz) and Julian John Schamus. James’ parents were Jewish. James was raised in Los Angeles, California.
James’ paternal grandfather was Abraham Schamus (the son of Solomon/Samuel Schamus and Sarah Fischell/Leoniff). Solomon was born in Russia, the son of Louis Barron. Sarah was also born in Russia, the daughter of Eliazer Fischel and Goldie.
James’ paternal grandmother was Esther Galen (the daughter of Jacob Galen/Golinsky and Rose Berkowitz). Jacob was the son of Simon Golinsky and Hian Linchush. Rose was the daughter of Avram Berkowitz and Odessah.
James’ maternal grandfather was Max Gershowitz (the son of Isaac Gershowitz and Rebecca Weinberg). Max was born in Vawkavysk, Belarus.
James’ maternal grandmother was Estelle Anker (the daughter of Phillip Anker and Sarah Byna Birnbaum). Estelle was born in Volhynia, Russia (now part of Ukraine, Belarus, and Poland). Phillip was born in Kupil, Russia (now Ukraine), the son of Modil Halvey Ancher. Sarah was born in Russia, the daughter of Velvel Birnbaum and Shayna Bella Anker.
Gigi Pritzker is an American billionaire, film producer, and philantrophist.
Gigi is the daughter of Marian “Cindy” (Friend) and Jay Arthur Pritzker. Gigi’s parents were both Jewish. Gigi’s father’s family is known for being one of the wealthiest families in the U.S.
Gigi’s paternal grandfather was Abram Nicholas Pritzker (the son of Nicholas Jacob Pritzker and Anna Cohen). Gigi’s great-grandfather Nicholas was born in Kiev, Ukraine, the son of Jacob (Yakov Yechezel) Nicholas Prizker, who was from Russia, and of Sophia Schwartzman, who was from Germany. Gigi’s great-grandmother Anna was born in Nizhyn, Ukraine, the daughter of Eleazar Cohen and Fannie.
Gigi’s paternal grandmother was Fanny L. Doppelt (the daughter of Jacob Doppelt and Hannah/Chane Henschy Dichter). Jacob was born in Austria, the son of Asher/Usher/Isidore Doppelt, who was from Gmina Brzozów, Poland, and of Charlotte “Lottie” Prend, who was from Brzozów, Poland. Hannah was also born in Austria, the daughter of Salomon Hersch Dichter and Chane Grossman.
Gigi’s maternal grandfather was jurist Hugo Morris Freund/Friend (the son of Markus/Marcus Freund and Emilia/Emilie Straschnow). Hugo was born in Prague, Bohemia (now Czech Republic). Markus was born in Veliš, Bohemia (now Czech Republic), the son of Moses Freund and Anna Weiss. Emilia was born in Mladá Boleslav, Bohemia (now Czech Republic), the daughter of Heinrich L. Straschnow and Julie Weil.
Gigi’s maternal grandmother was Sadie Cohn (the daughter of Esau M. Cohn/Cohen and Ethel Feidelberg/Faldberg). Esau and Ethel were born in Russia.
Amy Pascal – TV Land Presents AFI’s Life Achievement Award Honoring Mike Nichols Photo Credit: Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos
Birth Name: Amy Beth Pascal
Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, United States
Date of Birth: March 25, 1958
Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish
Amy Pascal is an American business executive and film producer.
Amy is the daughter of Barbara Raye (Edelberg) and Anthony Henry “Tony” Pascal. Amy’s parents were Jewish. Amy has a sister, Jenny. Amy is married to journalist/playwright Bernard Weinraub (Bernard is Jewish).
Amy’s paternal grandfather was Paul E. Pascal (the son of Nathan/Mathew Pascal/Paskal and Rachel/Racheal). Paul was born in Pennsylvania, to a father from Russia and a mother from Romania.
Amy’s paternal grandmother was Rose Farber. Rose was born in Russia.
Amy’s maternal grandparents were Albert/Abraham Edelberg and Sophie/Sophia Cohen. Albert was born in Latvia. Sophia was born in Illinois, to parents from Poland.
Sources: Genealogy of Amy Pascal (focusing on her father’s side) – https://www.geni.com
Melanie Mayron is an American actress and film and television director.
Melanie is the daughter of Norma (Goodman) and David Mayron. Melanie has a sister, Gale. Melanie’s parents are both Jewish.
Melanie’s father has Sephardi Jewish roots, and was raised in then-Mandatory Palestine, now Israel. His family’s surname was originally spelt “Mizrahi”. Melanie’s mother is of Russian Jewish ancestry.
Tania Raymonde – Amazon’s “Goliath” Los Angeles Premiere – Photo Credit: David Gabber / PRPhotos.com
Birth Name: Tania Raymonde Helen Katz
Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, United States
Date of Birth: March 22, 1988
Ethnicity:
*Ashkenazi Jewish (father)
*Corsican Italian (mother)
Tania Raymonde is an American actress.
Tania is the daughter of Anna-Maria (Feretti) and Jon Franklin Katz.
Tania’s father was American, of Russian Jewish and some Austrian Jewish roots. Tania’s mother is from Bastia, Corsica, France, of Italian descent, and is Catholic.
I was raised Jewish and Catholic. We did Christmas and Hanukkah… My mom was really into going to synagogue, and wanted to convert, but it just never happened.
A video of Tania visiting Corsica can be seen here. Tania is fluent in French.
Tania’s paternal grandfather was Bertram Katz (the son of Abraham Katz and Julia Sacher). Abraham was born in Russia. Julia was from Austria.
Tania’s paternal grandmother was Eleanor Hume (the daughter of Abraham “Abe” Hume and Helen Rubenstein). Abraham and Helen were born in Russia.
Tania’s maternal grandparents were Henri Ferreti and Augustine.
John Heard – “Homecoming” Los Angeles Premiere – Photo Credit: Guillermo Proano / PR Photos
Place of Birth: Washington, D.C., U.S.
Date of Birth: March 7, 1945
Ethnicity: Irish, English, Ashkenazi Jewish
John Heard is an American actor. He is the son of Helen (Sperling) and John Heard. The Heard family is said to have settled in the Ipswich, Massachusetts, area, in 1640.
His father was of English and Irish descent. His mother was of half Ashkenazi Jewish (from her father) and half English/British Isles (from her mother) descent.
John was raised Catholic.
John has three children, including a son with his former partner, actress Melissa Leo.
John’s paternal grandfather was John L. Heard (the son of John Heard and Alice “Abbie” Leeds). John’s great-grandfather John was the son of George Washington Heard and Elisabeth Ann Farley. Alice was the daughter of George C. Leeds and Caroline Treadwell.
John’s paternal grandmother was Grace Irene Clifford (the daughter of Theodore J. Clifford and Mary Ellen O’Connell/Cornel/Connel). Theodore was born in Massachusetts, the son of Irish parents, Jeremiah J. Clifford, from Kerry, and Mary A. Fenton. John’s great-grandmother Mary Ellen was also born in Massachusetts, and was also the daughter of Irish parents, Phillip/Philip O’Connell and Margaret.
John’s maternal grandfather was Harry Louis Sperling (the son of Jacob Sperling and Rebecca/Rebeka Roth/Rock). Harry was born in New York, to Jewish parents, his father from Dobrzyń, Poland, and his mother from Barcza, either in Hungary or Poland. Jacob was the son of Mayer/Meyer/Myer Josef/Joseph Sperling and Hani/Hannah/Hanna. Rebecca was the daughter of Solamon Roth and Rozi.
John’s maternal grandmother was Elizabeth “Ebeth” A. Burton (the daughter of William Stancil Burton and Eliza E. Hayes). William was the son of Allen C. Burton and Elizabeth Ann Holmes. William’s brother, John’s great-great-uncle Joseph R. Burton (Joseph Ralph Burton), was a Republican U.S. Senator from Kansas, from 1901 to 1906.
Sources: Marriage record of John’s paternal great-grandparents, Theodore J. Clifford and Mary Ellen O’Connell/Cornel/Connel – https://familysearch.org
John’s paternal great-grandparents, Theodore J. Clifford and Mary Ellen O’Connell/Cornel/Connel, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org
Marriage record of John’s maternal great-grandparents, Jacob Sperling and Rebecca/Rebeka Roth/Rock – https://familysearch.org
John’s maternal great-grandparents, Jacob Sperling and Rebecca/Rebeka Roth/Rock, on the 1880 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org
Jacob Sperling and Rebecca/Rebeka Roth/Rock on the 1910 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org
Jacob Sperling and Rebecca/Rebeka Roth/Rock on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org
Jacob Sperling and Rebecca/Rebeka Roth/Rock on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org
Peggy Lipton – Mentor LA’s Promise Gala Honoring Tom Cruise – Photo Credit: Glenn Harris / Photorazzi
Birth Name: Margaret Ann Lipton
Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.
Date of Birth: August 30, 1946
Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish
Peggy Lipton is an American actress and model.
Peggy is the mother of model, actress, and fashion designer Kidada Jones and actress, writer, and producer Rashida Jones, with her former husband, music, film, and television producer and instrumentalist Quincy Jones.
Peggy is the daughter of Rita Hetty (Benson/Rosenberg) and Harold Arlen Lipton. Her father was born in The Bronx, New York, to Russian Jewish immigrants. Her mother was born in Dublin, Ireland, of Russian Jewish and Latvian Jewish descent.
Peggy’s paternal grandfather was Max Lipschitz (the son of Harris/Harold Lipschitz and Rebecca Leah Pitovsky/Witkowsky). Max was from Slutsk.
Peggy’s paternal grandmother was Alice Goldfarb (the daughter of Aaron Goldfarb and Frieda/Freude Bass/Bab). Alice was from Brest.
Peggy’s maternal grandfather was Hyman Rosenberg (the son of Marko Benjamin Rosenberg and Sarah Hahn). Hyman was a Russian Jewish immigrant, who was born in Saga.
Peggy’s maternal grandmother was Jeanie “Jane” Benson (the daughter of Benjamin Joseph Bensohn/Benson, from Kovno, and Sophia Winestein/Weinstein). Jeanie was born in Manchester, Lancashire, England, to Latvian Jewish parents. Benjamin was the son of Schlaume/Solomon Benson and Gittel Vamer. Sophia was the daughter of Joseph Weinstein and Jane.
D’Arcy Carden – 2016 Summer TCA Tour – NBCUniversal Press Tour Day 1 – Photo Credit: PRPhotos.com
Birth Name: D’Arcy Beth Erokan
Place of Birth: Danville, California, United States
Date of Birth: January 4, 1980
Ethnicity:
*Turkish, Greek (father)
*German, Ashkenazi Jewish (mother)
D’Arcy Carden is an American actress and comedian.
D’Arcy’s grandparents were Dogan Hussein Erokan (son of Ferid Erokan and Hafize Fikret) and Athena Anita Caragianis (daughter of William/Vasili Caragianis and Helen/Eleni Venios). Dogan was born in either Palestine or Baghdad, Iraq to Turkish parents, Athena was born in Massachusetts to Greek parents.
D’Arcys maternal grandfather is Frederick John Engelfried, son of Frederick Charles Engelfried and Betty Keltz. Frederick Charles was the son of John Engelfried and Emilie Held. Betty was born in Germany and Frederick was born in San Francisco to parents from Württemberg.
D’Arcy’s maternal grandmother is Lila Jean Blumenthal, daughter of Harry Blumenthal and Sarah/Sherry Turtledove. Harry was the son of Isaac Blumethal (son of Mateus Blumenthal and Sarah Bookspon) and Rose Ross (daughter of Hirsh Ross and Dinna Koslowsky). Harry’s parents were Russian Jews. Sarah Turtledove was the daughter of Abraham Turtledove (son of Mendel Turteltaub and Hannah Rachel Ehrlich) and Clara Reisman (daughter of Barney Reisman and Eva), who were Romanian Jews.
Scott Weinger is an American actor, writer, and producer. He appeared on the show Full House and voiced Aladdin in the 1992 Disney animated film of the same name.
Scott’s maternal grandfather was Myron A. Maged (the son of Benjamin F. Maged and Hannah). Benjamin was a Russian Jewish immigrant, the son of Samuel Maged and Hennie Mastrovoy. Hannah was born in New York, to Russian Jewish parents.
Scott’s maternal grandmother was Marjorie Margaret/Margarite Goldwag/Gold (the daughter of Wolf/William Michel Goldwag/Gold and Esther Rosenstein). Marjorie was born in New York, to Russian Jewish parents. Wolf was the son of Szloma Falek Goldwag, who was born in Tarnogród, Poland, and of Margalit/Margula Gulcha Rozencwajg, who was born in Lublin, Poland.
Sources: Genealogy of Scott Weinger (focusing on his mother’s side) – https://www.geni.com
Scott’s maternal grandmother, Myron A. Maged, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org
Genealogy of Scott’s maternal grandmother, Marjorie Margaret/Margarite Goldwag/Gold (focusing on her father’s side) – https://www.geni.com
Scott’s maternal grandmother, Marjorie Margaret/Margarite Goldwag/Gold, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org
