Birth Name: Michael Bolotin
Place of Birth: New Haven, Connecticut, United States
Date of Birth: February 26, 1953
Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish (Russian Jewish)
Family Info:
Michael Bolton is an American singer and songwriter. He is the son of George L. “Bullet” Bolotin and Helen L. Gubin.

Michael’s paternal grandparents were Oser Skishe Bolotin (the son of Gershon Bolotin) and Sophie F. Balwiw (the daughter of Pesach F. Balwiw). Oscar and Sophie were Russian Jewish immigrants.

Michael’s maternal grandparents were Isadore/Isidore Gubin (the son of Abraham Gubin) and Rose Abramovitz (the daughter of Israel Abramovitz and Mollie/Molly/Molley). Isadore was a Russian Jewish immigrant. Rose was born in England to Russian Jewish immigrants.

Sources:
* George’s 1920 US Census: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MCNN-2BD
* Helen’s 1930 US Census: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XM5Z-S8P
* Oscar’s cemetery record: http://www.yeshivanewhavensynagogue.org/cemetery_search_ext.asp?lname=BOLOTIN&fname=OSCAR%20S&maid=&dd=30%20DEC%201948&db=15%20AUG%201887&par=GERSHON&spo=SOPHIE&heb=&cem=Workmen%27s%20Circle&loc=A72
* Sophie’s cemetery record: http://www.yeshivanewhavensynagogue.org/cemetery_search_ext.asp?lname=BOLOTIN&fname=SOPHIE&maid=&dd=13%20MAR%201968&db=16%20MAY%201880&par=PESACH&spo=OSCAR&heb=&cem=Workmen%27s%20Circle&loc=A73
* Isadore’s cemetery record: http://www.yeshivanewhavensynagogue.org/cemetery_search_ext.asp?lname=GUBIN&fname=ISIDORE&maid=&dd=22%20OCT%201983&db=1%20MAR%201895&par=ABRAHAM&spo=ROSE&heb=&cem=Independent%20Vilner%20Lodge&loc=AM4
* Rose’s cemetery record: http://www.yeshivanewhavensynagogue.org/cemetery_search_ext.asp?lname=GUBIN&fname=ROSE&maid=&dd=26%20NOV%201986&db=24%20NOV%201896&par=&spo=ISIDORE&heb=&cem=Independent%20Vilner%20Lodge&loc=AM3

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Birth Name: Alexander Max Band

Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, US

Date of Birth: June 8, 1981

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish, English

Alex Band is an American musician. He is known as a singer for his former band “The Calling”.

He is the son of Meda (Robertson) and film director, writer, and producer Charles Band (Charles Robert Band), and the grandson of director and producer Albert Band.

Alex’s paternal grandfather is Albert A. Band (the son of Max Band and Bertha Finkelstein). Albert was born in Paris, France. Max was born in Naumiestis, Lithuania, to Abraham K. Band and Anna Tumpowsky, who were Jewish. Bertha was a Russian Jew. Albert was also credited under the name “Alfredo Antonini” (a fake stage name).

Alex’s paternal grandmother was Jacquelyn Lois Richardson (the daughter of Maurice V. Richardson and Laura L.). Jacquelyn was born in Oklahoma. Maurice was born in Illinois, to Illinois-born parents. Laura was born in Kansas, to Kansas-born parents. Laura’s maiden name is listed as “Zaffino” on a marriage record transcription, but this appears to be a typo. Jacquelyn was buried in a Jewish cemetery, so it is likely that she was either born Jewish or converted to Judaism.

Sources: Marriage record of Alex’s paternal grandparents, Albert A. Band and Jacquelyn Lois Richardson – https://familysearch.org

Alex’s paternal grandmother, Jacquelyn Lois Richardson, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Obituary of Alex’s paternal grandmother, Jacquelyn Lois (Richardson) Band – http://www.findagrave.com

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Birth Name: Dmitri Tippens Krushnic

Place of Birth: Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Date of Birth: 20 August 1974

Ethnicity: English, German, Ashkenazi Jewish, Scottish, Irish

Misha Collins is an American actor and director. His paternal great-grandfather was from a Jewish family (from Russia and Hungary). His other ancestry is English, German, Scottish, and Irish.

Misha’s paternal grandfather was Edward Franz Krushnic, Jr. (the son of Edward Krushnic and Hildegard/Hilda Franz). Misha’s great-grandfather Edward was the son of Joesph Krushnic, who was born in Russia, and of Ida, who was born in Hungary. Joseph and Ida were both Jewish (their language is listed as “Yiddish” on the 1910 U.S. Census and as “Jewish” on the 1920 U.S. Census). Hildegard was born in Kansas, to German parents.

Misha’s paternal grandmother was Emma L. Willis (the daughter of Charles H. Willis and Emma J. Lethbridge). Misha’s grandmother Emma was born in Illinois, to English parents.

Misha’s maternal grandparents are Dorr Eugene Felt Tippens (the son of Albert Harris Tippens and Constance Felt) and Dorris Roberta Willsey (the daughter of Roy Franklin Willsey and Bertha/Berthia Collins).

Sources: Misha’s paternal grandfather, Edward Franz Krushnic, Jr., on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Misha’s paternal great-great-grandparents, Joesph Krushnic and Ida, on the 1910 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org
Joesph Krushnic and Ida on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Misha’s paternal grandmother, Emma L. Willis, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Obituary of Misha’s maternal grandfather, Dorr Eugene Felt Tippens – http://articles.baltimoresun.com

Misha’s family history – http://misha-enthusiast.tumblr.com

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Birth Name: Monica Samille Lewinsky

Place of Birth: San Francisco, California, United States

Date of Birth: July 23, 1973

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Monica Lewinsky is an American fashion designer and television personality. She is the daughter of Bernard Lewinsky (Bernard Salomon Lewinsky), an oncologist, and Marcia Lewis (born Marcia Kay Vilensky), an author.

Her father was born in San Salvador, El Salvador, to German Jewish parents who left Nazi Germany. His family moved to the United States when he was fourteen. Her mother is of Lithuanian Jewish and Russian Jewish descent.

Monica’s paternal grandparents were George “Jorge” Lewinsky and Susana “Susi” Sophia. George and Susana were German Jews.

Monica’s maternal grandparents were Samuel Vilensky (the son of Moses Vilenski and Hanna Dinaburg) and Bronia Poleshuk. Samuel was a Lithuanian Jew. Bronia was born in the British Concession in Tianjin, China, to a Russian Jewish family.

Source: Genealogy of Monica Lewinsky (focusing on her mother’s side) – http://www.geni.com

Photo URL (by Prphotos.com): http://www.prphotos.com/p/6600001/monica-lewinsky-at-.html?&ps=6&x-start=1

Birth Name: Dianne Emiel Goldman

Place of Birth: San Francisco, California

Date of Birth: June 22, 1933

Ethnicity:
*Ashkenazi Jewish (father)
*Russian, German and/or Ashkenazi Jewish (mother)

Dianne Feinstein is an American politician. She has served as a United States Senator from California since 1992. She was previously Mayor of San Francisco from 1978 to 1988.

Dianne is the daughter of Betty (Rosenburg/Rosenberg) and Leon Goldman. Dianne’s father was born in California, to a Polish Jewish father and a Russian Jewish mother. Dianne’s mother was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, and was of the Russian Orthodox (Christian) religion. It is not clear exactly what Dianne’s mother’s ancestry was. She may have had Russian, German and/or Jewish ancestry.

Dianne identifies as Jewish by religion.

Dianne’s paternal grandparents were Samuel Goldman and Lillie Kalfin/Kalvin (the daughter of Hershel David Kalfin and Chaya Sura). Samuel was born in Poland. Lillie was born in Russia, to parents from Germany.

Dianne’s maternal grandfather had the surname “Rosenburg”. Dianne’s maternal grandmother was likely named Helen Achimia Mussiev.

Sources: Genealogy of Dianne Feinstein (focusing on her father’s side) – http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com

Likely Dianne’s mother on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Birth Name: Adam Fredric Duritz

Place of Birth: Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Date of Birth: August 1, 1964

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish (Russian Jewish)

Adam Duritz is an American musician, songwriter, record producer, and film producer. He is known for being the frontman of the American rock band Counting Crows. He is the son of Linda (Feldman) and Gilbert Duritz. All of Adam’s great-grandparents were Jewish immigrants from Russia.

Adam’s paternal grandparents were Morris Duritz (the son of Hyman Duritz and Anna Gershovowitz) and Lillian Wilensky (the daughter of Samuel Wilensky and “Elsie”).

Adam’s maternal grandparents were Julius Feldman (the son of Samuel Feldman and Lena “Lizzie”) and Selma Scherr (the daughter of Berel “Benjamin” Scherr and Gella “Helen” Friedman).

Sources: Genealogy of Adam Duritz (focusing on his mother’s side) – http://records.ancestry.com

Adam’s father on the 1940 US Census – https://familysearch.org

Birth record of Adam’s paternal grandfather, Morris Duritz – https://familysearch.org

Genealogy of Adam’s maternal grandfather, Julius Feldman – http://www.loebtree.com

Obituary of Adam’s maternal grandmother, Selma (Scherr) Feldman – http://articles.baltimoresun.com

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Place of Birth: New York City, New York

Date of Birth: April 28, 1960

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Elena Kagan has served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, since 2010. She was previously Dean of Harvard Law School (from 2003 to 2009) and the United States Solicitor General (from 2009 to 2010).

Elena’s paternal grandparents were Irving/Itsche Louis Kagan (the son of Calke/Zalke Cohen/Kagan and Gitel Slowies) and Bertha. Irving was born in Bialystok, Poland. Bertha was born in New York, to parents from Russia.

Elena’s maternal grandparents were Laizar/Leizer/Leizar B. Gittelman (the son of Boruch/Benjamin Gittelman and Schiffe/Shifra/Shefra/Sophie) and Esther Brookman. Laizar was born in Vorowitzi, Ukraine. Esther was also born in Ukraine.

Sources: Genealogies of Elena Kagan – http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com
http://www.geni.com

Birth Name: Michael Jay Shapiro

Date of Birth: December 14, 1945

Place of Birth: Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Date of Death: April 6, 2012

Place of Death: Los Angeles, California, United States

Ethnicity:
*Ashkenazi Jewish (Russian Jewish) (father)
*unclear (mother)

Michael Sands was an American fashion print model and actor turned media consultant. He was the son of Frances and Joseph P. Shapiro.

Michael’s paternal grandparents were Isaac Shapiro (the son of Samuel Shapiro and Ida Greenberg) and Sophia Goldner (the daughter of Samuel Goldner and Sophie Remick). All of Michael’s paternal great-grandparents were Ashkenazi Jewish immigrants from Russia.

Sources: Birth record of Michael’s father – https://familysearch.org

Marriage record of Michael’s paternal grandparents, Isaac Shapiro and Sophia Goldner – https://familysearch.org

Birth Name: Rachel Ashley Platten

Place of Birth: Newton Centre, Massachusetts

Date of Birth: May 20, 1981

Ethnicity:
*Russian Jewish (father)
*Russian Jewish, English (mother)

Rachel Platten is an American singer and songwriter.

Her father is of Russian Jewish descent, as was her maternal grandfather. Her mother grandmother was Catholic. Rachel herself was raised Jewish.

Rachel’s paternal grandfather was Sumner M. Platten (the son of David Platten and Celia Grushka). David was born in Massachusetts, to Russian Jewish parents. Celia was a Russian Jewish immigrant.

Rachel’s maternal grandparents are Milton Jabush (the son of Hyman Jabush and Rebecca) and Bobbie Meese Henry (the daughter of Ulysses Grant Henry and Bessie Mae Smith). Hyman and Rebecca were Russian Jewish immigrants.

Sources: Rachel’s paternal grandfather, Sumner M. Platten, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Obituary of Rachel’s paternal grandfather, Sumner M. Platten – http://www.legacy.com

Obituary of Rachel’s maternal grandmother, Bobbie Meese (Henry) Jabush Abrams – http://www.legacy.com

Birth Name: John David Landis

Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois

Date of Birth: August 3, 1950

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

John Landis is an American director, screenwriter, actor, and producer. He is known for helming the 1980 movie The Blues Brothers.

He is the son of Jewish parents Shirley Levine (née Magaziner) and Marshall Landis.

John’s paternal grandparents were Maxwell Landis and Muriel Davidson.

John’s maternal grandparents were Harry A. Magaziner (the son of Bernard Magaziner and Lena Speck) and May Potasky (the daughter of Louis J. Potasky and Elizabeth Phal). Harry and May were born in Ohio, and all of their own parents were born in Russia.

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Birth Name: Tyree Cinque Simmons

Place of Birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Date of Birth: April 22, 1978

Ethnicity:
*African-American (father)
*Russian Jewish (mother)

DJ Drama is an American DJ and record executive. His first claim to fame was being T.I’s official DJ. He was born to Dina Portnoy, an English teacher, and Michael Simmons.

Source: https://twitter.com

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Birth Name: David Owen Russell

Place of Birth: New York City, New York, US

Date of Birth:August 20, 1958

Ethnicity:
*Ashkenazi Jewish (father)
*Italian (mother)

David O. Russell is an American director, writer, and producer. He is known for “The Fighter”, “Silver Linings Playbooks”, and “American Hustler”.

David is the son of Maria (Muzio) and Bernard Russell (originally Markovski).

His father was of Russian Jewish descent. His mother was of Italian (Catholic) ancestry.

David’s paternal grandfather, a butcher from the Upper West Side of Manhattan, lost many of his relatives in concentration camps.

David’s maternal grandparents were Frank Muzio, born in Craco, and Philomena Brancata, born in Ferrandina, both in the province of Matera, Basilicata, Italy.

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Place of Birth: Holon, Israel

Date of Birth: c. 2001

Ethnicity: Russian Jewish

Sofia Mechetner is an Israeli model.

Birth Name: Timothy Blake Nelson

Place of Birth: Tulsa, Oklahoma

Date of Birth: May 11, 1964

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Tim Blake Nelson is an American actor, writer, and director. His mother, Ruth Kaiser Nelson, is a philanthropist, and his father, Don Nelson, is a geologist and wildcatter.

Tim’s father is of Russian Jewish descent. Tim’s maternal grandparents were German Jews.

Tim’s maternal grandparents were Herman George Kaiser (the son of Simon Kaiser and Fanny Wertheim) and Kate Samuel. Herman was born in Nardorf, Germany.

Sources: Genealogy of Tim Blake Nelson (focusing on his mother’s side) – http://www.geni.com

Obituary of Tim’s maternal grandfather, Herman George Kaiser – http://www.findagrave.com

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Birth Name: Robert Alan Krieger

Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California

Date of Birth: January 8, 1946

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Robby Krieger is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He was guitarist for the band The Doors.

Robby’s paternal grandparents were Morris E. Krieger (the son of Leon Krieger and Jennie Feingold) and Anna Rotter (the daughter of Aaron Rotter and Catherine Fialkowitz).

Robby’s maternal grandparents were Abraham Fred Shapiro and Rose L. Wiesman (the daughter of Benjamin Wiesman and Rebecca).

Source: Genealogy of Robby Krieger (focusing on his mother’s side) – http://www.geni.com

http://www.prphotos.com/p/CED-002055/robby-krieger-at-scott-medlock-and-robby-krieger-celebrity-golf-invitational-and-all-star-concert-at-the-moorpark-country-club-on-august-20-2012.html?&ps=6&x-start=77

Place of Birth: Omaha, Nebraska

Date of Birth: September 10, 1996

Ethnicity:
*Ashkenazi Jewish (father)
*Slovak, Czech, German, Irish, English (mother; who converted to Judaism)

Jack Gilinsky is an American singer. He is part of the pop-rap duo Jack & Jack, along with Jack Johnson.

Jack’s father was born Jewish (of Czech Jewish, Polish Jewish, Russian Jewish, and Lithuanian Jewish descent). Jack’s mother is of Slovak, Czech, German, Irish, and English ancestry. Jack’s mother was raised Catholic, and converted to Judaism; she is active in the Omaha Jewish community. Jack was raised Jewish.

Jack is a fifth cousin, once removed, of actress and singer Dianna Agron. Jack’s paternal five time great-grandparents, Shmuel Labe Agronsky and Fruma Chana Bakhrakh, were also Dianna’s four time great-grandparents.

Jack’s paternal grandparents are Larry Gilinsky (the son of Stewart Harold Gilinsky and Frances “Chickie” Bergman) and Deanna Sue Dworkin (the daughter of Edward Dworkin and Eloise Miller). Stewart was born in Iowa, to parents who were born in Iowa and Nebraska, respectively, and all of his grandparents were Czech Jewish immigrants. Frances was born in Nebraska, of Polish Jewish ancestry. Edward was born in Missouri, to a Russian Jewish father and a Lithuanian Jewish mother. Eloise was also Jewish.

Jack’s maternal grandparents are Frank Finnegan (the son of Frances Schroepfer) and Beverly J. Sim (the daughter of Michael Sim, Jr. and Helen Slivka). Michael’s father was born in Pennsylvania, to Slovak parents, and Michael’s mother was Slovak. Helen’s parents were Czech.

Sources: Genealogy of Jack Gilinsky (focusing on his father’s side) – http://www.geni.com

Jack’s paternal great-grandfather, Stewart Harold Gilinsky, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Jack’s paternal great-grandmother, Frances Bergman, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Jack’s paternal great-grandfather, Edward Dworkin, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Obituary of Jack’s maternal great-grandmother, Frances (Schroepfer) Bradley – http://www.legacy.com

Jack’s maternal great-grandfather, Michael Sim, Jr. on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

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Birth Name: Madison Elle Beer

Place of Birth: Jericho, New York

Date of Birth: March 5, 1999

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Madison Beer is an American singer and actress. She is Jewish and had a Bat Mitzvah ceremony.

Madison’s paternal grandparents are Morton “Morty” D. Beer (the son of Samuel Beer and Essie) and Lorraine Sosnow (the daughter of Morris Sosnow and Kate).

Sources: Obituary of Madison’s paternal great-grandmother, Essie Beer – http://www.nytimes.com

Obituary of Madison’s paternal great-grandfather, Morris Sosnow – http://www.nytimes.com

Obituary of Madison’s paternal great-grandmother, Kate Sosnow – http://www.nytimes.com

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Place of Birth: Boston, Massachusetts

Date of Birth: September 25, 1929

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Barbara Walters is an American broadcast journalist, author, and television personality. Her father was born in Whitechapel, London, of Polish Jewish descent. Her mother was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to a Russian Jewish father and a Lithuanian Jewish mother.

Barbara’s paternal grandparents were Abraham Itzak/Isaac Waremwasser/Warmwasser/Abrahams/Walters (the son of Tzvi Getzel “Harry” Waremwasser/Warmwasser and Bina Bilma Simkowitz) and Lilly Swartz. Abraham was born in Lodz, Poland.

Barbara’s maternal grandparents were Selig Jacob Seletsky (the son of Daniel Seletsky and Bessie Seskind) and Celia Sacovich/Sakowitz (the daughter of Daniel Sakowitz and Jenny). Selig was born in Benyakoni, Russia. Celia was born in Vilna, Lithuania.

Source: Genealogy of Barbara Walters – http://www.geni.com

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Birth Name: Judith Susan Blum

Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York City, New York

Date of Birth: October 21, 1942

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Judith Sheindlin, also known as Judge Judy, is an American lawyer, judge, television personality, and author. She is married to author and television personality Jerry Sheindlin.

Judith’s paternal grandparents were Jacob Israelit Blum (the son of Shaul Israelit and Rivka) and Lena Mininberg (the daughter of Hersh Ber Mininberg and Aydel Duckmann). Jacob was born in Odessa, in the Russian Empire. Lena was born in Russia.

Source: Genealogy of Judith Sheindlin (focusing on her father’s side) – http://www.geni.com

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Birth Name: Nancy Jane Meyers

Place of Birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Date of Birth: December 8, 1949

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Nancy Meyers is an American director, screenwriter, and producer.

Nancy was previously married to filmmaker Charles Shyer. Charles is also of Jewish heritage.

Nancy’s maternal grandparents were Matthew August Lemisch (the son of Harry Millo Lemisch) and Anne Fuhrman.

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