Birth Name: Stephen Joshua Sondheim

Date of Birth: March 22, 1930

Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.

Date of Death: November 26, 2021

Place of Death: Roxbury, Connecticut, U.S.

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Stephen Sondheim was an American composer and lyricist. He is considered a leading figure of 20th century musical theatre. He won a Tony, an Academy Award, a Grammy, a Pulitzer Prize, a Laurence Olivier Award, and a Presidential Medal of Freedom. He was the composer and lyricist of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Merrily We Roll Along, Sunday in the Park with George, and Into the Woods, among many others, and wrote the lyrics for West Side Story and Gypsy, and film music.

Stephen was the son of Etta Janet “Foxy” (Fox) and Herbert S. Sondheim. His father was born in New York, of German Jewish descent. His mother was born in Massachusetts, to a German Jewish father and a Russian Jewish/Lithuanian Jewish mother. His father manufactured dresses designed by his mother. Stephen was raised on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, and later on a farm near Doylestown, Pennsylvania.

He was married to Jeff Romley, until his death.

Stephen’s paternal grandfather was Simon/Samuel Sondheim (the son of Isaac/Isidore Sondheim/Sondhimer and Rosa/Rosali/Rosaly Loewi/Loewe/Levy). Simon was born in New York, to German Jewish parents, his father from Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Hesse, and his mother from Bayern.

Stephen’s paternal grandmother was Bertha Gutenstein/Gultenstein (the daughter of Jacob Gutenstein and Minnie Heberger). Bertha was born in New York, or in Frankfurt, Darmstadt, Hesse, Germany, to German Jewish parents.

Stephen’s maternal grandfather was named Joseph M. Fox.

Stephen’s maternal grandmother was named Bessie Rosenberg. Bessie was born in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Sources: Genealogy of Stephen Sondheim – https://www.geni.com

Stephen Sondheim on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Marriage record of Stephen’s parents – https://www.familysearch.org

Stephen’s father on the 1900 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

The post Stephen Sondheim RIP appeared first on Ethnicity of Celebs | What Nationality Ancestry Race.

Madison in 2020, photo by DFree/Bigstock.com

Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.

Date of Birth: March 25, 1999

Ethnicity:
*75% Ashkenazi Jewish
*25% English

Mikey Madison is an American actress. She has starred on the show Better Things and in the film Nostalgia (2018). Her parents are psychologists.

Mikey’s paternal grandfather was Jack Rosberg (the son of Abraham Rosberg and Rachel Ruff). Jack was born in Michigan, to Polish Jewish parents.

Mikey’s paternal grandmother is named Nechama Farber. Nechama likely was born in Kaunas, Lithuania. She was from a Jewish family.

Mikey’s maternal grandfather was Dan Felger (the son of Louie Felger and Sadie Dorothy Pincus). Dan was born in California. Louie was born in Ohio, to Russian Jewish parents, Soloman Felger and Eva Bernstein. Sadie was born in Montana, to German Jewish parents, Adolph Pincus and Hattie Lewbrowitz.

Mikey’s maternal grandmother is Nellie Donivon Hailey (the daughter of John Richard Halley II and Jennye Elizabeth Burleson). Nellie was born in California. John was the son of John Richard Hailey and Ora Belle Jordan. Jennye was the daughter of Frances M. Burleson and Lottie Aldonia Hillhouse.

Sources: https://www.interviewmagazine.com

Obituary of Mikey’s maternal grandfather, Dan Felger – https://www.legacy.com

The post Mikey Madison appeared first on Ethnicity of Celebs | What Nationality Ancestry Race.

Birth Name: Jessica Sonya DiCicco

Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, United States

Date of Birth: June 10, 1980

Ethnicity:
*father – Italian
*mother – Ashkenazi Jewish

Jessica DiCicco is an American actress. She is known mostly for voice over roles, often for Nickelodeon, Disney, and Cartoon Channel. She is the daughter of manager Margo Malkin and actor Bobby Di Cicco. Her sister is musician Katie DiCicco. Jessica was raised mostly on the Upper West Side of New York City. She is married to Josh Lewis, with whom she has two children.

Jessica’s maternal grandfather was Herbert Malkin (the son of Herman Malkin and Pauline Marine). Herbert was born in New York, to Russian Jewish parents.

Jessica’s maternal grandmother was Sonya S. Gecker (the daughter of Morris Gecker and Maria Trachtenberg). Sonya was born in New York, to Russian Jewish parents.

The post Jessica DiCicco appeared first on Ethnicity of Celebs | What Nationality Ancestry Race.

Saget in 2008, photo by PrPhotos

Birth Name: Robert Lane Saget

Date of Birth: May 17, 1956

Place of Birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.

Date of Death: January 9, 2022

Place of Death: Orlando, Florida, U.S.

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Bob Saget was an American stand-up comedian, actor, television host, and director. He starred on the sitcom Full House, narrated another, How I Met Your Mother, spent years hosting game shows America’s Funniest Home Videos and 1 vs. 100, and directed and starred in the film Benjamin (2018).

Bob was the son of Rosalyn “Dolly,” a hospital administrator, and Benjamin Morton Saget, a supermarket executive. He was married to food and travel blogger Kelly Rizzo, until his death. He had three children with his former wife Sherri Kramer.

Bob’s paternal grandfather was Itsik Meier/Mayer “Isadore/Issi” Zaget/Saget (the son of Jankel Leib “Jacob” Zogut/Zhogot/Zaget and Libba Mindel Fingerhut/Finerhoit). Isadore was a Latvian Jewish emigrant, born in or around Riga. Jankel was the son of Yusel “Joseph” Zogut and Sarah. Libba was the daughter of Itsik Fingerhut/Finerhoit and Geite.

Bob’s paternal grandmother was named Jennie/Jenny Greber. Jennie was a Russian Jewish immigrant.

Bob’s maternal grandfather was named Louis Comer (the son of Lipa Comer and Rebecca). Louis was a Russian Jewish immigrant.

Bob’s maternal grandmother was Bella Brown (the daughter of Leon Brown and Katie Benson). Bella was a Russian Jewish immigrant.

Sources: Genealogies of Bob Saget – https://www.geni.com
https://www.findagrave.com

Bob’s father on the 1940 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

The post Bob Saget RIP appeared first on Ethnicity of Celebs | What Nationality Ancestry Race.

Arquette in 2011, s_bukley / Shutterstock.com

Place of Birth: Winchester, Virginia, U.S.

Date of Birth: September 8, 1971

Ethnicity:
*father – English, French-Canadian, Swiss-German, German, Scottish, Irish, Welsh
*mother – Ashkenazi Jewish

David Arquette is an American actor, professional wrestler, director, producer, screenwriter, and fashion designer. He is known for his roles in the Scream films, as well as Never Been Kissed and Eight Legged Freaks, among many other productions.

David’s family surname was spelled Arcouet many generations back. David’s father, actor Lewis Arquette (Lewis Michael Arquette), had English, French-Canadian, Swiss-German, German, Scottish, Irish, and Welsh ancestry. David’s mother, Brenda Olivia (Nowak), was also involved in the arts, and was Jewish (of Polish Jewish and Russian Jewish descent). As an adult, David had a Bar Mitzvah ceremony by the Western Wall in Israel.

David is the brother of actors Rosanna Arquette, Richmond Arquette, Patricia Arquette, and Alexis Arquette. David is married to entertainment reporter Christina McLarty. He has a daughter with his former wife, actress Courteney Cox; and two children with Christina.

There is a claim on the internet that David’s father was a descendant of explorer Meriwether Lewis. Meriwether Lewis had no children. It is possible that David’s father was related to Meriwether Lewis in some other way.

A DNA test whose results were displayed on the show Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (2016) stated that David’s sister Patricia’s genetic ancestry is:

*48.5% Ashkenazi [Jewish]
*36.6% British & Irish
*11.3% Broadly Northern European
*2.1% Broadly European
*1.0% Broadly Southern European
*0.2% French & German
*0.1% Finnish
*0.1% Sub-Saharan African
*<0.1% East Asian & Native American

David’s patrilineal line can be traced to Jean Arcouet dit Lajeunesse, who was born, c. 1646, in Marennes, Rochefort, Saintonge, France.

David’s paternal grandfather was Clifford Charles “Cliff” Arquette (the son of Charles Augustus Arquette, Jr. and Winifred/Wynne/Minnie Ethel Clark). Clifford was born in Ohio, and was a famous comedian under the name “Charlie Weaver.” He was known for his appearances on the Hollywood Squares television show, and was also a Civil War expert. David’s great-grandparents Charles and Winifred were in vaudeville. Charles was the son of Charles Arquette (who was born in Michigan, to parents of French-Canadian descent, Peter Daniel Arcouette/Arquette, who was from Sandwich, Ontario, and Marie Anne Valade Viliquette), and of Philomina Josephine “Minnie” Fritsche, who was Swiss, of Swiss-German descent. David’s great-grandmother Winifred was the daughter of Charles Cicero Clark and Emma E. Kear.

David’s paternal grandmother was Mildred Nesbitt LeMay (born Mildred Speight, the daughter of Shirley Sidney Speight and Willie Sue Barr). Mildred was born in Texas, and took on the surname of her stepfather, David John LeMay. Shirley was the son of Jessie Bryan Speight and Ellen Martha Williams. Willie was the daughter of Thomas Alexander Barr and Mary Emma Hill.

David’s maternal grandfather was Yusseff “Joseph” Nowack/Nowak (the son of Wolff “Zev” Nowak and a mother whose maiden name was Yasnor). Yusseff was a Jewish emigrant, who was born in Belaja Zerkovy/Bila Tserkva, Kiev, Ukraine, then in the Russian Empire.

David’s maternal grandmother was Claire Hibel/Hibbel (the daughter of Harry Hibel and Fannie Zacharek). Claire was born in New York, to Russian Jewish parents. Harry was the son of Louis Hibel and Jennie Ita Osterer, who was born in Przasnysz, Poland. Fannie was the daughter of Moshe Zacharek and Rochel Fannie Schnitzler/Znizer.

Sources: Genealogies of David Arquette – http://www.geni.com
http://www.wikitree.com

Genealogies of David Arquette (focusing on his father’s side) – http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com
http://worldconnect.rootsweb.ancestry.com
http://worldconnect.rootsweb.ancestry.com

Genealogy of David Arquette (through his sister, Alexis Arquette) (focusing on his father’s side) – http://www.findagrave.com

Patrilineal genealogy of the Arquette family – http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com

David’s paternal grandfather, Clifford Charles Arquette, on the 1910 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

David’s paternal great-grandfather, Charles Augustus Arquette, on the 1880 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

David’s paternal grandmother, Mildred Speight, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org
Mildred Speight on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

David’s maternal grandmother, Claire Hibel/Hibbel, on the 1910 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org
Claire Hibel/Hibbel on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

The post David Arquette appeared first on Ethnicity of Celebs | What Nationality Ancestry Race.

Gallner in 2013, image via Prphotos.com

Birth Name: Kyle Steven Gallner

Place of Birth: West Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S.

Date of Birth: October 22, 1986

Ethnicity:
*Ashkenazi Jewish (father)

Kyle Gallner is an American actor. His roles include the films The Haunting in Connecticut, A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010), American Sniper, Ghosts of War, and Scream (2022), and the series Veronica Mars and Outsiders.

Kyle is the son of Mary Jane and Larry Gallner. He is married to Tara Ferguson, with whom he has two children.

Kyle’s paternal grandfather was Jack Gallner (the son of Herman Gallner and Mayme/Mammie/Minnie Abrams). Jack was born in Pennsylvania. Herman and Mayme were born in Pennsylvania, both of them to Russian Jewish parents. Herman was the son of Abraham/Abram Gallner and Deborah “Dora” Dornbaum. Mayme was the daughter of Hyman Abrams and Esther.

Kyle’s paternal grandmother was Jean Shenker (the daughter of Martin Shenker and Bessie/Bess Lothstein). Jean was born in New York. Martin was born in New York, to Russian Jewish parents, Samuel Shenker and Betsy/Bessie Herman. Kyle’s great-grandmother Bessie was born in Illinois, also to Russian Jewish parents, Louis/Lewis Lothstein and Ida/Ada Leibowitz.

Sources: Kyle’s paternal grandfather, Jack Gallner, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Obituary of Kyle’s paternal grandmother, Jean (Shenker) Gallner – http://articles.sun-sentinel.com

Marriage record of Kyle’s paternal great-grandparents, Martin Shenker and Bessie Lothstein – https://www.familysearch.org

Kyle’s paternal great-grandparents, Martin Shenker and Bessie Lothstein, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Kyle’s paternal great-grandmother, Bessie Lothstein, on the 1910 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

The post Kyle Gallner appeared first on Ethnicity of Celebs | What Nationality Ancestry Race.

Madison in 2020, photo by DFree/Bigstock.com

Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.

Date of Birth: March 25, 1999

Ethnicity:
*75% Ashkenazi Jewish
*25% English

Mikey Madison is an American actress. She has starred on the show Better Things and in the films Nostalgia (2018) and Scream (2022). Her parents are psychologists.

Mikey’s paternal grandfather was Jack Rosberg (the son of Abraham Rosberg and Rachel Ruff). Jack was born in Michigan, to Polish Jewish parents.

Mikey’s paternal grandmother is named Nechama Farber. Nechama likely was born in Kaunas, Lithuania. She was from a Jewish family.

Mikey’s maternal grandfather was Dan Felger (the son of Louie Felger and Sadie Dorothy Pincus). Dan was born in California. Louie was born in Ohio, to Russian Jewish parents, Soloman Felger and Eva Bernstein. Sadie was born in Montana, to German Jewish parents, Adolph Pincus and Hattie Lewbrowitz.

Mikey’s maternal grandmother is Nellie Donivon Hailey (the daughter of John Richard Halley II and Jennye Elizabeth Burleson). Nellie was born in California. John was the son of John Richard Hailey and Ora Belle Jordan. Jennye was the daughter of Frances M. Burleson and Lottie Aldonia Hillhouse.

Sources: https://www.interviewmagazine.com

Obituary of Mikey’s maternal grandfather, Dan Felger – https://www.legacy.com

The post Mikey Madison appeared first on Ethnicity of Celebs | What Nationality Ancestry Race.

Birth Name: Stephen Joshua Sondheim

Date of Birth: March 22, 1930

Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.

Date of Death: November 26, 2021

Place of Death: Roxbury, Connecticut, U.S.

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Stephen Sondheim was an American composer and lyricist. He is considered a leading figure of 20th century musical theatre. He won a Tony, an Academy Award, a Grammy, a Pulitzer Prize, a Laurence Olivier Award, and a Presidential Medal of Freedom. He was the composer and lyricist of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Merrily We Roll Along, Sunday in the Park with George, and Into the Woods, among many others, and wrote the lyrics for West Side Story and Gypsy, and film music.

Stephen was the son of Etta Janet “Foxy” (Fox) and Herbert S. Sondheim. His father was born in New York, of German Jewish descent. His mother was born in Massachusetts, to a German Jewish father and a Russian Jewish/Lithuanian Jewish mother. His father manufactured dresses designed by his mother. Stephen was raised on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, and later on a farm near Doylestown, Pennsylvania.

He was married to Jeff Romley, until his death.

Stephen’s paternal grandfather was Simon/Samuel Sondheim (the son of Isaac/Isidore Sondheim/Sondhimer and Rosa/Rosali/Rosaly Loewi/Loewe/Levy). Simon was born in New York, to German Jewish parents, his father from Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Hesse, and his mother from Bayern.

Stephen’s paternal grandmother was Bertha Gutenstein/Gultenstein (the daughter of Jacob Gutenstein and Minnie Uerberger/Heberger). Bertha was born in New York, or in Frankfurt, Darmstadt, Hesse, Germany, to German Jewish parents.

Stephen’s maternal grandfather was named Joseph M. Fox.

Stephen’s maternal grandmother was named Bessie Rosenberg. Bessie was born in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Sources: Genealogy of Stephen Sondheim – https://www.geni.com

Stephen Sondheim on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Marriage record of Stephen’s parents – https://www.familysearch.org

Stephen’s father on the 1900 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

The post Stephen Sondheim appeared first on Ethnicity of Celebs | What Nationality Ancestry Race.

Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.

Date of Birth: April 29, 2002

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish (paternal grandfather), French-Canadian, German, Swiss-Romansh, Austrian, Scottish

Grace Kaufman is an American actress. She is the daughter of actors Lisa Picotte (Lisa Jeanne Picotte) and David Kaufman (David Richard Kaufman).

Grace’s paternal grandfather was of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. Her paternal grandmother’s ancestry was of five eighths German, one eight Swiss-Romansh, one eighth Austrian, and one eighth Scottish.

Grace’s paternal grandfather is Richard J. Kaufman (the son of Harry Kaufman and Ruth Silver). Harry was the son of Russian Jewish parents, Max Kaufman and Dora/Dwojre Wittenburg. Ruth was the daughter of Joseph Silver, whose parents were Russian/Polish Jews, and of Bertha/Betti Fromet, who was a Hungarian Jew.

Grace’s paternal grandmother is Judith Ann Pfeiffer (the daughter of Frank Pfeiffer and Anna Louise Risch). Frank was the son of Nickolaus Pfeiffer and Katarina Wolf, both ethnic Germans from Hungary. Anna was the daughter of John Risch and Louise Kellman; Grace’s great-great-grandfather John was the son of Christian Risch, who was born in Waltensburg, Switzerland, of Swiss-Romansh descent, and of Anna Schmid, who was born in Mals, South Tyrol, Italy, of Austrian ancestry. Louise was the daughter of Otto Kellman, who was German, and of Ellen Ritchie, whose parents were Scottish.

Grace’s maternal grandfather was Gene Picotte (the son of Joseph Charles Elie Picotte and Olive Catherine Reaume). Gene was born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, of French-Canadian descent. Joseph was the son of Napoleon Picotte and Angele Marchildon. Olive was the daughter of Alexander Reaume and Mary Agnes Tremblay.

Sources: Genealogy of Grace Kaufman (focusing on her father’s side) – https://gw.geneanet.org/jennadee?iz=3&lang=sv&i=87&oc=0&type=tree

Obituary of Grace’s maternal grandfather, Gene Picotte – https://lasvegassun.com/news/1998/jan/16/obituaries-for-january-16-1998/

Photo by DFree/Bigstock.com

The post Grace Kaufman appeared first on Ethnicity of Celebs | What Nationality Ancestry Race.

Teller in 2011, photo via PR photos

Birth Name: Miles Alexander Teller

Place of Birth: Downingtown, Pennsylvania, U.S.

Date of Birth: February 20, 1987

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish (paternal grandfather), Irish, Polish, English, German, 1/16th African-American

Miles Teller is an American actor and musician. His roles include the films Rabbit Hole, Footloose (2011), 21 & Over, The Spectacular Now, That Awkward Moment, Whiplash, War Dogs, Bleed for This, and Thank You for Your Service, among others.

Miles is the son of Merry and Michael Teller. Miles’s paternal grandfather was of Russian Jewish/Ukrainian Jewish descent, while Miles’s paternal grandmother was of half Irish and half Polish (Catholic) ancestry. Miles’s mother has English, Irish, German, and one eighth African-American, ancestry. It appears that Miles was raised Christian; he was part of a church group in high school.

Miles was raised in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Citrus County, Florida.

Miles is married to model Keleigh Sperry.

Miles’s paternal grandfather was Benjamin Teller (the son of Carl Teller and Jennie Celander/Celender). Benjamin was born in Pennsylvania. Carl was born in Pennsylvania, the son of Benjamin Teller/Tilisky and Esther Rachel Goldsmith, who were Jewish emigrants, from Fastiv, Ukraine. Jennie was also born in Pennsylvania, also to Russian Jewish parents, Bernard Celander/Celender and Martha/Mary Barioski.

Miles’s paternal grandmother was Dorothy Jean Benson (the daughter of John Benson and Catherine Stancavage). Dorothy was born in Pennsylvania, and was a devout Catholic. John’s parents, John A. Benson and Phoebe Galvin, were both the children of emigrants, from either England or Ireland, depending on the census; it is likely that John and Phoebe were of Irish Catholic background. Catherine’s parents, Dominic/Dominick T. Stankiewicz/Stancavage and Josephine Zubritski/Zabriski/Zubrycki, were of Polish (Catholic) descent.

Miles’s maternal grandfather is Jesse G. Flowers (the son of Wells Paul Flowers/Cronk and Miriam R. Ashenbrenner). Wells was the son of Wells Cronk and Margaret. Miriam was the daughter of Anthony Aschenbrenner, who was from Berlin, Germany, and of Elizabeth Mae Davies/Davis.

Miles’s maternal grandmother is Leona Gertrude (the daughter of James J. Dean and Eldora/ldora M. “Dora” LeCount). James likely had Irish heritage. Eldora’s father, Miles’s great-great-grandfather Thomas A. LaCount/LeCount, was born in Maryland, and was black; he was the son of William Le Count/LeCount and Sarah, both of whom were black as well. Eldora’s mother, Mary Sagairs/Sagers, was born in New Jersey, and was white. Mary had been Thomas’ servant.

Sources: Genealogy of Miles Teller – https://www.geni.com

Marriage record of Miles’s paternal grandparents, Benjamin Teller and Dorothy Jean Benson – https://familysearch.org

Marriage record of Miles’s paternal great-grandparents, Carl Teller and Jennie Celander/Celender – https://familysearch.org

Miles’s paternal great-grandparents, Carl Teller and Jennie Celander/Celender, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Miles’s paternal great-grandfather, Carl Teller, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Miles’s paternal grandmother, Dorothy Jean Benson, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Obituary of Miles’s paternal grandmother, Dorothy Jean (Benson) Teller – https://www.johnvmorrisfuneralhome.com

Miles’s paternal great-grandmother, Catherine Stancavage, on the 1910 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Obituary of Miles’s maternal great-grandfather, James J. Dean – https://www.newspapers.com

Miles’s maternal great-grandmother, Eldora/ldora M. “Dora” LeCount, on the 1905 New Jersey State Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Miles’s maternal great-great-grandparents, Thomas A. LaCount/LeCount and Mary Sagairs/Sagers, on the 1900 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Miles’s maternal great-great-grandfather, Thomas A. LaCount/LeCount, on the 1860 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org
Thomas A. LaCount/LeCount on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

The post Miles Teller appeared first on Ethnicity of Celebs | What Nationality Ancestry Race.

Cook in 2006, photo by s_bukley/Bigstock.com

Place of Birth: Minneapolis, Hennepin, Minnesota, United States

Date of Birth: October 4, 1979

Ethnicity:
*father – English, Irish, one quarter Ashkenazi Jewish, distant French Huguenot and German
*mother – Italian, including Sicilian

Rachael Leigh Cook is an American actress, model, producer, and voice actress. She is known for her leading roles in the films She’s All That, The Baby-Sitters Club (1995), Tom and Huck, Josie and the Pussycats, and Antitrust, and the series Into the West and Perception. She has also been credited as Rachel Leigh Cook.

Rachael is the daughter of Joanne, a cooking instructor, and Thomas Cook, a social worker and stand-up comedian. She has two children with her former husband, Canadian-New Zealand actor Daniel Gillies.

Rachael’s paternal grandfather was Merlin Glenn Cook (the son of Thomas Howard Cook and Alta Eloise Glenn). Merlin was born in Iowa. Thomas was the son of Jerome C. Cook and Malinda Jane Coffets. Alta was the daughter of Francis Marion Glenn and Susan J. Strickell, whose parents were English.

Rachael’s paternal grandmother was Mildred Louise Marcus (the daughter of Hirsch/Harry Fowler Marcus and Margaret Ruth Keating). Mildred was born in Illinois. Hirsch was born in Illinois, the son of Russian Jewish parents, Abraham J. Marcus and Rochel/Rachel/Racheal A. Sprincin/Sprincson/Sprinson.

Rachael’s maternal grandfather was Henry/Harry Francis Mozzone (the son of Charles/Carlo Pio Mozzone and Teodolinda Josephine Zunino). Henry was born in Pennsylvania, to Italian parents, from Piedmont, his father from Cossano Belbo and his mother from Camo. Teodolinda was the daughter of Giovanni Battista Zunino and Catterina Fresia.

Rachael’s maternal grandmother was Teresa/Theresa Troncelliti (the daughter of John Troncelliti and Anna Conti). Teresa was born in Pennsylvania, to Italian parents. John was born in Rocca Imperiale, Cosenza, Calabria, the son of Francesco/Edward Troncelliti and Maria. Anna was born in Palermo, Sicily, the daughter of John Conti and Rosalia/Rosalie Mancurio/Mercurio.

Sources: http://www.glamour.com

Marriage record of Rachael’s paternal grandparents, Merlin Glenn Cook and Mildred Louise Marcus – https://www.familysearch.org

Death record of Rachael’s paternal grandfather, Merlin Glenn Cook – https://www.familysearch.org

Birth record of Rachael’s paternal grandmother, Mildred Louise Marcus – https://www.familysearch.org

Rachael’s paternal grandmother, Mildred Louise Marcus, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org
Mildred Louise Marcus on the 1940 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Birth record of Rachael’s paternal great-grandfather, Hirsch/Harry Fowler Marcus – https://www.familysearch.org

Rachael’s paternal great-grandfather, Hirsch/Harry Fowler Marcus, on the 1910 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org
Hirsch/Harry Fowler Marcus on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Rachael’s maternal grandfather, Henry/Harry Francis Mozzone, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Rachael’s maternal grandmother, Teresa/Theresa Troncelliti, on the 1940 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Obituary of Rachael’s maternal grandmother, Teresa/Theresa (Troncelliti) Mozzone – https://www.mainlinemedianews.com

The post Rachael Leigh Cook appeared first on Ethnicity of Celebs | What Nationality Ancestry Race.

Garfield in 2011, photo by DFree/Bigstock.com

Birth Name: Andrew Russell Garfield

Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, United States

Date of Birth: August 20, 1983

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

Andrew Garfield is an American and British actor. He is known for playing Peter Parker/Spider-Man, as well as tech businessperson Eduardo Saverin in The Social Network (2010); he has also starred in 99 Homes, Boy A, Lions for Lambs, and as Jonathan Larson in Tick, Tick… Boom!, among other films.

Andrew was born in Los Angeles, to an American-born father and an English-born mother. He moved with his parents to England when he was three, and was raised there, in Epsom, Surrey. He has both American and British citizenship.

Andrew’s father is from a Jewish family that had moved to England from Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia, and Romania). Andrew’s paternal grandparents, who were born in England, later moved to California, where Andrew’s father, Richard Garfield, was born. Andrew’s mother, Lynn (Hillman), was of English background.

Talking about where his guilt complex comes from, Andrew has said:

Being Jewish and, yes, I’m sure it stems from being privileged. I was brought up in a middle class home. I went to private school. And I was always very aware of me not earning that. I got a very good lot in life – I have two very loving parents, and I have a loving older brother.

He has also specified:

My father is Jewish and that side of my family is Jewish, but he’s nonpracticing and left the faith as a young boy, of his own volition. My mom is a kind of pantheist, and my father became an atheist but I think he’s now coming around to some kind of higher power… I was raised with all this space around me, spiritually speaking. And that has really continued, but what it engendered in me is a great deep hunger for answers, and I’ve been a spiritual seeker since I was a kid.

Andrew has described himself as Jewish on several other occasions, i.e. here and here. He has also stated, when asked if he considers himself more American or English:

I identify more as Jewish than anything… I have a love-hate relationship with both countries and used to be very proud to have both passports. Today, I’m slightly less proud.

In terms of his religious beliefs, he has also said, “I would consider myself pantheist, agnostic and occasionally atheist and a little bit Jewish.”

Andrew’s paternal grandfather was named Samuel Garfield (born Samuel Garfinkel, the son of Harry Garfinkel and Sarah). Samuel was born in Westminster St. Margaret, London, England, and had changed his surname from Garfinkel to Garfield. His parents were Polish Jews, from Kielez.

Andrew’s paternal grandmother was Doris May Savage (the daughter of Lewis Savage and Rebecca “Becky” Thirer). Doris May was born in England, to a Russian Jewish father and a Romanian Jewish mother. Rebecca was the daughter of Simon Thirer and Rachel Stone.

Andrew’s maternal grandfather is named Peter Hillman.

Andrew’s maternal grandmother is Florence A. Luckens (the daughter of Charles George Luckens and Jane Catherine Polley/Colley). Florence was born in Lambeth, London, England. Charles likely was the son of Alfred Robert Luckens and Emily Jane Harding. Jane was the daughter of Thomas David Polley and Eleanor Knights.

Garfield in 2009, photo credit: csztova

Sources: Genealogy of Andrew Garfield – https://www.geni.com

Andrew’s paternal grandfather, Samuel Garfinkel, on the 1911 England and Wales Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Andrew’s paternal great-grandparents, Lewis Savage and Rebecca “Becky” Thirer, on the 1901 England and Wales Census – https://familysearch.org

Death record of Andrew’s paternal great-great-grandfather, Simon Thirer – https://familysearch.org

The post Andrew Garfield appeared first on Ethnicity of Celebs | What Nationality Ancestry Race.

Birth Name: Adam J. Korson

Place of Birth: Thornhill, Ontario, Canada

Date of Birth: c. 1980

Ethnicity:
*father – Ashkenazi Jewish
*mother – Sephardi Jewish

Adam Korson is a Canadian actor. He is known for his role on Canadian television sitcom Seed.

His family is Jewish; his father is Ashkenazi Jewish and his mother has Sephardi Jewish roots. He is married to British actress and singer Siobhan Dillon.

Adam’s paternal grandfather was named Bert/Benny Korson (the son of Chaim “Hyman” Korson and Leah Freeman/Freedman). Bert was born in England. Chaim was born in either Poland or England, to parents from Poland, Isaac Korson and Betsy.

Adam’s paternal grandmother was Lillian Hannah Michaels (the daughter of Hillel Michaels and Feigel/Faigel Gornitzki). Lillian was born in Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Poland. Hillel was born in Krynki, Belarus, the son of Haim Michaels and Chana. Feigel was born in Grodno, Belarus, the daughter of Mordechai Aryeh Gornitzki/Gordon and Fruma Rifkind.

Adam’s maternal grandfather was Solomon/Salomon BenHaim (the son of H’Dan BenHaim and Hassiba Belaniss). Solomon was born in Morocco. H’Dan was born in Marrakesh.

Adam’s maternal grandmother was Georgette Esther Aknin (the daughter of Sholom Aknin and Marie). Georgette was born in Algeria.

Sources: Genealogy of Adam Korson – http://www.geni.com

Obituary of Adam’s paternal grandfather, Bert Korson – http://legacy.com

Obituary of Adam’s maternal grandmother, Georgette Esther (Aknin) BenHaim – http://nationalpost.remembering.ca

Photo by (Please find a photo on Bigstock.com): https://www.bigstockphoto.com/pt/image-70301512/stock-photo-los-angeles-jul-17%3A-adam-korson-arrives-to-the-cbs-cw-showtime-summer-tca-press-tour-2014-on-july7%2C-2014-in-west-hollywood%2C-ca

The post Adam Korson appeared first on Ethnicity of Celebs | What Nationality Ancestry Race.

Gallner in 2013, image via Prphotos.com

Birth Name: Kyle Steven Gallner

Place of Birth: West Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S.

Date of Birth: October 22, 1986

Ethnicity:
*Ashkenazi Jewish (father)

Kyle Gallner is an American actor. His roles include the films The Haunting in Connecticut, A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010), American Sniper, Ghosts of War, and Scream (2022), and the series Veronica Mars and Outsiders.

Kyle is the son of Mary Jane and Larry Gallner. He is married to Tara Ferguson, with whom he has two children.

Kyle’s paternal grandfather was Jack Gallner (the son of Herman Gallner and Mayme/Mammie/Minnie Abrams). Jack was born in Pennsylvania. Herman and Mayme were born in Pennsylvania, both of them to Russian Jewish parents. Herman was the son of Abraham/Abram Gallner and Deborah “Dora” Dornbaum. Mayme was the daughter of Hyman Abrams and Esther.

Kyle’s paternal grandmother was Jean Shenker (the daughter of Martin Shenker and Bessie/Bess Lothstein). Jean was born in New York. Martin was born in New York, to Russian Jewish parents, Samuel Shenker and Betsy/Bessie Herman. Kyle’s great-grandmother Bessie was born in Illinois, also to Russian Jewish parents, Louis/Lewis Lothstein and Ida/Ada Leibowitz.

Sources: Kyle’s paternal grandfather, Jack Gallner, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Obituary of Kyle’s paternal grandmother, Jean (Shenker) Gallner – http://articles.sun-sentinel.com

Marriage record of Kyle’s paternal great-grandparents, Martin Shenker and Bessie Lothstein – https://www.familysearch.org

Kyle’s paternal great-grandparents, Martin Shenker and Bessie Lothstein, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Kyle’s paternal great-grandmother, Bessie Lothstein, on the 1910 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

The post Kyle Gallner appeared first on Ethnicity of Celebs | What Nationality Ancestry Race.

Birth Name: Frances Ann Lebowitz

Place of Birth: Morristown, New Jersey, U.S.

Date of Birth: October 27, 1950

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Fran Lebowitz is an American author, public speaker, and actress.

She is the daughter of Ruth and Harold Lebowitz. Her parents owned Pearl’s Upholstered Furniture, a furniture store and upholstery workshop.

Fran’s paternal grandfather was named Adolph Lebowitz. Adolph was a Hungarian Jewish immigrant.

Fran’s paternal grandmother was named Margaret Weisz. Margaret was a Hungarian Jewish immigrant.

Fran’s maternal grandfather was Philip Splaver (the son of Louis Harry/Hershel Leibe Splaver/Shpliaver and Rose Freedman). Philip was born in Onyx, Lithuania. Louis was the son of Joseph Mayer/Meier Vulf Splaver/Shpliaver and Rachel/Rochla. Rose was the daughter of Moses/Moshe Lazur/Freedman and Tamyra Hana Markel.

Fran’s maternal grandmother was Lillian Abramowitz (the daughter of Harry/Henry/Zalman Tzvi Abramowitz and Fanny/Freida/Frida Karpoff). Lillian was born in New York, to Russian Jewish parents. Harry was the son of Moses Abramowitz and Zelda Slonimsky, who were born in Riga, Latvia. Fanny was the daughter of Abraham Karpoff.

Sources: Genealogy of Fran Lebowitz – https://www.geni.com

Obituaries of Fran’s maternal grandparents, Philip Splaver and Lillian (Abramowitz) Splaver – https://www.findagrave.com

The post Fran Lebowitz appeared first on Ethnicity of Celebs | What Nationality Ancestry Race.

Kravitz in 2011, photo by Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

Birth Name: Zoë Isabella Kravitz

Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, United States

Date of Birth: December 1, 1988

Ethnicity:
*50% African-American/African-Bahamian
*50% Ashkenazi Jewish

Zoë Kravitz is an American actress, singer, and model. Her roles include Beware the Gonzo, Rough Night, The Batman, and Big Little Lies.

She is the daughter of musician and actor Lenny Kravitz and actress Lisa Bonet. Zoë is married to actor Karl Glusman.

Zoë’s father is of half Ashkenazi Jewish (his father) and half African-Bahamian and African-American (his mother) ancestry. Zoë’s mother is of half African-American (her father) and half Ashkenazi Jewish (her mother) ancestry. In terms of religion, Zoë identifies as a secular Jew.

Her stepfather is actor Jason Momoa. Zoë is related to weatherman and television personality Al Roker. Al has said that Zoë’s paternal great-grandfather and his own paternal grandfather were cousins.

Her half-aunt is musician and singer Kadhja Bonet.

Zoë’s paternal grandfather was Sy Kravitz, a producer (born Seymour Sol Kravitz, the son of Joseph Kravitz and Jean Kaufman). Seymour was born in New York, and was of Russian Jewish descent.

Zoë’s paternal grandmother was Roxie Roker, an actress (Roxie Albertha Roker, the daughter of Albert Roker and Bessie Mitchell). Roxie was born in Florida. Albert was Afro-Bahamian, from Nassau. Bessie was African-American, and was the daughter of Will Mitchell and Julia Tillman.

Zoë’s maternal grandfather was Allen Bonet. Allen was African-American.

Zoë’s maternal grandmother was Arlene Joyce Litman (the daughter of Eli Litman and Sylvia Ellen Goldvarg). Arlene was born in Pennsylvania. Eli was born in Pennsylvania, the son of Abraham E. Litman, a Jewish immigrant from Tourchen, Russia, and of Fannie/Fanny Lillian Ageloff, a Jewish immigrant from Vitebsk, Belarus. Sylvia was also born in Pennsylvania, the daughter of Louis Goldvarg and Sarah Silverman, who were both Russian Jewish emigrants, her father from Tiraspol, now Moldova.

Zoë’s matrilineal line can be traced to Sophie Grossman, who was born, c. 1865, in Siroca.

Sources: Genealogies of Zoë Kravitz – http://www.geni.com
https://www.wikitree.com

Death records of Zoë’s paternal grandparents, Seymour Sol Kravitz and Roxie Albertha Roker – https://www.findagrave.com

Zoë’s paternal grandfather, Seymour Sol Kravitz, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Zoë’s paternal grandmother, Roxie Albertha Roker, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Obituary of Zoë’s paternal grandmother, Roxie Albertha Roker – http://www.nytimes.com

Zoë’s paternal great-grandmother, Bessie Mitchell, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Zoë’s maternal grandmother, Arlene Joyce Litman, on the 1940 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Marriage record of Zoë’s maternal great-grandparents, Eli Litman and Sylvia Ellen Goldvarg – https://familysearch.org

Zoë’s maternal great-grandfather, Eli Litman, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Zoë’s maternal great-grandmother, Sylvia Ellen Goldvarg, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org
Sylvia Ellen Goldvarg on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

The post Zoë Kravitz appeared first on Ethnicity of Celebs | What Nationality Ancestry Race.

Lipsky in 2012, masuti

Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, United States

Date of Birth: July 14, 1988

Ethnicity:
*father – Ashkenazi Jewish
*mother – Korean

David Lipsky is an American professional golfer.

His father is American, and Jewish. His mother is from Korea.

David’s paternal grandfather was named David Lipsky. David was born in Vilkaviškis, in the Russian Empire, now Lithuania.

David’s paternal grandmother was Ruth Ramberg (the daughter of Mordecai/Mordechai “Max” Ramberg and Malke/Malka Cohen/Kahan). Ruth was born in Vilkaviškis. Malke was the daughter of Yudel Kahan/Cohen, whose father was born in Poland, and of Baile Chaya Frejd.

Source: Genealogy of David’s father – http://www.geni.com

The post David Lipsky appeared first on Ethnicity of Celebs | What Nationality Ancestry Race.

Kunis in 2012, photo by PR Photos

Birth Name: Milena Markovna Kunis

Place of Birth: Chernivtsi, Ukraine, Soviet Union (now Ukraine)

Date of Birth: August 14, 1983

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Mila Kunis is an American actress. She has starred on That ’70s Show, and in the films Black Swan, Friends with Benefits, and Max Payne, among many others. Her parents, Elvira and Mark, are both Jewish. She moved to the U.S. when she was seven years old, in 1991, settling in Los Angeles, California.

Mila is married to actor Ashton Kutcher, with whom she has two children.

Three of Mila’s grandparents are named Boris, Roza/Rosa, and Yitzhak.

A 23andMe DNA test taken by Mila stated that her genetic ancestry is:

*96%-98% Ashkenazi Jewish

Mila has also said:

The amount of guilt that I’ve perfected the use of – already on my 3-year-old – is magical… I took a 23 and Me test, where you find out… what’s your DNA… and I’m thinking “I’m going to be exotic… there’s going to be something wonderful about me.” No, ya’ll, I am 96% Ashkenazi Jew. You know what that means? I’m inbred. I am really Jewish, you guys. There is nothing about me that’s exotic. I am a Jew. You know what that means? Guilt.

Sources: Interview with Mila Kunis in JVibe Magazine – http://archive.is

Genealogy of Mila Kunis – https://www.geni.com

Kunis in 2011

The post Mila Kunis appeared first on Ethnicity of Celebs | What Nationality Ancestry Race.

Matlin in 2014, photo by kathclick/Bigstock.com

Birth Name: Marlee Beth Matlin

Place of Birth: Morton Grove, Illinois, U.S.

Date of Birth: August 24, 1965

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Marlee Matlin is an American actress, author, and deaf activist. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for Children of a Lesser God (1986). She is the only deaf actor to win an Academy Award, and the youngest winner of Best Actress (at 21). She has also starred in the films Hear No Evil and CODA, among others. Her longtime interpreter is Jack Jason.

Marlee is the daughter of Libby and Donald Matlin. She was raised in Reform Judaism.

Marlee is married to police officer Kevin Grandalski, with whom she has four children. Kevin is Catholic, with Polish ancestry.

Marlee’s paternal grandfather was named Edward Matlin. Edward was born in Gomel, Belarus.

Marlee’s paternal grandmother was Ann Weinstein (the daughter of Max Weinstein and Etta Levin). Ann was born in New York. Max was born in Pinsk, Belarus, the son of Aaron David Weinstein and Devorah Hackman. Etta was born in Russia and/or Poland.

Marlee’s maternal grandfather was named Paul Hammer (the son of Itzkhak/Isaac Hirsh Hammer and Gittel/Gertrude). Paul was born in Poland. Itzkhak was the son of Jacob/Jake Hammer and Fannie.

Marlee’s maternal grandmother was named Ruth Tekler. Ruth was born in Poland.

In 2017, Marlee stated:

I have brought Judaism into my home and married it nicely with my husband and his family who are Catholics. We are equal opportunity when it comes to holidays and traditions…

Unfortunately, where I live there is not a temple with a signing rabbi, and though I’m sure I could go to a local temple with an interpreter, I prefer to take the lessons I learned, the richness of Judaism and the culture that my parents passed along to me, and share it with my family, making the best home that I know how to. By the way, I’m finally fulfilling a lifelong dream, one I’ve had ever since I was bat mitzvahed — I am traveling to Israel this summer for the first time on behalf of the Ruderman Foundation… I plan to look up my family and take in all the Holy Land sites.

Sources: Genealogy of Marlee Matlin – http://www.geni.com

Genealogy of Marlee Matlin (focusing on her father’s side) – https://web.archive.org

The post Marlee Matlin appeared first on Ethnicity of Celebs | What Nationality Ancestry Race.

Gadot in 2013, photo by DFree/Bigstock.com

Place of Birth: Petah Tikva, Israel

Date of Birth: April 30, 1985

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Gal Gadot is an Israeli actress and model. She was Miss Israel 2004, and is known for her roles in the Fast and Furious films, Keeping Up with the Joneses, Red Notice, and Death on the Nile, and for playing Wonder Woman in the DC Cinematic Universe, starting with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016).

Gal was born to a Jewish family in Israel. Her father is a sixth-generation Israeli. Her family were Jewish emigrants from Belarus, Lithuania, Russia, Poland, Austria, Slovakia, Germany, and Ukraine. Gal is married to Israeli businessperson Yaron Varsano, with whom she has three children. Yaron has Turkish Jewish ancestry.

In Hebrew, Gal means “wave” and Gadot means “riverbank” or “shore.” Her family’s was originally Greenstein.

Gal’s paternal grandfather is Arye Zeev Greenstein (the son of Michael Greenstein and Shulamit Natkin/Notkin). Arye was born in Tel Aviv, Israel. Michael was born in Petah Tikva, Israel, the son of Wolf Leib Grinstein and Sara Goldberg. Gal’s great-grandmother Shulamit was born in Jerusalem, Israel, where many generations of her family had been born, and was the daughter of Natan Neta Natkin and Hana Lea/Leah Michlin. Gal’s great-great-grandfather Natan, whose family was from Jerusalem, had ancestors from Belarus and Lithuania, including evident descent from Talmudist Yisroel ben Shmuel of Shklov (1770-1839), who was born in Shklov, Lithuania. Gal’s great-great-grandmother Hana was born in Jerusalem, to a father from Khislavichi, Russia, and a mother who was born in Jerusalem, to a father from Yassvein, Lithuania, and a mother from Jerusalem, who had ancestors in Lithuania and Belarus.

Gal’s paternal grandmother was named Miriam Glicksman (the daughter of Samuel Glicksman). Miriam was evidently born in Austria.

Gal’s maternal grandfather was Abraham Weiss (the son of Zeev Weiss and Yehudit Yakubovitz). Abraham was born in Mukacheve, Zakarpats’ka oblast, Ukraine, and survived the Auschwitz concentration camp. He lost most his family in the Holocaust. Gal discusses her grandfather, along with a picture, at this link, and at this one. Gal’s great-grandfather Zeev was the son of Yakov Weiss and Tzipora Klein. Gal’s great-grandmother Yehudit was killed in Auschwitz, in 1944. She was the daughter of Dov Yakubovitz and Bluma.

Gal’s maternal grandmother was Rachel Yehudit Kaufman (the daughter of Isaac Kaufman/Koffman and Tzarka Messenberg). Tzarka was the daughter of Shmuel Messenberg and Chaya.

Gadot in 2013, photo by DFree/Bigstock.com

Sources: Information about Gal’s background – http://www.ynet.co.il
http://www.rollingstone.com

Genealogy of Gal Gadot – https://www.geni.com

The post Gal Gadot appeared first on Ethnicity of Celebs | What Nationality Ancestry Race.