Gottfried in 2008, Joe Seer / Shutterstock.com

Date of Birth: February 28, 1955

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

Date of Death: April 12, 2022

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

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Gilbert Gottfried was an American stand-up comedian and actor. Known for his distinctive voice, his work included the film Problem Child, voice roles in Aladdin (1992), as Iago, the series Cyberchase and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and as the Aflac Duck, and the podcast Gilbert Gottfried’s Amazing Colossal Podcast. He was a cast member on the show Saturday Night Live.

Gilbert was the son of Lillian and Max Gottfried. His father was a Polish Jewish emigrant, from Galicia, who came to the U.S. in 1912. His mother was born in New York, to Russian Jewish parents. His sister was New York Street photographer Arlene Gottfried.

Gilbert was married to Dara Kravitz, until his death, with whom he had two children. Dara is also Jewish.

Gilbert’s paternal grandfather was named Abraham Gottfried.

Gilbert’s paternal grandmother was named Esther Frey.

Gilbert’s maternal grandfather was Charles Zimmerman (the son of Louis Zimmerman and Minnie Vert).

Gilbert’s maternal grandmother was Minnie Worthman (the daughter of Fischel/Fishel “Philip” Worthman and Anya/Amiel Needleman/Nudleman). Minnie was born in Odessa.

Sources: Interviews about Gilbert’s Jewish upbringing – http://www.jewishjournal.com
https://www.jta.org

Information about Gilbert’s family history (mentioning Gilbert’s sister, Arlene) – http://www.seniorsmatter.com

Genealogy of Gilbert Gottfried (focusing on his mother’s side) – https://www.geni.com

Gilbert’s mother on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org
Gilbert’s mother on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Marriage record of Gilbert’s maternal grandparents, Charles Zimmerman and Minnie Worthman – https://www.familysearch.org

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Birth Name: Miya Kyoko Iijima Folick

Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, United States

Date of Birth: June 9, 1989

Ethnicity:
*father – Ashkenazi Jewish, possibly one quarter Italian
*mother – Japanese

Miya Folick is an American singer and songwriter.

Her parents were Buddhist by religion. Miya’s father had Ashkenazi Jewish heritage. He is also said to have had Italian ancestry through his maternal grandfather. It is not clear if this is accurate. Miya’s mother is of Japanese descent.

Miya’s paternal grandfather was Henry Folick (the son of Julius Folick and Pauline Titefsky). Henry was born in New York, to parents from either Ukraine or Poland, then in the Russian Empire.

Miya’s paternal grandmother was named Evelyn C. Orth/Pascal (who likely was the daughter of Walla Orth). Evelyn was born in New York. Evelyn’s mother was born in Ukraine.

Miya’s maternal grandfather was author and Buddhist minister, the Rev. Kanjitsu Iijima (the son of Seinosuki Iijima and Hama). Kanjitsu was born in Tokyo, Japan.

Miya’s maternal grandmother was Kyoko Onishi/Oniski (the daughter of Asaichi Onishi and Shigeni Suzuki). Kyoko was born in Washington, to Japanese parents.

Sources: Obituary of Miya’s father – http://rafu.com

Divorce record of Miya’s paternal grandparents, Henry Holick and Evelyn C. Orth/Pascal – http://familysearch.org

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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

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Birth Name: Robert Alan Morse

Date of Birth: May 18, 1931

Place of Birth: Newton, Massachusetts, U.S.

Date of Death: April 20, 2022

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

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Robert Morse was an American actor and singer. He starred in the film How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, in many acclaimed Broadway roles, and on the show Mad Men.

Robert was the son of May (Silver), a pianist, and Charles Morse, who worked at a record store, and managed a movie theatre chain. His father was born in Massachusetts, of German Jewish descent. His mother was born in New York, to Russian Jewish parents.

He was married to Elizabeth Roberts, until his death, and had five children.

Robert’s paternal grandfather was Jacob C. Morse (the son of Charles Morse and Sarah Strauss). Jacob was born in New Hampshire, to German Jewish parents. Robert’s great-grandfather Charles was the son of Jacob Morse and Charlotte. Sarah was the daughter of Jacob Strauss and Betat.

Robert’s paternal grandmother was Josephine Gans (the daughter of Louis Gans and Esther/Hester Sturman). Josephine was born in New York, to a German Jewish father and an English Jewish mother.

Robert’s maternal grandfather was named Benjamin J. Silver. Benjamin’s father was evidently born in Austria.

Robert’s maternal grandmother was named Ida Heiman.

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

Robert’s father on the 1910 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Marriage records of Robert’s paternal grandparents, Jacob C. Morse and Josephine Gans – https://www.familysearch.org
https://www.familysearch.org

Robert’s mother on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

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Birth Name: Alexander Troy Tamasabu/Tamasaburo Iwata

Place of Birth: Riverside, California, U.S.

Date of Birth: February 10, 1991

Ethnicity:
*father – Japanese
*mother – Ashkenazi Jewish

Troy Iwata is an American actor. He has appeared on Netflix series Dash & Lily.

His father is from California, and is of Japanese descent. His mother is Jewish.

Troy’s paternal grandfather was Richard Hiroshi/Heroshi Iwata (the son of Tamasaburo Iwata and Isao/Iran Otsuka). Richard was born in California, to Japanese parents.

Troy’s paternal grandmother was Victoria Katsuko “Vickie” Hata (the daughter of Torao Hata and Naka Nakamura). Victoria was born in Hawaii, to parents from Japan.

Troy’s maternal grandfather was Seymour Blatt (the son of Clarence Wander Blatt and Katherine Login). Seymour was born in New Jersey. Clarence was born in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Katherine was born in New Jersey, to a father from Russia and a mother from Austria.

Troy’s maternal grandmother is named Betsy Rose.

Sources: Obituary of Troy’s paternal grandfather, Richard Hiroshi/Heroshi Iwata – http://www.newspapers.com

Obituary of Troy’s paternal grandmother, Victoria Katsuko “Vickie” (Hata) Iwata – http://www.rosehills.com

Obituary of Troy’s maternal grandfather, Seymour Blatt – http://obits.dallasnews.com

Photo by kathclick/Bigstock.com

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Birth Name: Justin E. Melnick

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

Date of Birth: October 5

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish, possibly other

Justin Melnick is an American actor and police officer. He is known for playing Brock on television series SEAL Team.

His father is Jewish. He is married to actress Whitney Able, with whom he has a child.

Justin’s paternal grandfather was Everett J. Melnick (the son of Jacob Melnick and Mary Fingerman). Everett was born in Pennsylvania. Jacob was born in the Russian Empire, the son of Abraham Melnick and Rachel/Rechel Rusisky. Mary was born in Odessa, in the Russian Empire, now Ukraine, the daughter of David Fingerman and Leah/Leaha Dubinsky.

Justin’s paternal grandmother was Selma Weisz (the daughter of Louis Weisz and Gussie/Gisella Hershkowitz). Selma was born in Pennsylvania. Louis was born in Szatmár, Hungary, the son of Herman Weiss and Mollie Male. Gussie was born in Hungary, the daughter of Samuel Herskowitz and Sarah/Sally.

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

Photo by DFree/Bigstock.com

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Lebowitz in 2016, Joe Seer

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

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Birth Name: Jared Michael Cohn

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

Date of Birth: c. early 1980s

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Jared Cohn is an American actor, film director, screenwriter, and producer. He has directed movies Alantic Rim (2013) and Buddy Hutchins (2015), among others. He is also sometimes credited as Jared Michaels.

His parents are Jewish.

Jared’s maternal grandfather was Stanley L. Hirsh (the son of David Hirsh/Hersh/Hirsch and Martha Josepsberg). Stanley was born in New York. David was born in Romania, to a father surnamed Hirsh and Tina Hirmalm, who was from Russia. Martha was born in New York, the daughter of Zolinor Josepsberg and Rachel Lelinger.

Jared’s maternal grandmother was Elaine Rosenberg (the daughter of Harry Rosenberg and Jessie Rosenbaum). Elaine was born in New York. Harry was born in New York, to a father from Russia and a mother from Austria. Jessie was born in New York, to parents from Russia.

Source: Obituary of Jared’s maternal grandfather, Stanley L. Hirsh – http://legacy.com

Photo by kathclick/Bigstock.com

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Tucker in 2020, photo by DFree/Bigstock.com

Place of Birth: Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.

Date of Birth: January 18, 1993

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Montana Tucker is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer.

Her parents are Jewish. Her maternal grandparents are Holocaust survivors.

Montana’s paternal grandfather was Jerrold Sheldon Tucker (the son of Irving Tucker and Mary Arkind). Jerrold was born in New York. Irving was born in New York, the son of William Tucker and Ida Borokofsky. Mary was born in New York, the daughter of Itska/Itzke “Isidore” Arkind, who was from Beshankovichy, Belarus, and of Rivka “Sophie” Kote, who was from Russia.

Montana’s maternal grandfather was named Michael L. Schmidmayer. Michael was born in Dumitrița, Romania.

Montana’s maternal grandmother is named Lilly Steg. Lilly was born in Uzhhorod, Czechoslovakia, now Ukraine.

Source: Obituary of Montana’s paternal grandfather, Jerrold Sheldon Tucker – http://legacy.com

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Koslow in 2014, photo by kathclick/Bigstock.com

Birth Name: Lauren Alice Koslow

Place of Birth: Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.

Date of Birth: March 9, 1953

Ethnicity:
*father – Ashkenazi Jewish, Scottish

Lauren Koslow is an American actress. She is known for her roles on the soap operas Days of Our Lives, The Bold and The Beautiful, and The Young and The Restless.

Her father was of Ashkenazi Jewish and Scottish descent. She is married to writer and producer Nicky Schillace, with whom she has three children.

Lauren’s paternal grandfather was Stephen Louis Koslow (the son of Louis/Lewis Koslow and Emma Horlinck). Stephen was born in Volyn, Russia, now Ukraine, to a Jewish family.

Lauren’s paternal grandmother was Jane Peninah/Pininah/Pinina “Nina” MacAulay (the daughter of Alexander MacAulay and Catherine MacAulay). Jane was born in Nova Scotia, Canada. Alexander was born in Nova Scotia, the son of Neil Angus MacAulay, whose parents were Scottish, and of Phenoby McDonald, who was Scottish. Catherine was born in Nova Scotia, the daughter of Donald MacAulay, who was Scottish, and of Margaret MacLean, whose parents were Scottish.

Source: Obituary of Lauren’s father – http://legacy.com

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Duke in 2014, photo by kathclick/Bigstock.com

Birth Name: Augustine Duke Kupper

Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, United States

Date of Birth: February 7, 1986

Ethnicity:
*50% Ashkenazi Jewish
*50% mix of English, Irish, Welsh, Scottish, and German

Augie Duke is an American actress and producer.

Her mother is actress Fredrica Duke. Her stepfather is screenwriter Michael Barrie. Among her siblings is actor Barnaby Duke. Her paternal and maternal grandfathers were Jewish. Her grandmothers were mostly of British Isles [English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh] and German ancestry.

Augie’s paternal grandfather was Herbert I. Kupper (the son of Max Kupper and Sophia Zentner). Herbert was born in New Jersey, to a father from Russia, now Ukraine, and to a mother from Austria/Poland.

Augie’s paternal grandmother was Anne Ethel Mitchell (the daughter of John Lawrence Mitchell and Gertrude Anna Payne). Anne was born in New York. John was born in New York, to Irish parents, Charles J. “CJ” Mitchell and Anna C. Smith. Gertrude was born in New York, the daughter of William H. Payne and Mary Ann Strickfus, whose parents were German.

Augie’s maternal grandfather was producer and actor Maurice Duke (the son of Herman Duke/Duschinsky and Mary Weiss). Maurice was born in New York, to Ashkenazi Jewish parents. Herman was likely born in Austria.

Augie’s maternal grandmother was Mae Evelyn Williams (the daughter of Frederick A. “Fred” Williams and Effie May Griffith). Mae was born in Texas. Frederick was born in Texas, the son of William Taylor Williams and Mary Coralee Netherton. Effie was born in Oklahoma, the daughter of Isom Griffith and Vina Bell Osteen.

Sources: Obituary of Augie’s paternal grandmother, Anne Ethel (Mitchell) Kupper – http://legacy.com

Death record of Augie’s maternal grandfather, Maurice Duke – http://familysearch.org

Genealogy of Augie’s maternal great-grandparents, Frederick A. “Fred” Williams and Effie May Griffith – http://familysearch.org

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Birth Name: Lesley M. Boone

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

Date of Birth: February 25, 1968

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Lesley Boone is an American actress.

Her family is Jewish.

Lesley’s maternal grandfather was named Irwin Brown (the son of David Brown).

Lesley’s maternal grandmother was named Shirley Anne.

Sources: Lesley’s mother’s immigration record – http://familysearch.org

Photo by kathclick/Bigstock.com

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Lindell in 2015, photo by kathclick/Bigstock.com

Birth Name: Heather Ilene Leimberg

Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, United States

Date of Birth: February 25, 1982

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Heather Lindell is an American actress. She is known for her work on soap opera Days of Our Lives, among other titles.

Her family is Jewish. She is married to Josh Boyd, with whom she has two children.

Heather’s maternal grandfather was Isidore/Irving Pector (the son of David Pector and Ida Kadonskio). Isidore was born in Illinois, to parents from Russia.

Heather’s maternal grandmother was Rose Geller/Gierszenowicz (the daughter of Abraham Geller/Gierszenowicz and Sylvia Moszenberg/Moshenberg). Rose was born in Skarżysko-Kamienna, Poland. Abraham was born in Kielce, Poland. Sylvia was also born in Skarżysko-Kamienna.

Source: Obituary of Heather’s mother – http://findagrave.com

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Birth Name: Louis Bernstein

Date of Birth: August 25, 1918

Place of Birth: Lawrence, Essex, Massachusetts, U.S.

Date of Death: October 14, 1990

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

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Leonard Bernstein was an American conductor, composer, pianist, music educator, author, and humanitarian.

Leonard was the son of Jennie (Resnick) and Samuel Joseph Bernstein, who owned The Samuel Bernstein Hair and Beauty Supply Company, which was very popular. His parents were Jewish emigrants, from Rovno, Russian Empire, now Ukraine. He legally changed his first name to Leonard when he was eighteen.

He was married to stage and television actress Felicia Montealegre, until her death, with whom he had three children. Felicia was born in San José, Costa Rica, to an American father, who was of half Ashkenazi Jewish and half English descent, and a Chilean/Hispanic mother. Felicia converted to Judaism when marrying Leonard.

Leonard’s paternal grandfather was Yehuda Yudel/Idel/Judka/”Judah” Bernstein (the son of Bezalel/Betzalel “Charles” Berenstein/Bernstein and Chaia/Chaye Lemberg). Yehuda was born in Ozeran/Ozeryany, Dubno, Volhynia.

Leonard’s paternal grandmother was named Dina Malamud/Melamed. Dina was born in Pereezd, Novgorod Oblast.

Leonard’s maternal grandfather was named Samuel Simcha Resnick. Samuel was born in Wolhynien.

Leonard’s maternal grandmother was named Pearl/Perel Zorfas (the daughter of Louis Eliezer Zorfas and Charna). Pearl was born in Wolhynien.

Source: Genealogy of Leonard Bernstein – https://www.geni.com

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Basche in 2012, photo by Joe Seer/Bigstock.com

Place of Birth: Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.

Date of Birth: August 25, 1968

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

David Alan Basche is an American actor. He is known for his work in the movie United 93 (2006) and The Adjustment Bureau (2011), among other titles.

His family is Ashkenazi Jewish. He is married to actress Alysia Reiner, with whom he has one child.

David’s paternal grandfather was Joseph Basche/Bachinsky (the son of Saul Bachinsky and Rebecca “Beckie” Rosenblum/Rosenbloom). Joseph was born in New York. Saul was born in New York, to parents from Germany, Herman Bachinsky and Rachel Kassel. Rebecca was born in New York, also to parents from Germany.

David’s paternal grandmother was Fannie/Fanny Krawitz (the daughter of Louis Krawitz and Rachel Solmenowitz). Fannie was born in Indiana, to parents from Russia and Poland.

David’s maternal grandfather was Benjamin Orgel (the son of Noel Orgel and Fannie Kranish). Benjamin was born in Austria.

David’s maternal grandmother was Lillian Myers (the daughter of Jacob Myers and Anna Urssolsky). Lillian was born in Russia.

Sources: Marriage announcement of David’s parents – http://photos.geni.com

Obituary of David’s maternal uncle – http://legacy.com

Marriage record of David’s paternal grandparents, Joseph Basche/Baschinsky and Fannie/Fanny Krawitz – http://familysearch.org

Marriage record of David’s maternal grandparents, Benjamin Orgel and Lillian Myers – http://familysearch.org

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Pankow in 2021, DFree

Place of Birth: Ketchikan, Alaska, U.S.

Date of Birth: August 12, 1998

Ethnicity:
*father – German
*maternal grandfather – Danish, English
*maternal grandmother – Ashkenazi Jewish

Rudy Pankow is an American actor. His roles include the film Uncharted and the show Outer Banks.

Rudy’s paternal grandfather was Richard Karl Pankow (the son of Erdmann Paul Pankow and Katherine Helen Schwartz). Richard was born in Green Lake, Wisconsin. Erdmann was the son of Albert Pankow, whose parents were German, from Prussia, and of Marie Martha Kretzschmar, a German emigrant, from Saxony. Katherine was the daughter of John Schwartz, who was born in Ontario, Canada, to German parents; and of Katharina Kraft, who was born in Ohio, to German parents, from Darmstadt, Hessen.

Rudy’s paternal grandmother was Winifred Ruth Uetzmann (the daughter of Immanuel Paul Gerhard Uetzmann and Adela Sophia Johanna Dornfeld). Winifred was born in Pickett, Wisconsin. Immanuel was the son of Carsten Heinrich Friedrich Uetzmann, a German emigrant, from Hanover, and of Mary Luise Ziemann, who was also the daughter of German parents. Adela was the daughter of Emil Frank Dornfeld and Anna Helena Henrietta Thurow, who were born in Wisconsin, to German parents.

Rudy’s maternal grandfather is Allan Dennis Pedersen (the son of Lester Daniel Pedersen and Thelma F. Dennis). Allan was born in Nebraska. Lester was the son of Niels F. Pedersen, a Danish emigrant, from Kollund, and of Maren “Minnie” Jensen, who was the daughter of Danish parents, from Hjørring. Thelma was the daughter of Clayton Gearhart Dennis and Jennie O. Steen, and had deeper roots in the U.S.

Rudy’s maternal grandmother is Cecelia Helena Harris (the daughter of Clifford Niles Harris and Jeanette/Jean Elizabeth Bessel). Cecelia is Ashkenazi Jewish. Clifford was the son of Elmer D. Harris and Lillie/Lillian Gergon/Gergan. Jeanette was the daughter of Morris/Maurice Bessel, who was born in the Russian Empire, and of Celia Helena Greenwald, who was from Hungary.

Source: Genealogy of Rudy Pankow – https://www.familysearch.org

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Drake in 2011, photo by kathclick/bigstock.com

Birth Name: Aubrey Drake Graham

Place of Birth: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Date of Birth: October 24, 1986

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

Drake, also known as by his birth name Aubrey Drake Graham, or as Champagne Papi and Drizzy, is a Canadian actor, rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and entrepreneur. He is known for his role as Jimmy Brooks on the popular Canadian show Degrassi: The Next Generation. He later released a popular mixtape with songs including “Every Girl” and “Best I Ever Had,” and has since had a successful musical career.

Drake’s American father, Dennis Graham, a musician, is African-American. Drake’s Canadian mother, Sandi (Sher), is Ashkenazi Jewish (of Latvian Jewish and Russian Jewish descent). Drake was raised Jewish; he attended a Jewish day school and was Bar Mitzvah. Drake is a dual citizen of Canada and the U.S.

Drake has a son with French artist Sophie Brussaux.

On his father’s side, Drake is related to American musicians Teenie Hodges (born Mabon Lewis Hodges), a rhythm and lead guitarist and songwriter, and Larry Graham, a bass guitar player.

Drake’s father Dennis Graham in 2014, credit: Santiago Interiano / PRPhotos.com

Drake’s maternal grandfather was Reuben “Ruby” Sher (the son of Morris Sher and Julia Novick). Reuben was born in Toronto, to Latvian Jewish parents, from Riga. Julia was the daughter of Vichna Novick.

Drake’s maternal grandmother was Evelyn Etta Brontman (the daughter of Avraham/Abraham Brontman/Brantman and Lena/Leah/Lina Zlatka Osherenko/Osheronko/Usherenko). Evelyn was born in Toronto, to Russian Jewish/Polish Jewish parents. Abraham was the son of Israel Brantman and Rachel/Rachil Goldin. Lena was the daughter of Abram/Abie/Avrum Osherenko/Osheronko/Usherenko and Gitel/Gertie/Gitlya/Gittel Weinerman/Veynerman.

Drake with his mother Sandi Graham in 2010, photo Credit: Robin Wong / PR Photos

Sources: Genealogy of Drake (focusing on his mother’s side) – https://www.geni.com

Drake’s maternal great-grandparents, Morris Sher and Julia Novick, on the 1911 Canadian Census – https://familysearch.org

Obituary of Drake’s maternal grandmother, Evelyn Etta (Brontman) Sher – http://www.legacy.com

Marriage records of Drake’s maternal great-grandparents, Avraham/Abraham Brontman/Brantman and Lena/Leah/Lina Zlatka Osherenko/Osheronko/Usherenko – https://www.familysearch.org
https://www.familysearch.org

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Walton in 2019, photo by kathclick

Place of Birth: Barrow County, Georgia, U.S.

Date of Birth: July 22, 2006

Ethnicity:
*father – Sicilian/Italian, Ashkenazi Jewish, Irish, English, German, possibly other
*mother – likely Lebanese, English, Irish, other

Javon “Wanna” Walton is an American actor and boxer. He is known for his roles on the series Euphoria, Utopia, and The Umbrella Academy, and as the voice of Pugsley in The Addams Family 2. He has also been credited as Javon Walton.

Javon is the son of Jessica Battle and actor, stuntperson, and boxer D.J. Walton. His father was born in New York, and was adopted by an Ashkenazi Jewish mother, Susan, and an African-Jamaican father, Anthony.

A picture of Javon’s parents can be seen here. A picture of Javon’s father and grandaunt can be seen here.

Javon’s biological paternal grandmother is Vikki Kathleen Umile (the daughter of Peter Joseph Umile and Theresa M. Brennan). Peter was born in New York, to Sicilian parents, Michael Umile and Rose Adamo. Theresa was the daughter of Charles Edward Dennis Brennan, who had Irish, English, and German ancestry, and of Lillian “Toots” Krieff, who was of Russian Jewish descent.

Javon’s maternal grandfather likely is Frank Brady Battle (the son of Frank Otis Battle, Jr.). Frank Otis was the son of Frank Otis Battle, Sr. and Anna Brady.

Javon’s maternal grandmother likely is Pamela Vicki Ephrem (the daughter of Freddie Thomas Ephrem and Nancy/Nannie Lou Perryman). Freddie was born in Massachusetts, to Lebanese parents, Joseph George Ephrem and Helen Abdo Bashara Corey. Nancy was the daughter of George Walter Perryman and Lessie/Leslie Bell Royal.

Source: https://www.menshealth.com

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

Date of Birth: c. 2004/2005

Ethnicity:
*father – English, German, Irish, one quarter Ashkenazi Jewish
*mother – possibly part Indian

Jack Gore is an American actor. His roles include the films Rim of the World, We Are What We Are, and Ideal Home, and the show The Kids Are Alright.

His mother’s surname is Kapoor, which is usually of Indian origin.

Jack’s paternal grandfather is Allen Edward Gore (the son of Frederick/Fred John Gore and Marie A. Matz). Allen was born in New York. Marie was the daughter of German parents, Georg Matz, from Annweiler am Trifels, Pfalz, Bayern, and Philippina Kaiser, from Gräfenhausen, Pfalz, Bayern.

Jack’s paternal grandmother is Patricia Lynden (born Ellen Lynden, the daughter of Richard Lynden and Maria/Marie Matlin). Patricia was born in California, and was a journalist and writer, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s, including for Newsweek. Richard was a trade union officer. He was the son of Irish parents, John Ross Lynden and Sara/Sarah M. Steele. Jack’s great-grandmother Maria was born in California, to Russian Jewish parents, Louis Matlin and Dora Rynin.

Sources: Genealogy of Jack’s paternal grandfather, Allen Edward Gore (focusing on his own mother’s side) – http://www.birkenhoerdt.net

Jack’s paternal grandfather, Allen Edward Gore, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

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

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Birth Name: Scott Gordon Patterson

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

Date of Birth: September 11, 1958

Ethnicity:
*father – English, Scottish, German
*mother – Ashkenazi Jewish

Scott Patterson is an American actor, musician, and professional baseball player. He is known for his roles as Luke on the show Gilmore Girls and Agent Strahm in the Saw movies.

Scott is the son of Hope Gordon, a journalist and actor in the Haddonfield Plays and Players Theatre Troupe, and Francis Ford Patterson IV, an advertising executive. On his father’s side, he is a descendant of Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and The Constitution of the United States, and Richard Leeds, a prominent settler and patriarch of Pine Barrens in South Jersey. Scott’s mother was from a Jewish family.

He is married to Kristine Saryan, with whom he has a son.

Scott’s paternal grandfather was Francis Ford “Frank” Patterson III (the son of Francis Ford “Frank” Patterson, Jr. and Isabel/Isabell/Belle Fowler Leyburne). Scott’s grandfather Francis was born in New Jersey. Scott’s great-grandfather Francis F. Patterson, Jr. was a Republican Party politician, who was a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New Jersey, from November 2, 1920 to March 3, 1927. He was the son of Francis F. Patterson and Abigail/Abbie Derrickson Null. Scott’s great-grandmother Isabel was the daughter of Captain Robert Lynton Leyburne and Elizabeth Mary “Lizzie” Johnson, whose father was English and whose mother was an Alsatian German.

Scott’s paternal grandmother was Marion/Marian Dorothy McClees (the daughter of Edgar Jones McClees and Bessie Doris Allen). Marion was born in Pennsylvania. Edgar was the son of Samuel “Lewis” McClees and Clara Valeria/Victoria Finger. Bessie was the daughter of Samuel H. Allen and Rebecca/Bessie B.

Scott’s maternal grandfather was named Jacob Gordon (the son of Louis Gordon and Ida/Eda). Jacob was born in Maryland, to Russian Jewish parents.

Scott’s maternal grandmother was Clara Rachmil (the daughter of Robert Rachmil and Elizabeth Sherman). Clara was born in Pennsylvania. Robert was a rabbi, who was born in Germany, to Russian Jewish parents, with his father being Sam Rachmil. Elizabeth was a Russian Jewish immigrant, the daughter of Solomon Sherman.

Sources: Genealogy of Scott’s father – https://www.findagrave.com

Scott’s paternal grandmother, Marion/Marian Dorothy McClees, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

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

Scott’s maternal grandfather, Jacob Gordon, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Scott’s maternal grandmother, Clara Rachmil, on the 1910 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

The post Scott Patterson appeared first on Ethnicity of Celebs | What Nationality Ancestry Race.