Birth Name: Anne Elizabeth Wojcicki

Place of Birth: Palo Alto, San Mateo, California, United States

Date of Birth: July 28, 1973

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

Anne Wojcicki is an American entrepreneur. She serves as the CEO of the personal genomics company 23andMe, which she co-founded in 2006. She is also a co-founder and board member of the Breakthrough Prize.

She is the daughter of Esther Wojcicki (born Esther Denise Hochman), a journalist, educator, and vice chair of the Creative Commons advisory council; and Stanley Wojcicki (Stanisław Jerzy Wójcicki), a professor emeritus, who was chair of the Stanford physics department. Her father was born in Warsaw, Poland, and came to the U.S. in 1951, going to school in Buffalo, NY. Her mother was born in New York City, to Russian Jewish parents.

Her sister is business executive Susan Wojcicki, who was CEO of YouTube, from 2014 to 2023. Anne has two children with her former husband, Google co-founder Sergey Brin.

A 23andMe (natch) DNA test whose results Anne displays on the site stated that her genetic ancestry is:

*50.9-51.2% Ashkenazi Jewish
*47.2-3% Eastern European [Podcarpackie Voivodeship, Poland, Lithuania, other]
*0.8% Broadly Northwestern European
*0.7% Broadly European

Anne’s paternal grandfather was Franciszek Wójcicki (the son of Adam Mikołaj Wójcicki and Salomea Stępniowska). Franciszek was born in Piotrkowice, Wodzisław, Swietokrzyskie, and was a lawyer and politician for the People’s Party and Polish People’s Party. He was elected MP during the 1947 Polish legislative election, and was imprisoned by the communist government for much of the next decade. He was not allowed to leave Poland as his wife did. Anne’s great-grandfather Adam was the son of Adam Wójcicki and Marianna Rojewska. Anne’s great-grandmother Salomea was the daughter of Szczepan Stępniowski and Róża Bulicka.

Anne’s paternal grandmother was Janina Wójcicka Hoskins (born Janina Wanda Ewa Kozłowska, the daughter of Michał Kozłowski/Kozłow and Jadwiga Bielska). Janina was born in Daugavpils, Daugavpils pilsēta, then part of the Russian Empire, now Latvia. She was also known as Janina Wójcicka. During WWII, she was in the Polish Army, and was director of the Polish National Council of the Polish Government in Exile. After the war, because of persecution by communists, Janina and her children left Poland for Sweden in 1949. Polish-American politician John Dingell, Sr. sponsored HR 632, legislation which helped Janina and her children become permanent residents of the U.S. in 1951. Janina worked as an assistant to John, and for the Library of Congress from 1951 to 1989, where she assembled a significant collection of Polish material.

Anne’s maternal grandfather was Philip Hochman/Hohmann. Philip was born in Podolsk, Russia. His maternal grandmother was named Esther Becker.

Anne’s maternal grandmother was Rebecca/Ruby Rubin (the daughter of Abraham Rubin/Srubinsky and Leah Becker). Ruby was born in Russia. Abraham was the son of Shimon Aron Srubisky/Srubinsky and Kuna Liba.

Sources: https://www.vox.com

Genealogy of Anne Wojcicki – https://www.geni.com

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Eric Newman and guest attend the Netflix “Bright” premiere on Dec. 13, 2017 at the Regency Village Theatre in Los Angeles, CA.

Birth Name: Eric J. Newman

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

Date of Birth: December 31, 1970

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish, possibly German

Eric Newman is an American film and television producer and writer. He is known for being a showrunner of television series Narcos.

His father is American Jewish singer, songwriter, composer, arranger, and pianist Randy Newman. His mother was a German emigrant, from Düsseldorf. He is married to Dana Stewart, with whom he has one child.

On his father’s side, Eric is a first cousin, once removed, of prominent composers and musicians Thomas Newman, David Newman, and Maria Newman, and a great-nephew of composers Lionel Newman, Emil Newman and Alfred Newman.

Eric’s paternal grandfather was Irving George Newman (the son of Michael Nemorofsky/Newman and Luba Koskoff/Kosakoff). Irving was born in Connecticut, to Russian Jewish parents. Eric’s great-grandfather Michael was born in Yelets, Gorod Yelets, Lipetsk Oblast, the son of Michael Nemorofsky and Luba Garfosky. Luba was born in Elisavetgrad, the daughter of Lewis Koskoff and Rossa Shapiro.

Eric’s paternal grandmother was Adele Fuchs/Fox (the daughter of Gustav/Gustave Fuchs/Fox and Regina “Rose” Ringer). Adele was born in either Louisiana or California, to parents from Galicia, Austria.

Eric’s maternal grandfather was Heinz Adolf Schmale. Heinz was born in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Sources: Genealogy of Eric Newman – http://geni.com

Obituary of Eric’s mother – http://mtexpress.com

Photo by cvanwagoner/Bigstock.com

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Lerner at the 23rd Annual Night Of 100 Stars Black Tie Dinner Viewing Gala, Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills, CA 02-24-13 s_bukley/bigstock.com

Birth Name: Michael C. Lerner

Date of Birth: June 22, 1941

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

Date of Death: April 8, 2023

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Michael Lerner was an American actor. His roles included the films The Candidate, The Postman Always Rings Twice (1981), National Lampoon’s Class Reunion, Strange Invaders, Eight Men Out, Harlem Nights, Barton Fink, for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, Newsies, Amos & Andrew, No Escape, For Richer or Poorer, Godzilla (1998), Celebrity, Elf, My Favorite Martian, Poster Boy, A Serious Man, and X-Men: Days of Future Past, and television’s Law and Order: Special Victims Unit and Entourage, among many other works, including stage performances.

Michael was the son of Blanche and Joseph Meyer Lerner. His father was born in New York, to Romanian Jewish parents. His mother was also born in New York, to a Russian Jewish father and a Romanian Jewish mother. He was raised in Red Hook, Brooklyn, and in Solon, Ohio. He was the brother of actor Ken Lerner and the uncle of actor Sam Lerner, who is Ken’s son.

Michael’s paternal grandfather was named Israel/Harry Lerner.

Michael’s paternal grandmother was named Fannie.

Michael’s maternal grandfather was named Chuna Aaron Grozinyski.

Michael’s maternal grandmother was named Rachael Glauber.

Source: Genealogy of Michael Lerner – https://www.geni.com

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Birth Name: Luke Warren Hughes

Place of Birth: Manchester, New Hampshire, U.S.

Date of Birth: September 9, 2003

Ethnicity:
*Ashkenazi Jewish (mother)

Luke Hughes is an American professional ice hockey player. He is a defenseman for the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL). His mother, Ellen Weinberg-Hughes, has played ice hockey, lacrosse, and soccer, and competed internationally for the U.S. women’s national hockey team. His father, Jim Hughes, is a hockey player and team captain. His brothers are professional ice hockey players Quinn Hughes and Jack Hughes. Luke was raised in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

Luke’s paternal grandfather is named Marty Hughes.

Luke’s maternal grandfather was Warren Abraham Weinberg (the son of Nathan Weinberg and Pauline Stein). Warren was born in Memphis, Tennessee. Nathan was born in Tennessee or Arkansas, the son of Jewish emigrants, Adolph Weinberg, from Russia, and Mollie/Molly Groskind, from Poland/Russia. Pauline was born in Indiana, the daughter of Abraham Stein and Freda/Frieda, who were Austrian Jewish immigrants.

Luke’s maternal grandmother is Lynne Penny Klamon (the daughter of Jerome/Jerry Erwin Klaymon/Klayman/Klamon and Burnise Mildred Gruskin). Jerry was born in Missouri, the son of Russian Jewish parents, Leo/Layzar Mutkah Klaymon/Klayman/Klamon/Kilemnik and Dora Herman, from Rovno. Burnise was born in Poland, the daughter of Morris Carl Gruskin, a Russian Jewish emigrant, who had roots in Kaunas, Lithuania, and of Elenor/Eleanor “Nell” Rubenstein, who was born in England, to Russian Jewish parents.

Sources: Marriage announcement of Luke’s maternal grandparents, Warren Abraham Weinberg and Lynne Penny Klamon – https://www.newspapers.com

Genealogy of Luke’s maternal great-grandfather, Nathan Weinberg (focusing on his own mother’s side) – https://www.geni.com

Luke’s maternal great-grandfather, Nathan Weinberg, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org
Nathan Weinberg on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Luke’s maternal great-grandmother, Pauline Stein, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Genealogy of Luke’s mother (focusing on her mother’s side) – https://www.geni.com

Luke’s maternal great-grandfather, Jerome/Jerry Erwin Klaymon/Klayman/Klamon, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Luke’s maternal great-grandmother, Burnise Mildred Gruskin, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

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Birth Name: Carl Edward Sagan

Date of Birth: November 9, 1934

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

Date of Death: December 20, 1996

Place of Death: Seattle, Washington, U.S.

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Carl Sagan was an American astronomer, planetary scientist, cosmologist, astrophysicist, astrobiologist, science communicator, author, and professor. His work included research on the existence of extraterrestrial life, and promotion of the skeptical method of scientific inquiry. He assembled the Pioneer plaque and the Voyager Golden Record, the first physical messages sent into space. He published more than 600 scientific papers and over a dozen books, including Contact, on which the 1997 film was based, and co-wrote and narrated the series Cosmos: A Personal Voyage.

Carl was the son of Rachel Molly (Gruber) and Samuel L. Sagan, who was a garment worker and movie theatre usher. His father was a Ukrainian Jewish emigrant, from Kamianets-Podilskyi, then in the Russian Empire. His mother was born in New York, to Ukrainian Jewish parents.

He was married to science documentary producer and director Ann Druyan, until his death. He had two children, including essayist, fiction writer, poet, and theorist of ecology, Dorion Sagan, with his former wife, evolutionary biologist Lynn Margulis; a son, novelist and screenwriter Nick Sagan, with his former wife, artist and writer Linda Salzman Sagan; and two children, including author, television producer, filmmaker, and podcaster Sasha Sagan, with Ann.

Carl’s paternal grandfather was named Louis Sagan.

Carl’s paternal grandmother was named Etta Lisenbaum.

Carl’s maternal grandfather was named Louis Gruber (the son of Isaac Gruber). Louis was born in Sassow, Ukraine.

Carl’s maternal grandmother was Chaiya/Chaya Clara Klein (the daughter of Kalonymos Klein and Sara Jente Alter). Chaya was born in Sasiv, Zolochivs’kyi district, Lviv Oblast, Ukraine. Kalonymos was the son of Yehudah Arieh Klein and Bashe.

Source: Genealogy of Carl Sagan – https://www.geni.com

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Birth Name: Ann Marcia Druyan

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

Date of Birth: June 13, 1949

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Ann Druyan is an American documentary producer and director. She specializes in science communication.

She is the daughter of Pearl Adelaide and Harry Druyan, who co-owned a knitwear firm. Her father was born in New York, to Latvian Jewish parents. Her mother was born in New York, to a Russian Jewish father and and Austrian Jewish mother. Ann was married to astronomer, scientist, astrophysicist, astrobiologist, science communicator, and professor Carl Sagan, until his death. She has two children, including author, television producer, filmmaker, and podcaster Sasha Sagan, with Carl.

Ann’s paternal grandfather was named Benjamin Druyan.

Ann’s paternal grandmother was named Tillie Gude.

Ann’s maternal grandfather was named Louis Goldsmith.

Ann’s maternal grandmother was named Minnie Sternberg/Steinberg.

Source: Genealogy of Ann Druyan – https://www.geni.com

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Birth Name: Richard Eisen

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

Date of Birth: June 24, 1969

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Rich Eisen is an American television sportscaster and radio host. He hosts The Rich Eisen Show.

He was the son of Eveline and Joel Eisen.

Rich’s paternal grandfather was named Morris Eisen. Morris was a Polish Jewish immigrant.

Rich’s paternal grandmother was Rachel Baynard (the daughter of Benjamin Baynard and Anna Isserson). Rachel’s parents were Russian Jews.

Source: Obituary of Rich’s father – https://www.findagrave.com

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Birth Name: Natalia Mikhailovna Schneiderman

Date of Birth: May 22, 1956

Place of Birth: Riga, Latvian SSR, Soviet Union (now Latvia)

Date of Death: July 2, 2008

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

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Natasha Shneider was a Soviet-American musician and actress. She was the keyboardist and vocalist in the band Eleven, along with her partner, bandmate Alain Johannes.

Natasha was born in Riga, Lativa, the daughter of Mikhail Schneiderman, an accordionist, and Larisa Chirkova, a singer of romances and Russian folk songs.

The post Natasha Shneider appeared first on Ethnicity of Celebs | EthniCelebs.com.

Birth Name: Richard Eisen

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

Date of Birth: June 24, 1969

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Rich Eisen is an American television sportscaster and radio host. He hosts The Rich Eisen Show.

He was the son of Eveline and Joel Eisen.

Rich’s paternal grandfather was named Morris Eisen. Morris was a Polish Jewish immigrant.

Rich’s paternal grandmother was Rachel Baynard (the daughter of Benjamin Baynard and Anna Isserson). Rachel’s parents were Russian Jews.

Source: Obituary of Rich’s father – https://www.findagrave.com

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11/21/2019 – Corenswet – AFI FEST 2019 Presented by Audi Closing Night Screening of “Marriage Story” – Arrivals – TCL Chinese Theatre, 6925 Hollywood Boulevard – Hollywood, CA, USA – Photo Credit: / PRPhotos.com

Birth Name: David Packard Corenswet

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

Date of Birth: July 8, 1993

Ethnicity:
*father – Ashkenazi Jewish
*mother – English, some Irish

David Corenswet is an American actor. He is known for his roles in the films Affairs of State, Look Both Ways, and Pearl, and on the mini-series Hollywood and We Own This City. He will star as Clark Kent / Superman in the upcoming major film. He is 6′4″.

His father, John Corenswet, had been a stage actor.

David’s mother, who has ancestry in New York, Kentucky, and Nova Scotia, is the daughter of Edward Packard, who came up with the idea for Choose Your Own Adventure.

David’s father was from a Jewish family from New Orleans, Louisiana, with roots there stretching back to the 1860s. He was of largely German Jewish descent, along with Russian Jewish (the origin of the name Corenswet), Polish Jewish, and French Jewish. David tagged a Christmas picture of himself and his sister, “jewsonchristmas” (previously here/here), and appeared at an event for the Jewish Federation of his father’s native New Orleans. A picture of younger David with his father can be seen here. A picture of David’s mother can be seen here.

David’s paternal grandfather is Sam J. Corenswet, Jr. (the son of Samuel/Sam Corenswet and Hilda Seelig/Sellig). David’s grandfather Sam was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. David’s great-grandfather Sam was a Russian Jewish immigrant, and was the son of Solomon/Soloman Corenswet, from Kamianets-Podilskyi, Khmelnytskyi Oblast, and Rosa/Rose Rabinowitz. Hilda was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, the daughter of Philipp Wolf Seelig/Sellig, a German Jewish emigrant, from Gollur, Prussia; and of Dora Bertha Lazarus, who was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, to German Jewish parents.

David’s paternal grandmother was Ann/Anne R. Schornstein (the daughter of Richard Schornstein and Sarah Cécile Alcus). Ann was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. Richard was born in Texas, the son of Simel/Samuel Zygmunt/Zygmund Schornstein, who was a Jewish emigrant, from Welitchka/Wieliczka, Austria/Poland, and of Emma Bonart, who was born in New York, to Jewish emigrant parents, her father from Krakow, Poland, and her mother from Schwerin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. Sarah was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, the daughter of Samuel/Sam Theodore Alcus, who was born in Brookhaven, Lincoln, Mississippi, to German Jewish parents, with roots in Posen; and of Felicie/Felicia/Falicia Levy, who was born in Louisiana, to a German Jewish father and a French Jewish mother.

David’s maternal grandfather is author, lawyer, essayist, and poet Edward Packard (Edward Burtt Packard, Jr., the son of Edward Burtt Packard and Charlotte Eden/Stenson Burne). David’s grandfather Edward was born in New York, and created the concept for the Choose Your Own Adventure books. David’s great-grandfather Edward was born in Roslindale, Massachusetts, the son of Edward Henry Packard and Lillian Edna Burtt, who was born in Nova Scotia, Canada. Charlotte was the daughter of Richard Cotton Walker Burne, who was born in Dublin, Ireland; and of Charlotte/Lottie Anna Stinson.

David’s maternal grandmother was Rosa Barret Covington (the daughter of Robert Wells Covington, Jr. and Rosa Robinson Barret). David’s grandmother Rosa was born in New York, to parents from Kentucky. She was an active Quaker. Robert was the son of Robert Wells Covington and Mary Wickliffe Cooper. David’s great-grandmother Rosa was the daughter of Mason Wilson Brown Barret and Rosa Johnston Robinson.

Sources: Genealogy of David Corenswet (focusing on his father’s side) – https://www.geni.com

Obituary of David’s father – https://obits.nola.com

Marriage record of David’s paternal grandparents, Sam J. Corenswet, Jr. and Ann/Anne R. Schornstein – https://www.familysearch.org

David’s paternal grandfather, Sam J. Corenswet, Jr., on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Marriage records of David’s paternal great-grandparents, Samuel/Sam Corenswet and Hilda Seelig/Sellig – https://www.familysearch.org
https://www.familysearch.org

David’s paternal great-grandmother, Hilda Seelig/Sellig, on the 1900 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Genealogy of David’s father (focusing on his own mother’s side) – https://www.ics.uci.edu

Marriage record of David’s paternal great-grandparents, Richard Schornstein and Sarah Cécile Alcus – https://www.familysearch.org

David’s paternal great-great-grandparents, Samuel/Sam Theodore Alcus and Felicie/Felicia/Falicia Levy, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Marriage record of David’s maternal great-grandparents, Edward Burtt Packard and Charlotte Eden/Stenson Burne – https://www.familysearch.org

David’s maternal great-grandparents, Edward Burtt Packard and Charlotte Eden/Stenson Burne, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Birth records of David’s maternal great-grandmother, Charlotte Stenson Burne – https://www.familysearch.org
https://www.familysearch.org

Marriage records of David’s maternal great-great-grandparents, Richard Cotton Walker Burne and Charlotte/Lottie Anna Stinson – https://www.familysearch.org
https://www.familysearch.org
https://www.familysearch.org

Obituary of David’s maternal grandmother, Rosa Barret (Covington) Packard – https://www.cpti.ws

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Arkin in 2013, photo by PR Photos

Birth Name: Alan Wolf Arkin

Date of Birth: March 26, 1934

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

Date of Death: June 29, 2023

Place of Death: Carlsbad, California, U.S.

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Alan Arkin was an American actor, director, comedian, singer, and musician. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Little Miss Sunshine (2006). He also starred in the films The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming; Wait Until Dark, Inspector Clouseau, The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter, Popi, Catch-22, Little Murders and Fire Sale, both of which he also directed; The In-Laws (1979), Simon, Edward Scissorhands, The Rocketeer, Glengarry Glen Ross, Grosse Point Blank, Thirteen Conversations About One Thing, Rendition, Sunshine Cleaning, Get Smart, Argo, Love the Coopers, and Dumbo (2019), and on television’s Escape from Sobibor, The Pentagon Papers, BoJack Horseman, and The Kominsky Method; as well as in many works on stage.

Alan was the son of Beatrice, a teacher, and David I. Arkin, a teacher, painter, lyricist, writer, and set designer. He was the brother of bass musician Bobby Arkin and author Bonnie Cordova. He was from a Jewish family, who emigrated from Russia and Alsace-Lorraine. His family moved to Los Angeles, California, when he was eleven. His parents were accused of being Communists during the 1950s Red Scare, and his father was fired from his job.

Alan was married to psychotherapist Suzanne Newlander. He had a son, actor Anthony Arkin, with his former wife, actress and screenwriter Barbara Dana; and two children, actor and director Adam Arkin and actor, acting instructor, and author Matthew Arkin, with his former wife Jeremy Yaffe. His uncle was psychiatrist and professor Joseph Wortis, who long edited the scientific journal Biological Psychiatry, and his cousin, Joseph’s son, is young adult and children’s literature author Avi.

Alan’s paternal grandfather was Arthur Eleazar/Lazar Arkin (the son of Louis/Lobe Elias Arkin and Ida Silberberg). Arthur was a Russian Jewish emigrant, from Wasalishki.

Alan’s paternal grandmother was Fannie/Freeda/Fanny Krinski/Krimski/Krinsky (the daughter of Shaia/Isiah Krinsky and Leah Sher). Fannie was a Russian Jewish emigrant, from Walkevisk.

Alan’s maternal grandfather was Harry Wortis (the son of Zev Wolf Wortis and Rosa Weintrop). Harry was a Jewish emigrant from Russia. Zev was the son of Simcha Fortis and Bathia Weintraub.

Alan’s maternal grandmother was Selina/Selena Brunswick (the daughter of Isaac Brunswick and Rosine/Louise Bloch/Block/Black). Selina was a Jewish emigrant from Alsace-Lorraine. Isaac was the son of Corneille Brunschwig and Jeanette Grumbach. Rosine was the daughter of Joseph Bloch and Marguerite Katz.

Sources: Genealogy of Alan Arkin (focusing on his father’s side) – https://www.geni.com

Alan Arkin on the 1940 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

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

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

Marriage record of Alan’s paternal grandparents, Arthur Eleazar/Lazar Arkin and Fannie/Freeda/Fanny Krinski/Krimski/Krinsky – https://www.familysearch.org

Alan’s paternal grandfather, Arthur Eleazar/Lazar Arkin, on the 1900 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Death record of Alan’s paternal grandmother, Fannie/Freeda/Fanny (Krinski/Krimski/Krinsky) Arkin – https://www.familysearch.org

Alan’s mother on the 1910 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Marriage record of Alan’s maternal grandparents, Harry Wortis and Selina/Selena Brunswick – https://familysearch.org

The post Alan Arkin RIP appeared first on Ethnicity of Celebs | EthniCelebs.com.

Birth Name: Yevgeny Viktorovich Prigozhin

Place of Birth: Leningrad, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union (now Russia)

Date of Birth: 1 June, 1961

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

Yevgeny Prigozhin is a Russian mercenary leader and oligarch. He is a commander of paramilitary organization and international mercenary battalion the Wagner Group, which has been described as his “private army.” He was nicknamed “Putin’s chef,” due to his friendship with president Vladimir Putin, and ownership of catering companies and restaurants used by the Kremlin. He is also the founder and manager of the Internet Research Agency, a Russian company which deals in online propaganda and disinformation, among a network of other organizations believed to be tied in with Russia’s defense and intelligence aparatus. He led a brief insurrection in Russia in June 2023.

Yevgeny is the son of Violetta Kirovna, a hospital nurse, and Viktor Yevgenyevich Prigozhin, a mining engineer. His father died when he was nine. His mother re-married to Samuil Fridmanovich Zharkoi, a ski instructor. His father and stepfather were Jewish. His mother was of Russian descent. Yevegeny initially aspired to be a professional skier.

Yevgeny’s paternal grandfather was named Yevgeny/Evgeny Ilyich Prigozhin (the son of Ilyich Prigozhin). Yevgeny’s grandfather Yevgeny was born in Oryol, Oryol Oblast, Russia, and was a captain in the Red Army during WWII. He was awarded the Red Banner for the Battles of Rzhev. Yevgeny’s great-uncle was scientist Yefim Ilyich Prigozhin. Yevgeny lived with his uncle in the town of Zhovti Vody during his chilhood, working in an open-pit uranium mine.

Yevgeny’s maternal grandfather was named Kir Semyonovich Khokhlov (the son of Semyon Khokhlov).

Source: Genealogy of Yevgeny Prigozhin – https://www.geni.com

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Birth Name: Alexa Skye Swinton

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

Date of Birth: July 2, 2009

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

Alexa Swinton is an American actress. Her roles include the series Emergence, Billions, and And Just Like That… and the film Old.

Alexa’s father, Rolfe, is Canadian, and is said to be of Scottish and English descent; he is the 36th head of the Scottish Swinton Clan. Through him, Alexa is related to actresses Tilda Swinton and her daughter Honor Swinton-Byrne. Alexa’s mother, Inna, is a writer, entrepreneur, attorney, and actress; she is a Russian Jewish/Latvian Jewish immigrant, from Riga. Alexa’s siblings are actors Ava Swinton and Maxim Swinton.

Sources: https://www.kveller.com
https://www.timesofisrael.com

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Birth Name: Ruth Marianna Mosko

Date of Birth: November 4, 1916

Place of Birth: Denver, Colorado, U.S.

Date of Death: April 27, 2002

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

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Ruth Handler was an American businessperson and inventor. She invented Barbie in 1959. She co-founded toy manufacturer Mattel with her husband, Elliot Handler, and she was then its first president, from 1945 to 1975. The two also came up with Chatty Cathy, Creepy Crawlers, and Hot Wheels, among other popular toys. Their two children were named Barbara and Kenneth, after whom were named Barbie and Ken.

Ruth was the daughter of Polish Jewish/Russian Jewish immigrants, Ida (Rubenstein/Rubinstein) and Jacob Moscowitz/Moskowicz/Mosko. She moved to Los Angeles, California, in 1938. Ruth was married to Elliot, until her death; he was also a businessperson and inventor, and was the son of Russian Jewish immigrants. Their son Kenneth Handler was a screenwriter, director, and film composer.

Sources: The Handler family, Elliot, Ruth, Barbara, and Kenneth, on the 1950 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Ruth Mosko/Handler on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

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Birth Name: Alexander Garfin

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

Date of Birth: September 23, 2003

Ethnicity:
*father – Ashkenazi Jewish
*mother – three quarters Italian, one quarter British Isles [English, Irish]

Alex Garfin is an American actor. He stars as Jordan Kent / Superboy on the series Superman & Lois.

Source: Genealogy of Alex Garfin – https://www.geni.com

The post Alex Garfin appeared first on Ethnicity of Celebs | EthniCelebs.com.

Birth Name: Richard Phillips Feynman

Date of Birth: May 11, 1918

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

Date of Death: February 15, 1988

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

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Richard Feynman was an American theoretical physicist. One of the most renowned scientists of his time, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1980, along with Julian Schwinger and Shin’ichirō Tomonaga, for their contributions to the development of quantum electrodynamics. He was involved in the creation of the atomic bomb during WWII, and is usually credited as having pioneered quantum computing. His work also included the path integral formulation of quantum mechanics, the physics of the superfluidity of supercooled liquid helium, the theory of quantum electrodynamics, and his proposal of the parton model for particle physics. Richard helped popularize physics through books and lectures, including a talk on nanotechnology; and developed the Fenyman diagrams, a pictorial representation scheme for the mathematical expressions describing the behavior of subatomic particles. He was a member of the Rogers Commission in the 1980s, the panel that investigated the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. Richard held the Richard C. Tolman professorship in theoretical physics at CalTech.

Richard was the son of Lucille (Phillips) and Melville Arthur Feynman, a sales manager. His father was a Belarusian Jewish immigrant. His mother was born in New York, to a Polish Jewish father and a German Jewish mother. His sister was astrophysicist Joan Feynman. He was married to Arline Greenbaum, until her death, and to English-born Gweneth Howarth, until his death. He had two children with Gweneth.

Richard’s paternal grandfather was named Jacob/Jakob Louis/Lewis Feynman. Jacob was born in Minsk.

Richard’s paternal grandmother was named Anne/Annie/Anna.

Richard’s maternal grandfather was named Henry Phillips.

Richard’s maternal grandmother was named Johanna Helinsky.

Sources: Genealogy of Richard Feyman – https://www.geni.com

Richard Feyman on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Death record of Richard’s father – https://www.familysearch.org

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Downey in 2010, photo via PR Photos

Birth Name: Robert John Downey, Jr.

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

Date of Birth: April 4, 1965

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish (three eighths), English, Scottish, German, Swiss-German, Irish

Robert Downey, Jr. is an American actor, musician, and producer, also credited simply as Robert Downey. His roles include Tony Stark / Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, beginning with Iron Man (2008) and largely ending in Avengers: Endgame, the films Pound (1970), Firstborn, Weird Science, Back to School, Less than Zero, Johnny Be Good, True Believer, Chances Are, Soapdish, Chaplin (1992), Heart and Souls, Natural Born Killers, Only You, Richard III, Home for the Holidays, Restoration (1995), The Gingerbread Man, U.S. Marshals, In Dreams, Bowfinger, Wonder Boys, The Singing Detective, Gothika, Game 6, Good Night, and Good Luck., Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Zodiac, Charlie Bartlett, Tropic Thunder, The Soloist, Sherlock Holmes, and its sequel; Due Date, Chef, The Judge, Dolittle, and Oppenheimer; and television’s Ally McBeal.

Robert is the son of Elsie Ann (Ford), an actress, and director, writer, and actor Robert Downey, Sr. He spent his childhood mostly in Greenwich Village. He moved to Los Angeles, California, with his father after his parents’ divorce in 1978. His sister is actress Allyson Downey.

Robert’s father was of one half Lithuanian Jewish, one quarter Irish, and one quarter Hungarian Jewish, ancestry. Robert’s mother had Scottish, English, German, and Swiss-German ancestry. Robert’s father was born with the surname Elias, and later changed his surname to Downey, after his own stepfather. Robert is married to producer Susan Levin Downey; the two married in a Jewish ceremony (Susan is Jewish). Robert has a son with his former wife, singer and actress Deborah Falconer; and two children with Susan.

Robert’s paternal grandfather was Robert R. Elias (the son of Yosef/Joseph/Iosel W. Elias/Eliashovich and Golda/Gussie/Augusta Goldberg). Robert’s grandfather Robert Elias was born in New York. Yosef and Golda were Jewish emigrants, from Lithuania, Yosef from Jonava and Golda from Prienai/Pren. Yosef was the son of Meyer Eliasovitz/Elias/Eliashovich and Bealia/Beylia Cohen. Golda was the daughter of Moses Chies “Morris” Goldberg and Khala/Khaia/Chala Gitel “Ida” Algaze/Algazy.

Robert’s paternal grandmother was Elizabeth Jesse “Betty” McLoughlin/McLauchlen (the daughter of James Robert McLauchlen and Ellenore/Eleanor “Ella” Ormay). Elizabeth, who was a model, was born in New York. Robert’s great-grandfather James was born in Massachusetts, to parents from Canada, John Robert McLauchlen, from New Brunswick, and Jessie Murray, from Nova Scotia, and had Irish ancestry. Robert’s great-grandmother Ellenore was Jewish, and was born in Hungary, the daughter of Rudolph Ormay and Ilke/Ilka Helen Stern. Rudolph’s parents were Herman Ormay and Elizabeth Heiman. Ilke’s parents were Rudolf Stern and Ilke Rosisatier.

Robert’s maternal grandfather was named John Webster “Eddie” Ford (the son of John Ford and Mary). Robert’s grandfather John had Scottish and English ancestry.

Robert’s maternal grandmother was Fay/Faye Marguerite Schoch (the daughter of Cyrus A. Schoch and Elsie May Peightal). Faye was born in Pennsylvania. Cyrus was the son of Henry Lewis Schoch, who was from Bavaria, Germany, and of Catherine/Katherine Schucker, who was also of German origin. Elsie was the daughter of James Peightal and Sarah Ann, who were of German and Swiss-German descent.

Downey in 1990, photo credit: Alan Light

Sources: Genealogy of Robert Downey, Jr. – https://www.geni.com

Family history of Robert’s paternal grandfather, Robert R. Elias – http://www.248ancestors.com

Robert’s paternal grandfather, Robert R. Elias, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Robert’s paternal grandmother, Elizabeth Jesse “Betty” McLoughlin/McLauchlen, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Death record of Robert’s paternal great-great-grandfather, Rudolph Ormay – https://www.familysearch.org

Death record of Robert’s paternal great-great-grandmother, Ilke/Ilka Helen (Stern) Ormay – https://www.familysearch.org

Robert’s maternal grandmother, Fay/Faye Marguerite Schoch, on the 1910 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Interview with Robert, mentioning his background – http://www.nytimes.com

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Birth Name: Aaron Phillip Muderick

Place of Birth: Pennsylvania, U.S.

Date of Birth: February 1, 1973

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Aaron Muderick is an American entrepreneur and founder of “Crazy Aaron’s.”

Aaron’s paternal grandfather was Emanuel Muderick (the son of Hyman Muderick and Ada Yudelson). Emanuel was born in Pennsylvania. Hyman was the son of Morris Muderick and Rose Saltzman. Ada was the daughter of Mendel Emanuel Yudelson and Chaya Tova.

Aaron’s paternal grandmother was Sylvia Lerner (the daughter of Samuel Lerner and Rose Lerner). Sylvia was born in New York. Samuel was the son of Mordechai Lerner and Ita. Rose was the daughter of Samuel Lerner (not her own husband) and Chaya Liba Wolfensen.

Aaron’s maternal grandfather was named Leo Prager (the son of Abraham J. Prager and Claire). Leo was born in New York. Abraham was born in Warsaw, Poland.

Aaron’s maternal grandmother was Beatrice Aronson (the daughter of Joseph Aronson and Pearl Guttentag). Beatrice was born in New Jersey. Joseph was born in Kurland, Latvia, the son of Philip/Pilist Aronson and Sarah Mendelson. Pearl was the daughter of Kate, who was born in Germany.

Sources: Genealogy of Aaron Muderick – https://www.geni.com

Obituary of Aaron’s paternal grandfather, Emanuel Muderick – https://www.legacy.com

Obituary of Aaron’s paternal grandmother, Sylvia (Lerner) Muderick – https://www.legacy.com

Obituary of Aaron’s maternal grandmother, Beatrice (Aronson) Prager – https://www.legacy.com

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Friedkin in 2013, photo by s_bukley/www.bigstockphoto.com

Date of Birth: August 29, 1935

Place of Birth: Chicago, Cook, Illinois, United States

Date of Death: August 7, 2023

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

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

William Friedkin was an American film director, producer, and screenwriter. He won the Academy Award for Best Director for The French Connection (1971). He also directed the films Good Times (1967), The Birthday Party, The Night They Raided Minsky’s, The Boys in the Band (1970), The Exorcist, Sorcerer (1977), The Brink’s Job, Cruising, Deal of the Century, To Live and Die in L.A., Rampage (1987), The Guardian (1990), Blue Chips, Jade, Rules of Engagement (2000), The Hunted (2003), Bug (2006), Killer Joe, and The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial; the documentaries The People vs. Paul Crump, The Bold Men, Mayhem on a Sunday Afternoon, The Thin Blue Line, and The Devil and Father Amorth, and the made-for-tv movies C.A.T. Squad, C.A.T. Squad: Python Wolf, Jailbreakers, and 12 Angry Men (1997). He also wrote his Cruising and Rampage, and co-wrote To Live and Die in L.A., The Guardian, The Caine Mutiny, The Devil and Father Amorth, and the second C.A.T. Squad film.

William was the son of Raechael/Rachael “Rae” (Green), an operating room registered nurse, and Louis Friedkin, a merchant seaman, men’s clothing salesman, and semi-professional softball player. His father was born in Illinois, U.S., to Russian Jewish parents. His mother was a Jewish emigrant, who was born in Kiev, Russian Empire, now Ukraine.

William was married to actress and film studio executive Sherry Lansing, until his death. He has a son with his former partner, Australian dancer and choreographer Jennifer Nairn-Smith; and a son with his former wife, English actress, model, and singer Lesley-Anne Down.

William’s paternal grandfather was named David Friedkin (the son of Selig Friedkin). David was a merchant.

William’s paternal grandmother was named Lena Cohen.

William’s maternal grandfather was named Morris Green.

William’s maternal grandmother was named Eva Lovenberg.

Sources: Genealogy of William Friedkin – http://www.geni.com

Marriage record of William’s parents – http://www.familysearch.org

William’s mother on the 1910 U.S. Census – http://www.familysearch.org

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Birth Name: Ruth Marianna Mosko

Date of Birth: November 4, 1916

Place of Birth: Denver, Colorado, U.S.

Date of Death: April 27, 2002

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

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Ruth Handler was an American businessperson and inventor. She invented Barbie in 1959. She co-founded toy manufacturer Mattel with her husband, Elliot Handler, and she was then its first president, from 1945 to 1975. The two also came up with Chatty Cathy, Creepy Crawlers, and Hot Wheels, among other popular toys. Their two children were named Barbara and Kenneth, after whom were named Barbie and Ken.

Ruth was the daughter of Polish Jewish/Russian Jewish immigrants, Ida (Rubenstein/Rubinstein) and Jacob Moscowitz/Moskowicz/Mosko. She moved to Los Angeles, California, in 1938. Ruth was married to Elliot, until her death; he was also a businessperson and inventor, and was the son of Russian Jewish immigrants. Their son Kenneth Handler was a screenwriter, director, and film composer.

Sources: The Handler family, Elliot, Ruth, Barbara, and Kenneth, on the 1950 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Ruth Mosko/Handler on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

The post Ruth Handler appeared first on Ethnicity of Celebs | EthniCelebs.com.