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Finding Your Roots

The Hidden Truth in Viola Davis' Family Tree

Viola Davis and Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. dive into her family's past, and with the help of DNA and local records, discover a surprising secret her grandfather kept to himself. Viola Davis is a critically-revered, award-winning actress, producer, and New York Times Best-Selling Author. She is the first black actress to win two Tony Awards, an Oscar an Emmy and a Grammy.

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Country Roots
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52:11
Henry Louis Gates Jr. uncovers the diverse backgrounds of Clint Black and Rosanne Cash.
Write My Name in the Book of Life
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52:10
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. helps musician Pharrell Williams and filmmaker Kasi Lemmons.
The Shirts on Their Backs
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52:10
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. reveals the immigrant roots of actors Tony Shalhoub and Christopher
No Irish Need Apply
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52:10
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the roots of actor Jane Lynch and comedian Jim Gaffigan.
Against All Odds
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52:10
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. discovers the lineages that claim Andy Cohen and Nina Totenberg.
To the Manor Born
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52:11
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. discovers the lineages that claim Glenn Close and John Waters.
Coming to America
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52:10
Nancy Pelosi, Norah O’Donnell, and Zac Posen discover surprising roots.
Breaking Silences
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52:10
Gayle King, Jordan Peele, and Issa Rae discover surprising roots.
Flight
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52:40
Scarlett Johansson, Lupita Nyong’o, and Lidia Bastianich discover surprising roots.
War Stories
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52:40
Julianne Moore, Bill Hader, and Kehinde Wiley discover surprising rates.
DNA Mysteries
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52:45
Téa Leoni and Joe Madison discover surprising roots.
Fashion's Roots
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52:46
Diane Von Furstenberg, Narciso Rodriguez, and RuPaul Charles discover surprising roots.
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