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Finding Your Roots
Rising From the Ashes
Season 9
Episode 5
Henry Louis Gates traces the roots of actors Brian Cox and Viola Davis—two people who overcame traumatic childhoods, revealing that they aren’t the first in their families to face enormous odds. From workhouses in Scotland to slave plantations in South Carolina, long-lost records reveal the stories of ancestors who laid the groundwork for Brian and Viola’s success by fighting so hard to survive.
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Henry Louis Gates, Jr. traces the ancestry of actor Sharon Stone & model Chrissy Teigen.
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Henry Louis Gates, Jr. reveals inspiring ancestors of novelist Amy Tan & poet Rita Dove.
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Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the Italian roots of Joy Behar & Michael Imperioli.
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Henry Louis Gates, Jr. connects Lea Salonga & Amanda Seyfried to their dramatic ancestors.
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Henry Louis Gates, Jr. solves mysteries for 3 everyday Americans chosen to be guests.
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52:09
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. uncovers the surprising roots of Michael Douglas & Lena Dunham.
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52:09
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. maps family trees of comedian Tracy Morgan & actor Anthony Ramos.
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52:09
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. shares ancestry with actor Danielle Brooks & singer Dionne Warwick.
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52:09
Sunny Hostin and Jesse Williams discover ancestors from very diverse places.
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52:09
Bob Odenkirk and Iliza Shlesinger—two very funny people whose family trees brim with drama
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52:09
Sammy Hagar and Ed O’Neill discover the dramatic stories hidden within their own roots.
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52:09
LeVar Burton & Wes Studi grew up fatherless, haunted by questions about their family trees