Access to this video is a benefit for members through PBS Passport.
Up Next
Back to Show
Watch Preview
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.
Support Provided By
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:10
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. discovers the lineages of Gretchen Carlson and Don Lemon.
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:11
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. traces ancestors of John Lithgow and Maria Hinojosa.
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:11
Henry Louis Gates Jr. uncovers the diverse backgrounds of Clint Black and Rosanne Cash.
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:10
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. helps musician Pharrell Williams and filmmaker Kasi Lemmons.
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:10
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. reveals the immigrant roots of actors Tony Shalhoub and Christopher
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:10
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the roots of actor Jane Lynch and comedian Jim Gaffigan.
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:10
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. discovers the lineages that claim Andy Cohen and Nina Totenberg.
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:11
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. discovers the lineages that claim Glenn Close and John Waters.
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:10
Nancy Pelosi, Norah O’Donnell, and Zac Posen discover surprising roots.
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:10
Gayle King, Jordan Peele, and Issa Rae discover surprising roots.
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:40
Scarlett Johansson, Lupita Nyong’o, and Lidia Bastianich discover surprising roots.
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:40
Julianne Moore, Bill Hader, and Kehinde Wiley discover surprising rates.