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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. investigates the family history of Roy Wood, Jr. and Lewis Black.
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Henry Louis Gates, Jr. examines the family histories of Audra McDonald and Mandy Patinkin.
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Henry Louis Gates, Jr. discovers the lineages of Gretchen Carlson and Don Lemon.
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Henry Louis Gates Jr. uncovers the diverse backgrounds of Clint Black and Rosanne Cash.
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Henry Louis Gates, Jr. helps musician Pharrell Williams and filmmaker Kasi Lemmons.
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Henry Louis Gates, Jr. reveals the immigrant roots of actors Tony Shalhoub and Christopher
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Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the roots of actor Jane Lynch and comedian Jim Gaffigan.
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Henry Louis Gates, Jr. discovers the lineages that claim Andy Cohen and Nina Totenberg.
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Henry Louis Gates, Jr. discovers the lineages that claim Glenn Close and John Waters.
