We’ve probably all seen a TV show where a celebrity uncovers their family history, and in some cases, finds that they are not the first famous name in their family. In fact, several A-listers have come to discover their roots in this way. But TV shows aren’t the only route for uncovering hidden connections.
Edward Norton, Kit Harington and Benedict Cumberbatch best know for their acting skills, all have something else in common; they are descendants of well-known figures in history.
Celebrities related to… celebrities!
Movie-star Edward Norton had long heard his family claim that they were descendants of Pocahontas. It wasn’t until he took part in the PBS show Finding your roots that he uncovered the undeniable fact that he was indeed a direct descendant, with Pocahontas being his 12th great grandmother.
Game of Thrones star, Kit Harington starred as Robert Catesby in the BBC 2017 historical dramatisation Gunpowder. Harington himself being a direct of Catesby through his mother’s side. Robert Catesby was the instigator of the 13 Catholic men, determined to blow up parliament along with King James 1st inside, in 1605.
British actor, Benedict Cumberbatch, who once played Richard the 3rd in the BBC’s The Hollow Crown has been identified as the second cousin, 16 times removed from the ill-fated king, according to a genealogist at the university of Leicester.
Ozzy Osbourne can claim various famous ancestors. DNA researchers in America have managed to link him directly to a Neanderthal man, who died out 30,000 years ago. Not only that but he is also related to the Russian Tsar Nicholas the 2nd, the outlaw Jesse James and King George the 1st. Royal blood runs in the King of Metal it seems.
The queen of pop, Taylor Swift has links to American poet Emily Dickinson. They are sixth cousins three times removed, sharing links to a 17th century English immigrant. Swift’s 11th studio album released in April 2024, is called “The Tortured Poets Department” aptly named, by all accounts.
It doesn’t just have to be famous people related to well-known names. In the history of our wider Family Wise team, we have discovered a link back on one of the member’s maternal side to Sir Isaac Newton, through his grandfather’s line.
Over to you
So how can you find out if there is are any famous names lurking in your ancestral past? One way to uncover the truth will be through a DNA test. Here at Family Wise, we can arrange the test, so you don’t have to. We can ascertain which DNA test is the most useful for your search and then help you interpret what the results are telling you.
Another way would be to conduct family history research. At Family Wise we can offer a comprehensive package where we trace back one or more of your family lines as far back as we can. You will then be provided with a family tree and report, with related documents. We are also able to provide more in-depth reports for specific queries.
Get in touch
As one of the leading probate research and genealogy firms in the UK we are well equipped to help you find out hidden truths or confirm family myths relating to your ancestors. Whether yourself, or buying the service for a loved one, contact us today for a no-obligation quote.