Gordon-Levitt in 2012, photo by Debby Wong/Bigstock.com

Birth Name: Joseph Leonard Gordon-Levitt

Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, United States

Date of Birth: February 17, 1981

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Joseph Gordon-Levitt is an American actor, filmmaker, singer, and entrepreneur. He is known for playing Tommy on the television series 3rd Rock from the Sun, as well as for his roles in the films 10 Things I Hate About You, (500) Days of Summer, 50/50, and The Dark Knight Rises.

Joseph is the son of Jane Gordon and Dennis Levitt. His brother was photographer and fire spinner Daniel Gordon-Levitt, and his maternal grandfather was director Michael Gordon. Joseph is married to businessperson Tasha McCauley, with whom he has two children.

Joseph’s parents are both Jewish. His father’s family were Russian Jews and Polish Jews, while his mother’s family were Lithuanian Jews, Romanian Jews, and Russian Jews.

Joseph’s paternal grandfather was Milton R. Levitt (born Milton Levitz, the son of Louis Levitz and Fraudel “Fannie” Isaacson). Milton was born in Ohio, to Russian Jewish parents. Louis’s parents were Meyer Levitz and Lena Friedsohn (the daughter of Nathan Friedsohn and Rachel). Joseph’s great-grandmother Fraudel was the daughter of Dave Isaacson and Irene/Lena Ida/Riva Feinstock. While census records list Fraudel as having been born in Russia, one source states that Fraudel was born in then-Ottoman Palestine, in 1894. At the time, known as the First Aliyah, many Ashkenazi Jews from Eastern Europe had moved to the area.

Joseph’s paternal grandmother was Celia Roth (the daughter of F. Charles Roth and Fanny/Fradel Mekel). Celia was born in Pennsylvania, to Polish Jewish parents. Fanny was the daughter of Boruch Mekel and Sarah.

Joseph’s maternal grandfather was film director Michael Gordon (born Irving Kunin Gordon, the son of Paul Gordon and Eva Kunen). Michael was born in Baltimore, Maryland. Paul and Eva were Jewish. They are listed as being born in Russia in some records, Lithuania in another record, and in yet another record, Paul is listed as having been born in Russia, while Eva is listed as having been born in Pennsylvania, to parents who were born in Russia. Paul’s parents were Leyb/Louis Gordon and Rachel Gviemer/Gviener/Greiner.

Joseph’s maternal grandmother was Elizabeth A. Cohn (the daughter of Isaac “Isak” Cohn/Cohen and Mollie Fineberg). Elizabeth was born in Ohio. Isaac was a Romanian Jewish immigrant, the son of Frank/Efraim Cohn and Hanna/Hena. Mollie was a Russian Jewish immigrant.

Gordon-Levitt in 2010, kathclick/bigstock.com

Sources: Genealogies of Joseph Gordon-Levitt – http://familypedia.wikia.com
https://www.geni.com

Marriage record of Joseph’s paternal grandparents, Milton Levitz (later Milton Levitt) and Celia Roth – https://familysearch.org

Joseph’s paternal grandfather, Milton Levitz, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Joseph’s paternal grandmother, Celia Roth, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Joseph’s maternal grandparents, Michael Gordon (“Mickeal Gordon”) and Elizabeth Gordon, on the 1940 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Joseph’s maternal grandfather, Irving Kunin Gordon (later Michael Gordon), on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org
Irving Kunin Gordon on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Obituaries of Joseph’s maternal grandfather, Michael Gordon – https://variety.com
https://www.nytimes.com

Joseph’s maternal grandmother, Elizabeth A. Cohn, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Joseph is able to speak French and is a self-confessed Francophile. The YouTube link below shows an interview with Joseph on a television show where he speaks French – http://www.youtube.com

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Brewster in 2011, photo by Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com

Place of Birth: Panama City, Panama

Date of Birth: April 26, 1980

Ethnicity:
*English, Scottish, Irish (father)
*Brazilian (mother)

Jordana Brewster is an American actress and model. She is known for starring as Mia, the sister of Vin Diesel’s character, in the The Fast and the Furious films.

Jordana was born in Panama City, Panama, grew up in London, England and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil until the age of ten, and then moved to New York City. Her father, Alden Brewster, is American-born, and has English, Scottish, and Irish ancestry. Her mother, Maria João (de Sousa), is Brazilian, and of at least part Portuguese ancestry. Jordana talked about her Brazilian heritage in an interview with Craig Ferguson. Jordana is married to producer Andrew Form, with whom she has two children. Her sister, Isabella, is married to basketball player Baron Davis.

Jordana’s patrilineal line traces to William Brewster (c. 1566-1644), a Mayflower passenger and noted Pilgrim. Among many of William’s other descendants are actors Paget Brewster, Chevy Chase, Taylor Lautner, Seth MacFarlane, and Brandon Routh, actor and model Noah Mills, soccer player Clint Dempsey, Massachusetts Governor Bill Weld, U.S. Vice Presidents Hannibal Hamlin and Nelson Rockefeller, and Governor of Arkansas Winthrop Rockefeller. Branches of Jordana’s family have been in the United States, and, specifically, in New England, since the 1600s.

Jordana’s paternal grandfather was Kingman Brewster, Jr. (the son of Kingman Brewster and Florence Foster Besse). Jordana’s grandfather Kingman was born in Massachusetts, U.S., and served as the 8th Provost of Yale University, from 1960 to 1963, President of Yale University, from 1963 to 1977, the 55th U.S. Ambassador to the U.K., from June 3, 1977 to February 23, 1981, and Master of University College, Oxford, from 1986 to 1988. Jordana’s great-grandfather Kingman was the son of Charles Kingman Brewster and Celina Sophia Baldwin. Florence was the daughter of Lyman Waterman Besse and Henrietta Louisa Segee/Jegee.

Jordana’s paternal grandmother was Mary Louise Phillips (the daughter of Eugene James Phillips and Mary Louise Griffin). Jordana’s grandmother Mary Louise was born in Rhode Island. Eugene was the son of Riley E. Phillips, who was born in Connecticut, and of Frances L., who was Scottish. Jordana’s great-grandmother Mary Louise was the daughter of John H. Griffin, who was of Irish descent, and of Kate.

Jordana’s maternal grandfather was named Fernando de Sousa. de Sousa is a Portuguese surname. Jordana’s mother also has the surname Leal in her family tree, which is often Portuguese. On rarer occasions, it is Spanish.

Sources: Genealogies of Jordana Brewster (focusing on her father’s side) – http://worldconnect.rootsweb.ancestry.com
https://www.geni.com
http://famouskin.com

Jordana’s paternal grandmother, Mary Louise Phillips, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

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Sossamon in 2010, marcello farina / Shutterstock.com

Birth Name: Shannon Marie Kahololani Sossamon

Place of Birth: Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.

Date of Birth: October 3, 1978

Ethnicity:
*father – French, Irish
*mother – Native Hawaiian, Filipino, English, German

Shannyn Sossamon is an American actress and musician. She has appeared in the films A Knight’s Tale, Sinister 2, and One Missed Call, among others.

She is usually described as being of French and Irish ancestry on her father’s side, and of Native Hawaiian, Filipino, English, and German ancestry on her mother’s.

Shannyn changed her name from Shannon to Shannyn in high school. Her surname is from her mother, Sherry Sossamon. Sherry had Shannyn when she was seventeen. The surname Sossamon is German. Her sister is musician Jenny Lee Lindberg. Shannyn has two children, including a son with her former partner, children’s book illustrator and author Dallas Clayton.

Shannyn’s maternal grandfather is the son of Edward Thornton “Eddie” Sossamon and Ola Pearl Smith. Edward was the son of Marion Harvey Sossamon and Mary Ellen Storie. Ola was the daughter of Tilman Washington Smith and Emma M. Stone.

Shannyn’s maternal grandmother is Ethel Mangalao (the daughter of Meliton/Meleton Mangalao and Helen Ahialani Uina). Meliton was born in the Philippines. Helen was born in Hawaii, of Hawaiian descent, and was the daughter of John Uina and Keala Mary Kaaimoku/Kaiamoku/Kauaohilo.

Sources: http://www.theage.com.au

Shannyn’s maternal great-grandparents, Edward Thornton “Eddie” Sossamon and Ola Pearl Smith, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Shannyn’s maternal great-grandparents, Meliton/Meleton Mangalao and Helen Ahialani Uina, on the 1940 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Obituary of Shannyn’s maternal great-grandmother, Helen Ahialani (Uina) Mangalao – https://library.byuh.edu

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Jonas in 2011, s_bukley / Shutterstock.com

Birth Name: Joseph Adam Jonas

Place of Birth: Casa Grande, Arizona, U.S.

Date of Birth: August 15, 1989

Ethnicity: Irish, German, English, Scottish, Italian/Sicilian, French-Canadian, possibly other

Joe Jonas is an American singer and actor. He is a member of the band The Jonas Brothers, with his siblings Kevin Jonas and Nick Jonas. He has also been the lead vocalist for the band DNCE, of which JinJoo Lee is also a member.

Joe is the son of Denise (Miller) and Paul Kevin Jonas. Also among his siblings is actor Frankie Jonas. Joe is married to English actress Sophie Turner.

Joe’s father, who is from a family from the American South, has German, English, and Scottish ancestry. Joe’s mother, who is from the New Jersey area, has Irish, as well as Italian/Sicilian and French-Canadian, ancestry.

The Jonas Brothers have also stated that they have Cherokee Native American ancestry. It is not clear if this ancestry has been verified/documented.

Joe is related to congressmen Charles A. Jonas (1876-1955), and Charles’s son, Charles R. Jonas (1904-1988), both of North Carolina. Joe descends from the same Jonas line.

It is not publicly known who Joe’s biological paternal grandfather is.

Joe’s paternal grandmother, now Cecilia Lucas, was born under the name Cecilla/Cecilia Paulette Jonas (the daughter of Paul Adam Jonas and Nellie May/Mae Fox). Cecilia was born in North Carolina. Paul was the son of Henry Walter Jonas and Nora Lee/Leigh Campbell. Nellie was the daughter of Nathan/Walter Henry Fox and Elizabeth/Lizzie Mae Hamilton. Through the Jonas line, Joe is descended from German immigrants to the United States in the 1700s.

Joe’s maternal grandfather was Gerald “Jerry” Miller (the son of Henry J. Miller and Agnes Marie Carroll). Gerald was born in The Bronx, New York. Henry was the son of Henry J. Miller and Anna Kelly, who was of Irish origin. Agnes was born in New York, to Irish parents, Michael Carroll and Bridget/Bridgette Lyons.

Joe’s maternal grandmother is Frances Madonia (the daughter of Fortunato Angelo “Frank” Madonia and Margaret Anna Berard). Fortunato was born in New York, the son of Angelo Madonia and Maria Chimero, who were of Italian descent, with Maria’s family being from Sicily. Margaret was born in Bennington, Vemont, the daughter of Milton Dewey Berard and Anna Mary/Rose Ducharme, who were of French-Canadian ancestry.

Sources: Genealogy of Joe Jonas – https://www.geni.com

Information on Joe’s paternal great-grandfather, Paul Adam Jonas – http://www.findagrave.com

Genealogy of Joe’s paternal great-great-great-great-grandfather, Daniel Jonas (focusing on his own father’s side) – http://worldconnect.rootsweb.ancestry.com

Obituary of Joe’s paternal great-grandmother, Nellie May/Mae (Fox) Jonas – http://www.legacy.com

Death record of Joe’s maternal great-grandfather, Henry J. Miller – https://www.familysearch.org

Obituary of Joe’s maternal great-grandmother, Agnes Marie (Carroll) Lee – https://www.newspapers.com

Family history of Joe’s maternal grandmother, Frances Madonia – http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com

The post Joe Jonas appeared first on Ethnicity of Celebs | What Nationality Ancestry Race.

Posey in 2011, image via Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com

Birth Name: Tyler Garcia Posey

Place of Birth: Santa Monica, Los Angeles, California, United States

Date of Birth: October 18, 1991

Ethnicity:
*father – English, Scottish, Irish, German, distant French
*mother – Mexican

Tyler Posey is an American actor, musician, model, director, and producer. He is known for his roles on the television series Teen Wolf (in the lead), Smallville, Lincoln Heights, and Brothers & Sisters.

Tyler is the son of Cyndi (Garcia) and actor John Posey (John Sanford Posey). Tyler’s father has English, smaller amounts of Scottish, Irish, and German, and distant French, ancestry. Tyler’s mother was of Mexican descent. Tyler has played a Hispanic character several times.

Tyler’s paternal grandfather was William McCutcheon “Bill” Posey, Jr. (the son of William Posey and Lucy B. McCutchen). Tyler’s grandfather William was born in New York. Tyler’s great-grandfather William was the son of Alfred Posey and Christine Eliza Cook, who was Scottish. Lucy was the daughter of Charles Wesley McCutchen and Mary Josephine Kennard.

Tyler’s paternal grandmother is Joan Armstrong (the daughter of Ellsworth Armstrong and Margaret Illingsworth Wheatley). Joan was born in Connecticut. Ellsworth was the son of Ralph Morehouse Armstrong, whose father was Canadian, and of Hazel Anne Sanford. Margaret was the daughter of Louis Frederick Wheatley and Leila Madeline Illingworth. Leila’s father was English.

Tyler’s maternal grandmother was named Esther Moya.

Sources: Biography of Tyler Posey (which mentions his background) – http://www.tylergposey.com

Obituary of Tyler’s paternal grandfather, William McCutcheon “Bill” Posey, Jr. – http://www.legacy.com

Tyler’s paternal great-grandparents, William Posey and Lucy B. McCutchen, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Tyler’s paternal great-grandfather, Ellsworth Armstrong, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Tyler’s paternal great-grandmother, Margaret Illingsworth Wheatley, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

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Beyoncé in 2010, photo by kathclick/bigstock.com

Birth Name: Beyoncé Giselle Knowles

Place of Birth: Houston, Harris, Texas, U.S.

Date of Birth: September 4, 1981

Ethnicity:
*father – African-American
*mother – Louisiana Creole, including African, French, Acadian/French-Canadian, as well as distant Irish, Spanish, and Breton

Beyoncé, also known as Beyoncé Knowles, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, B, Third Ward Trill, and Sasha Fierce, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She was a member of the top-selling American R&B girl group Destiny’s Child, along with Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, and also originally LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson.

Beyoncé is the daughter of Tina Knowles (born Célestine Ann Beyincé), a fashion designer, and Mathew C. Knowles, a businessperson and talent manager. Her sister is singer and actress Solange Knowles. They are the first sisters to have each had No. 1 albums. She is married to rapper and music producer Jay-Z, with whom she has three children. The two are in a band together, The Carters. Beyoncé is a step-sister of actress Bianca Lawson. Her mother is married to Bianca’s father, actor Richard Lawson.

Beyoncé’s father is African-American. Beyoncé’s maternal grandparents were French-speaking Louisiana Creoles, with roots in New Iberia; their ancestry included African and French (including French ancestors who lived in Canada). Through her mother’s line, Beyoncé is a great-great-great-great-great-great-granddaughter of Acadian leader Joseph Broussard. Beyoncé is also of approximately 1/32 Irish ancestry, and has distant Spanish and Breton roots on her mother’s side, as well (at least one of her great-great-great-great-great-grandfathers, Juan Tomas Francisco Garrido, was Spanish). Her name, Beyoncé, is a tribute to her mother’s maiden name, Beyincé.

Beyoncé has said that she has Nigerian ancestry.

LOS ANGELES – FEB 10: Beyoncé arrives to the Grammy Awards on February 10, 2013 in Hollywood, CA photo by DFree/Bigstock.com

Beyoncé’s mother has also been described as having Cherokee and/or Choctaw Native American ancestry. It is not clear if this ancestry has been verified/documented. No Cherokee Native American ancestors appear on publicly available family trees of Beyoncé’s mother. One book biography, Crazy in Love: The Beyoncé Knowles Biography, from 2000, also refers to Beyoncé’s mother having Jewish, Chinese, and Indonesian ancestry. It is also not clear if this is accurate.

Beyoncé does not speak French or Spanish, but she has sung in Spanish before.

A picture of Beyoncé’s maternal grandparents can be seen here.

Beyoncé’s paternal grandfather was Matthew/Mathew Knowles (the son of Taylor Knowles and Girlie/Gurlie/Gerlie Mae Inez Miller). Matthew was born in Alabama. Taylor was the son of James Isaac Knowles and Sarah Elizabeth Dixon. Girlie was the daughter of Prophet Miller and Jane Hall.

Beyoncé’s paternal grandmother is Lou Helen Hogue (the daughter of Davis/Dave Hogue and Hester Moore). Lou was born in Alabama. Davis was the son of Jim Hogue and Rosetta Moore. Hester was the daughter of Pinkney Madison Moore and Arenia Goree.

Beyoncé’s maternal grandfather was Lumis Albert Beyincé/Buyincé (the son of Alexandre/Alexon Beyincé/Buyincé and Marie/Mary Amelie Oliver/Olevia Broussard). Lumis was born in Abbeville, Louisiana. Alexandre was the son of Jean Boyancé/Beyincé, who was born in France, and of Angéline Élizabeth Green. Marie Amelie was the daughter of Olivier Despanet Broussard and Alphonsine Boutte.

Beyoncé’s maternal grandmother was Agnès/Agnèz DeRouen/Deréon (the daughter of Eugène-Gustave DeRouen/Deréon/Derezen and Odelia Broussard). Agnès was born in Decambre, Louisiana. Eugène-Gustave was the son of Gustave DeRouen and Marie-Estelle Gary, who was of part Spanish descent. Odelia was the daughter of Éloi/Éloy-René Rosemond Broussard, who appears to have been white, and of Célestine Joséphine Lessee/Lesse/Lesser/Lacy, who was black. A picture of Beyoncé’s great-grandfather Eugène-Gustave can be seen here.

Beyoncé’s parents Mathew and Tina, 2007, photo by bigstock.com

Sources: Genealogies of Beyoncé – http://worldconnect.rootsweb.ancestry.com
http://www.geni.com
http://www.wikitree.com
https://famouskin.com

Family history of Beyoncé – https://www.hollywoodancestry.com

Family history of Beyoncé, by Megan Smolenyak Smolenyak – http://www.huffingtonpost.com

Beyoncé’s paternal grandfather, Matthew/Mathew Knowles, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Beyoncé’s paternal grandmother, Lou Helen Hogue, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Beyoncé’s maternal grandmother, Agnès/Agnèz DeRouen/Deréon, on 1910 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Article about Beyoncé’s maternal great-great-great-great-great-great-grandfather, Joseph Broussard – http://www.biographi.ca

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Liu in 2011, DFree / Shutterstock.com

Birth Name: Lucy Liu

Place of Birth: Queens, New York City, New York, U.S.

Date of Birth: December 2, 1968

Ethnicity: Han Chinese

Lucy Liu is an American actress, director, producer, singer, and artist. She is known for her roles in the Charlie’s Angels and Kill Bill films, and the television series Ally McBeal.

Her parents, Cecilia and Tom Liu, are Chinese, from Beijing and Shanghai. They lived in Taiwan, and met in New York. She has stated:

I speak Chinese, I speak a little bit of Spanish, a tiny bit of Italian, a little bit of Japanese. I learned Japanese for Kill Bill, and I started taking Italian on my own. I took Spanish for 6 years in school, and I grew up speaking to Chinese.

Lucy speaks Mandarin. She was born under the name Lucy Liu, and added the middle name Alexis later in life.

She has a son.

The post Lucy Liu appeared first on Ethnicity of Celebs | What Nationality Ancestry Race.

Travolta in 2011, s_bukley / Shutterstock.com

Birth Name: John Joseph Travolta

Place of Birth: Englewood, New Jersey, U.S.

Date of Birth: February 18, 1954

Ethnicity:
*50% Italian/Sicilian
*50% Irish

John Travolta is an American actor, producer, dancer, and singer.

John is the son of Helen Travolta (born Helen Cecilia Burke) and Salvatore/Samuel J. Travolta. His parents were both born in New Jersey. His father was of Italian/Sicilian descent. His mother, an actress and singer, was of Irish ancestry. He grew up in an Irish-American neighborhood and once stated that his upbringing was predominantly Irish in culture. A picture of John’s father can be seen here. A picture of both of John’s parents can be seen here.

John was married to actress and model Kelly Preston, until her death. The couple has had three children, including actress Ella Bleu Travolta.

His siblings, Joey, Ellen, Ann, Margaret, and Sam, are also actors. His sister Ellen Travolta was married to actor Jack Bannon, until his death. His nephew, Ellen’s son, is actor Tom Fridley.

John has sometimes played an Italian-American character, especially earlier in his career, for example, Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever and James Ubriacco in Look Who’s Talking.

John’s paternal grandfather was Salvatore/Samuel Travolta (the son of Francisco Travolta and Rosa Marsala). Salvatore was from Palermo, Sicily, Italy.

John’s paternal grandmother was Giuseppina/Josephine Marsala (the daughter of Giovanni Marsala and Vincenza Cerniglia). Giuseppina was from Palermo. Giovanni was the son of Giovanni Marsala.

John’s maternal grandfather was Charles Frederick Burke (the son of James A. Burke and Cecilia/Celia Hines/Hynes). Charles was born in Massachusetts. James was born in Massachusetts, the son of Richard A. Burke, from Limerick, Ireland, and of Mary Clancy, from Cork, Ireland. Cecilia was born in Cheshire, Lancashire, England, to Irish parents, Michael Hines and Ann Kelley, who was from County Mayo.

John’s maternal grandmother was Mary Ellen Murphy (the daughter of James J. Murphy and Ellen S. Sheehan). John’s grandmother Mary Ellen was born in Massachusetts. John’s great-grandfather James was born in England, the son of Irish parents, Thomas Murphy and Margaret Dillon. John’s great-grandmother Ellen was born in Wales, the daughter of Irish parents, Patrick Sheehan and Ellen Sullivan.

Sources: Genealogy of John Travolta – http://www.geni.com

Genealogy of John’s father – http://worldconnect.rootsweb.ancestry.com

John’s father on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Genealogy of John’s mother – http://worldconnect.rootsweb.ancestry.com

John’s mother on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Marriage records of John’s maternal grandparents, James A. Burke and Cecilia/Celia Hines/Hynes – https://www.familysearch.org
https://www.familysearch.org

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Salling in 2011, Helga Esteb/ Shutterstock.com

Birth Name: Mark Wayne Salling

Date of Birth: August 17, 1982

Place of Birth: Dallas, Texas, U.S.

Date of Death: January 30, 2018

Place of Death: Sunland, Los Angeles, California, U.S.

Ethnicity: English, German, with more distant Welsh, Scottish, Irish, and Dutch

Mark Salling was an American actor, singer, songwriter, composer, and musician. He was known for his role on the television series Glee.

Mark had deep roots in the American South, going back to the 1600s on many lines. His ancestry included English and German, along with smaller amounts (to varying degrees) of Welsh, Scottish, Dutch, and Irish. In responding to a question about his ancestry on The Wendy Williams Show (2009), Mark stated “I’m whatever you want me to be.”

Mark’s patrilineal line can be traced back to Johan Pierre Salin, who was born, c. 1670, in Furth, Germany.

Mark’s paternal grandfather was John Robert Salling (the son of Minnis Theodore Salling and Harriet Alma Tucker). John was born in Ohio. Minnis was the son of John Henry Salling and Amanda Palestine White. Harriet was the daughter of Robert Bell Tucker and Elizabeth Francis Scott.

Mark’s paternal grandmother was Mildred Aline Archer (the daughter of Claude Falkner Archer and Nancy Aline McIntyre). Mildred was born in Texas. Claude was the son of James Jefferson Archer and Samantha Cooper. Nancy was the daughter of John Thomas McIntyre and Alabama Lamberth.

Mark’s maternal grandfather was Wayne Stanton Wherry (the son of Eli Herbert Wherry and Lois Estella Phare). Wayne was born in Missouri. Eli was the son of William Wherry and Isadora Telitha Matthews. Lois was the daughter of John Jay Phare and Cornelia/Kerna Lourrinda/Laurenda Shaffer.

Mark’s maternal grandmother was Cleo Bess Donelson (the daughter of Burgess Alexander/E. Donelson and Ida Dorn). Cleo was born in Texas. Burgess was the son of Aaron Taylor Donelson and Martha Leona Copeland. Ida was the daughter of John Melvin Dorn and Talva/Talvy Ann McCreless.

Sources: Genealogy of Mark Salling (focusing on his father’s side) – https://www.geni.com

Genealogy of Mark’s paternal great-grandfather, Minnis Theodore Salling – http://www.findagrave.com

Genealogy of Mark’s paternal great-grandmother, Harriet Alma (Tucker) Salling – http://www.findagrave.com

Genealogies of Mark’s paternal great-grandfather, Claude Falkner Archer and Nancy Aline McIntyre – http://www.findagrave.com

Genealogy of Mark’s maternal grandfather, Wayne Stanton Wherry (focusing on his own mother’s side) – http://worldconnect.rootsweb.ancestry.com

Genealogy of Mark’s maternal grandmother, Cleo Bess Donelson – http://worldconnect.rootsweb.ancestry.com

The post Mark Salling appeared first on Ethnicity of Celebs | What Nationality Ancestry Race.

Monteith in 2012, photo by Prphotos

Birth Name: Cory Allan Michael Monteith

Date of Birth: May 11, 1982

Place of Birth: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Date of Death: July 13, 2013

Place of Death: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Ethnicity: Dutch/Frisian, Scottish, Irish, English

Cory Monteith was a Canadian actor and musician. He is known for his role on the television series Glee. Cory was the son of Ann McGregor, an interior decorator, and Joe Monteith, who served in Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. His surname is Scottish.

Cory’s paternal grandfather was Phillip Murray Monteith (the son of Joseph Monteith and Bessie Lucinda Jackson). Phillip was born in Saint John, New Brunswick. Joseph was Scottish, born in Glasgow, the son of John Monteith and Sarah. Bessie was the daughter of Samuel Jackson and Mary Louise/Louisa Flewelling.

Cory’s paternal grandmother was Phyllis Lorraine Sweeney (the daughter of Maynard Brown Sweeney and Margaret Pearl Parks). Maynard was the son of James Oscar Sweeney and Mable Blackadar/Blackador. Margaret was the daughter of William Marshall Parks and Helen Elizabeth Estey.

Cory’s maternal grandfather was William Welland McGregor (the son of Patrick McGregor and Margaret “Maggie” McCool). William was born in Pembroke, Renfrew, Ontario, Canada. Patrick was the son of James McGregor, who was Scottish, and of Ellen O’Brien, who was Irish. Margaret was the daughter of Irish parents, Francis William McCool, from County Donegal, and Mary Stackpool.

Cory’s maternal grandmother was Sjoukje “Jacky” DeBoer/de Boer (the daughter of Piet de Boer and Anske van de Glas). Sjoukje was born in Hengelo, Gelderland, Netherlands. She married Cory’s grandfather in the Netherlands after World War II.

Sources: Marriage record of Cory’s paternal grandparents, Phillip Murray Monteith and Phyllis Lorraine Sweeney – https://familysearch.org

Obituary of Cory’s paternal grandfather, Phillip Murray Monteith – http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com

Marriage record of Cory’s paternal great-grandparents, Joseph Monteith and Bessie Lucinda Jackson – https://familysearch.org

Genealogy of Cory’s paternal great-great-grandmother, Mary Louise/Louisa Flewelling (focusing on her father’s side) – http://worldconnect.rootsweb.ancestry.com

Marriage record of Cory’s paternal great-grandparents, Maynard Brown Sweeney and Margaret Pearl Parks – https://familysearch.org

Birth record of Cory’s maternal grandfather, William Welland McGregor – https://www.familysearch.org

Obituary of Cory’s maternal grandfather, William Welland McGregor – https://lists.rootsweb.com

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Rivera in 2010, Helga Esteb/ Shutterstock.com

Birth Name: Naya Marie Rivera

Date of Birth: January 12, 1987

Place of Birth: Santa Clarita, Valencia, Los Angeles, California, United States

Date of Death: July 8, 2020

Place of Death: Lake Piru, Ventura County, California, U.S.

Ethnicity:
*50% Puerto Rican
*25% African-American
*25% German

Naya Rivera was an American actress, model, and singer. She played Santana Lopez on the television show Glee.

Naya was the daughter of Yolanda (White), a model, and George Rivera. Her father is of Puerto Rican and German descent. Her mother is of half black and half Puerto Rican ancestry. Naya had stated this on the talk show The View. She described herself as “half Puerto Rican, a quarter German, and a quarter African American.”

She was the sister of professional football player Mychal Rivera and runway model Nickayla Rivera.

Naya had a son with her former husband, actor Ryan Dorsey. She was also credited as Naya Rivera Dorsey.

The post Naya Rivera RIP appeared first on Ethnicity of Celebs | What Nationality Ancestry Race.

Leray in 2019, photo by kathclick/Bigstock.com

Place of Birth: New Jersey, U.S.

Date of Birth: May 11, 1997

Ethnicity:
*father – Puerto Rican, Cape Verdean, German, African-American
*mother – publicly unknown

Coi Leray is an American rapper. She is the daughter of rapper Benzino (born Raymond Scott), who is of mixed heritage. The background of her mother is publicly unknown.

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J. Cole in 2011, kathclick/bigstock.com

Birth Name: Jermaine Lamarr Cole

Place of Birth: Frankfurt, Hesse, West Germany (now Germany)

Date of Birth: January 28, 1985

Ethnicity:
*father – African-American
*mother – Irish, German, English, Scottish

J. Cole is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and record executive. He is also known as Therapist and Kill Edward.

J. Cole was born in born in the 97th General Hospital, on a United States Army base, in Frankfurt, West Germany (now Germany), to American parents.

His father is African-American. His mother, Kay, an actress originally from Michigan, is white, and has Irish, German, English, and Scottish ancestry. He grew up in Fayettville, North Carolina. He started rapping at age twelve, and making beats at fifteen. He graduated from St Johns University in New York Magna Cum Laude with a 3.82 GPA. His musical influences are Nas, Outkast, and Canibus.

J. Cole is married to Melissa Heholt, with whom he has a son.

J. Cole has said:

That brainwashing that tells us that light skin is better, it’s subconsciously in us, whether we know it or not… I can identify with White people, because I know my mother, her side of the family, who I love. I’ve had White friends… But at the end of the day, I never felt White. I don’t know what that feels like. I can identify. But never have I felt like I’m one of them… I identify more with what I look like, because that’s how I got treated. Not necessarily in a negative way. But when you get pulled over by the police, I can’t pull out my half-White card. Or if I just meet you on the street, you’re not gonna be like, This guy seems half-White.

J. Cole’s maternal grandfather was William Thomas Parkinson (the son of Floyd A. Parkinson and Anna A. Loftus). William was born in Michigan, to a father from Arkansas and a mother from Northern Ireland. Floyd was the son of Thomas J. Parkinson and Nora Howell. Anna was the daughter of Patrick Loftus and Mary Kenny.

J. Cole’s maternal grandmother is Helen Joanne Hester (the daughter of Edwin M. Hester and Myrtle/Marie M. Wood). Helen was born in Michigan. Edwin was the son of Edwin Miller Hester and Cora May/Mae Myers. J. Cole’s great-grandmother Myrtle/Marie M. was the daughter of Harry Wood and Nellie Martin.

Sources: J. Cole’s maternal grandfather, William Thomas Parkinson, on the 1940 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Obituary of J. Cole’s maternal grandfather, William Thomas Parkinson – http://www.prayfuneral.com

Marriage record of J. Cole’s maternal great-grandparents, Edwin M. Hester and Myrtle/Marie M. Wood – https://www.familysearch.org

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Fernandez in 2011, image via DFree/bigstock.com

Birth Name: Shiloh Thomas Fernandez

Place of Birth: Mendocino, California, United States

Date of Birth: February 26, 1985

Ethnicity:
*25% Portuguese Azorean
*25% Ashkenazi Jewish
*50% mix of English, Irish, other

Shiloh Fernandez is an American actor and model. His father is of half Portuguese and half Russian Jewish descent. His mother has English, Irish, and possibly other, ancestry.

Shiloh’s paternal grandfather was George Fernandez (the son of Tony Louis Fernandez and Minnie C. Hendrick/Hendricks). George was born in California. Tony was born in the Hawaiian Islands, to a Portuguese-born father, Antone Louis Fernandez, and to a Hawaiian-born mother, Mary Furtado Mendonca, who was of Portuguese descent, from the Azores. Minnie was born in California, to Portuguese parents.

Shiloh’s paternal grandmother was Malkah Wolper (the daughter of Mordecai/Manny Wolper and Mariam/Mara Onitskanskaia). Malkah was born in California, to Russian Jewish parents. Mordecai was from Kishinev, Bessarabia (now in Moldova), and his own mother’s maiden name was Vitashki.

Shiloh’s maternal grandfather has the surname Hallihan.

Shiloh’s maternal grandmother is named Mary Jane Lay (the daughter of Margarett Edwards).

Sources: Marriage record of Shiloh’s paternal grandparents, George A. Fernadez and Malkah Wolper – https://familysearch.org

Shiloh’s paternal grandfather, George A. Fernadez, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Birth record of Shiloh’s paternal great-grandfather, Tony Louis Fernandez – https://familysearch.org

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Tyga in 2012, photo by Prphotos

Birth Name: Micheal Ray Stevenson

Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, United States

Date of Birth: November 19, 1989

Ethnicity: African-Jamaican, African-American, Vietnamese

Tyga is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, and television personality.

His father is of African-Jamaican descent. His mother is usually described as either of Vietnamese, or a mix of African-American and Vietnamese, ancestry. Tyga mentioned his ethnic background in this video.

It is said that he received his stage name from his mother, who used to call him Tiger Woods, perhaps due to the black-Asian mix he shares with Tiger. Tyga is also said to stand for “Thank you God always.”

Tyga has a son with his former partner, model and entrepreneur Blac Chyna.

Tyga is said to be a cousin of rapper, singer, and songwriter Travie McCoy.

Tyga’s maternal grandmother is named Kim/Kimberly Nguyen. Kim is Vietnamese.

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DaCosta in 2011, Featureflash / Shutterstock.com

Birth Name: Camara DaCosta Johnson

Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.

Date of Birth: November 15, 1982

Ethnicity: African-Brazilian, African-American, Cherokee Native American, Irish

Yaya DaCosta is an American actress and model. She was the runner-up in Cycle 3 of America’s Next Top Model.

Yaya is the daughter of Orundun (DaCosta) and Carl Awolowo Johnson. She has a sister, Djassi, and two brothers, Mamadou and Djani. Yaya’s family is pictured here. YaYa has a son with her former partner, independent film producer and director Joshua Bee Alafia.

She has stated:

My mom’s dad is Brazilian, and that’s the aspect of my heritage I identify with most because I grew up around my Brazilian cousins, speaking Portuguese and going to capoeira rodas.

She has also said:

Ghanaian, Nigerian, Ethiopian… etc. Being claimed by so many makes me feel wonderfully human! DNA test pending.

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Sossamon in 2010, marcello farina / Shutterstock.com

Birth Name: Shannon Marie Kahololani Sossamon

Place of Birth: Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.

Date of Birth: October 3, 1978

Ethnicity:
*father – French, Irish
*mother – Native Hawaiian, Filipino, English, German

Shannyn Sossamon is an American actress and musician. She has appeared in the films A Knight’s Tale, Sinister 2, and One Missed Call, among others.

She is usually described as being of French and Irish ancestry on her father’s side, and of Native Hawaiian, Filipino, English, and German ancestry on her mother’s.

Shannyn changed her name from Shannon to Shannyn in high school. Her surname is from her mother, Sherry Sossamon. Sherry had Shannyn when she was seventeen. The surname Sossamon is German. Her sister is musician Jenny Lee Lindberg. Shannyn has two children, including a son with her former partner, children’s book illustrator and author Dallas Clayton.

Shannyn’s maternal grandfather is the son of Edward Thornton “Eddie” Sossamon and Ola Pearl Smith. Edward was the son of Marion Harvey Sossamon and Mary Ellen Storie. Ola was the daughter of Tilman Washington Smith and Emma M. Stone.

Shannyn’s maternal grandmother is Ethel Mangalao (the daughter of Meliton/Meleton Mangalao and Helen Ahialani Uina). Meliton was born in the Philippines. Helen was born in Hawaii, of Hawaiian descent, and was the daughter of John Uina and Keala Mary Kaaimoku/Kaiamoku/Kauaohilo.

Sources: http://www.theage.com.au

Shannyn’s maternal great-grandparents, Edward Thornton “Eddie” Sossamon and Ola Pearl Smith, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Shannyn’s maternal great-grandparents, Meliton/Meleton Mangalao and Helen Ahialani Uina, on the 1940 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Obituary of Shannyn’s maternal great-grandmother, Helen Ahialani (Uina) Mangalao – https://library.byuh.edu

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Rai in 2006, photo by cinemafestival / Shutterstock.com

Place of Birth: Mangalore, Karnataka, India

Date of Birth: 1 November, 1973

Ethnicity: Tuluva Indian

Aishwarya Rai, also known as Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, is an Indian actress and model. She has also starred in international films, including Bride and Predjudice and The Pink Panther 2. She also won the Miss World title in 1994. Aishwarya is able to speak several languages, including Tulu, Hindi, English, Tamil and Marathi.

Aishwarya is the daughter of Brinda and Krishnaraj Rai. She was raised in a Tulu-speaking Tuluva Bunt household. Aishwarya is married to actor Abhishek Bachchan, with whom she has a daughter. Abhishek is the son of actors Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan.

Aishwarya’s paternal grandparents are Ramanna Rai and Saraswathi Shetty (the daughter of Subbayya Shetty and Dugamma). Subbayya was the son of a man surnamed Punja, and of Marakada Parameshwari Bhandari.

Source: Genealogy of Aishwarya Rai (focusing on his mother’s side) – https://www.geni.com

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DJ Khaled in 2010, Marquis / Shutterstock.com

Birth Name: Khaled Mohamed Khaled

Place of Birth: New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.

Date of Birth: November 26, 1975

Ethnicity: Palestinian Arab

DJ Khaled is an American DJ, record executive, songwriter, record producer, and media personality. A resident of Miami, Florida, he was a host for the Miami-based urban music radio station WEDR and the DJ for the hip hop group Terror Squad. He is also known as Beat Novacane and Arab Attack.

DJ Khaled was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Palestinian parents. His parents were musicians who played Arabic music. He is a Muslim. His brother, Alec Ledd (Alla Khaled), is an actor. He is married to Nicole Tuck, with whom he has two children.

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Ealy in 2012, photo by Prphotos.com

Birth Name: Michael D. Brown

Place of Birth: Washington, D.C. or Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S.

Date of Birth: August 3, 1973

Ethnicity: African-American

Michael Ealy is an American actor. He is known for starring in the films Barbershop, Think Like a Man, and About Last Night (2014), among many others, and the series Almost Human.

He is known for his distinctive blue eyes.

His parents are/were both black. Ealy is his mother’s surname. A picture of Michael’s father can be seen here. A picture of Michael with his mother can be seen here.

Michael is married to Khatira Rafiqzada, with whom he has two children.

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