What celebrity is America Ferrera related to?

America Ferrera learns that director Ava DuVernay is her cousin.

How did Hasan Minhaj react to his ancestry findings?

Hasan Minhaj says the discoveries made him "think about a lot of the decisions that I've made in my life, and maybe that courage and conviction came from my ancestors."

What emotional reaction did Liza Colón-Zayas have when learning about her enslaved ancestor?

Colón-Zayas shed tears as she learned the identity of an enslaved ancestor, saying "It breaks my heart."

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Celebrities Shocked by Surprising Family Ties Uncovered on PBS Series

Celebrities Shocked by Surprising Family Ties Uncovered on PBS Series

8 Oct, 2025

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Summary

Celebrities including America Ferrera, Lizzo, and Spike Lee learn about their ancestry
Revelations include discovering unexpected celebrity relatives and learning about enslaved ancestors
Guests express deep emotions as they receive their family trees

Celebrities Shocked by Surprising Family Ties Uncovered on PBS Series

In the upcoming season of the PBS series Finding Your Roots, a new batch of celebrities will be delving into their family histories and uncovering some shocking revelations. According to the exclusive trailer, stars like America Ferrera, Kristin Chenoweth, Spike Lee, and Lizzo are left stunned by the discoveries host Henry Louis Gates Jr. presents to them.

One of the most surprising connections is that Ferrera learns director Ava DuVernay is her cousin. Other celebrities, such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers' Flea, discover the identity of long-lost ancestors. For Hasan Minhaj, the findings make him reflect on the "courage and conviction" he may have inherited from his forebears.