Ep 6. We Come From People

In the sixth episode of season 2 of Finding Your Roots, titled "We Come From People," host Henry Louis Gates Jr. delves deep into the ancestral histories of celebrities Jeffrey Tambor and Anna Deavere Smith.

Tambor, known for his roles in the television series Transparent and Arrested Development, discovers shocking truths about his grandfather's past, which ultimately leads him to confront and reconcile with his Jewish heritage. Meanwhile, Smith, a renowned actress and playwright, uncovers her family's roots in the Civil War and learns about her courageous great-great-grandmother who fought for her freedom.

Throughout the episode, Gates weaves together the intricate histories of Tambor and Smith using DNA analysis, historical documents, and interviews with living relatives. In doing so, he provides a nuanced and compelling portrait of the ways in which personal and national histories intersect and shape who we are today.

Ultimately, "We Come From People" is a touching and illuminating exploration of identity, ancestry, and the enduring power of family ties.