Ep 2. The Irish Factor

In Finding Your Roots season 3 episode 2 titled "The Irish Factor," viewers take a journey into the ancestry of three celebrity guests: Amy Schumer, Bill Hader, and Patricia Arquette. Host Henry Louis Gates Jr. assists these stars in discovering the unknown history of their family lineage, particularly regarding their Irish roots.

Henry Louis Gates Jr. begins by examining the immigration patterns of the Irish in America, as well as their origins in Ireland. He explains that the Irish people faced significant adversity and discrimination upon their arrival in America due to their Catholic faith and their poverty. However, despite this adversity, the Irish were able to maintain their identity over time and eventually became a prominent part of American society.

Amy Schumer is the first guest featured in this episode. She is a comedian and actress known for her bold perspectives on social issues. Henry Louis Gates Jr. digs into Schumer’s maternal lineage, discovering a story that connects Amy to her great-great-grandfather, who was an Irish immigrant and prominent figure in the New York City community. Through this discovery, Amy learns more about the role her family played in the early development of New York City and the struggles that her ancestors faced as immigrants in America.

Next up is Bill Hader, a comedian and actor known for his roles on Saturday Night Live and in movies like Trainwreck and It Chapter Two. As Henry Louis Gates Jr. examines Bill’s family history, he reveals that Bill’s great-grandfather was an Irish immigrant who settled in Oklahoma with his family. Bill learns about his great-grandfather’s struggles to provide for his family and the impact that his legacy had on Bill’s own life.

Finally, Patricia Arquette is the last guest featured in this episode. She is an award-winning actress known for her roles in movies like Boyhood and TV shows like Medium. Henry Louis Gates Jr. delves into Patricia’s family history, uncovering a story about her great-grandfather who immigrated to America from Ireland during a time of great strife in Ireland. Through this discovery, Patricia gains insight into her own family history as well as the broader history of Irish immigration in America.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to historical reenactments, old photographs, and other visuals that bring the history of these celebrities’ families to life. Additionally, Henry Louis Gates Jr. provides context to help viewers understand the broader social and historical context surrounding Irish immigration in America.

"The Irish Factor" is a compelling look into the ancestry of three talented celebrities and a glimpse into the broader history of Irish immigration in America. Through this episode, viewers gain a greater appreciation for the struggles that immigrants face as they make their way in a new land and the impact that their legacies have on future generations.