Ep 6. War Stories

In Finding Your Roots season 3 episode 6, titled War Stories, host Henry Louis Gates Jr. explores the family histories of three celebrities who have connections to war and military service.

The first celebrity is Jessica Alba, an actress known for her roles in Sin City and Fantastic Four. Alba's father was in the Air Force and served in both the Vietnam War and the Gulf War. Through genealogical research, Gates discovers that Alba's Mexican-American ancestors were living in Texas during the Mexican-American War, and one of her ancestors fought on the side of Mexico. This leads to a discussion about the complex history and legacy of the war, as well as Alba's own family history as Mexican-Americans in Texas.

Next up is country music star Ty Burrell, best known for his role on the TV show Modern Family. Burrell's grandfather served in World War II and was a POW in Germany. Gates delves into the wartime experiences of Burrell's grandfather, as well as the impact it had on his family. Through tracing his family tree, Burrell also learns about his ancestors' involvement in the American Revolution and the struggles they faced in early America.

The final celebrity featured in this episode is Mandy Patinkin, an actor and singer best known for his roles in The Princess Bride and Homeland. Patinkin's family history is particularly complex, as he has ancestors who were both victims and perpetrators of war. Through research, Gates uncovers the story of Patinkin's great-grandfather, who was a Russian-Jewish soldier in World War I and eventually became a Polish nationalist. This leads to a discussion about the complicated and often fraught relationships between Jewish and Polish communities throughout history. Additionally, Gates discovers that Patinkin's great-grandmother was killed in the Holocaust, and he has an emotional reaction to learning more about her story.

Throughout the episode, Gates also discusses the different ways in which war can affect families, including the trauma of losing loved ones, the legacy of military service, and the ways in which conflicts can shape individual and national identities. War Stories is a poignant and thought-provoking episode that showcases the power of genealogy to connect us to our past and deepen our understanding of the present.