Ep 8. Relatives We Never Knew We Had

In episode 8 of season 4 of Finding Your Roots, entitled "Relatives We Never Knew We Had," host Henry Louis Gates Jr. delves into the family histories of three famous guests: Tea Leoni, Gaby Hoffmann, and Jane Lynch. Each of these actresses uncovers surprising and fascinating stories about their ancestors, some of whom they never knew existed.

Tea Leoni, star of the TV show Madam Secretary, discovers that she has a distant cousin who was involved in a little-known but incredibly impactful historical event. Through careful research and genealogy, Gates helps her uncover the story of her ancestor's involvement in the creation of the U.S. Constitutional Convention. Leoni is shocked and moved to learn about this previously unknown relative's crucial role in shaping American democracy.

Gaby Hoffmann, known for her roles on Transparent and Girls, is the great-granddaughter of a woman who was an important figure in the feminist movement. With the help of Gates and his team, Hoffman learns about her ancestor's activism and the challenges she faced as a working mother and feminist icon in the early 20th century. Hoffman is also thrilled to discover a relative who fought in the Civil War and was awarded a Medal of Honor for his bravery.

Finally, Jane Lynch, best known for her role on the TV show Glee, learns about a relative who was a pivotal figure in the Irish nationalist movement. Through research in Ireland and the U.S., Lynch uncovers the stirring story of her ancestor's revolutionary activities, as well as the harsh punishments he faced for his beliefs.

Throughout the episode, Gates helps each guest piece together their family history, uncovering details and surprises that shed new light on their identities. With thoughtful commentary and insight, Finding Your Roots continues to be a compelling exploration of the complex tapestry of human history and genealogy.