A significant number of Americans trace their heritage to a diverse mix of European ethnic backgrounds, often referred to as "mutts," with roots spanning the entire continent. Actors Robert Downey, Jr. and Maggie Gyllenhaal exemplify this blend, showcasing the rich histories of European immigrants in their family trees. We explore their deep connections to early colonial communities and uncover their Eastern European Jewish ancestors, whose migration experiences closely mirror one another. Our journey spans from the Mayflower to Ellis Island, highlighting the centuries of immigration that have contributed to the formation of our melting pot nation.
Show
Finding Your Roots
Episode
S01E06
Air Date
Apr 28, 2012
Season 1 Episodes
S01E01
Branford Marsalis and Harry Connick, Jr.
S01E01
The Return
S01E02
Like Father, Like Son
S01E02
John Lewis and Cory Booker
S01E03
Fatal Flaw
S01E03
Barbara Walters and Geoffrey Canada
S01E04
Blue Lights
S01E04
Kyra Sedgwick and Kevin Bacon
S01E05
Rick Warren, Angela Buchdahl and Yasir Qadhi
S01E05
Best Buddies
S01E06
Robert Downey, Jr. and Maggie Gyllenhaal
S01E06
Secrets
S01E07
Samuel L. Jackson, Condoleezza Rice and Ruth Simmons
S01E07
One for the Road
S01E08
Martha Stewart, Margaret Cho and Sanjay Gupta
S01E08
Peregrine
S01E09
John Legend and Wanda Sykes
S01E09
Society's Pet
S01E10
Adrian Grenier, Michelle Rodriguez and Linda Chavez
S01E10
Fever
S01E11
The Gift
S01E12
The System
S01E13
Appearances
S01E14
The Probe
S01E15
Dusty
S01E16
Barriers
S01E17
Grifters
S01E18
The Wedding
S01E19
Fathers and Sons
S01E20
Starscape (1)
S01E21
Starscape (2)
S01E22
The Test