Famous Hollywood movie star Edward Norton grew up hearing that he was a direct descendant of Pocahontas, but the actor never really believed the family legend.
He does now.
Norton, 53-year-old, previously brushed off the story that he was related to one of the most well-known figures in American history, but then he appeared on PBS’ “Finding Your Roots,” and he was surprised.
Norton had the help of the show’s host, ancestry expert Henry Louis Gates Jr., in learning more about his family’s history. Norton said he has always been “fascinated” by ancestry and “the idea of roots.” He came to the show with a significant knowledge of his family heritage.
With the help of Gates and his team, Norton found out that his family legend was actually supported by historical records. It is true, Pocahontas is his 12th great-grandmother.
“Oh, my God,” the actor said, shaking his head in disbelief. “How could you possibly determine that?”
“Through the paper trail,” Gates explained.
“It would’ve been documented? They would’ve had a paper trail of their children?” Norton asked.
“Of course,” Gates said.
As it turns out, John Rolfe, the man who married Pocahontas in 1614, is Norton’s 12th great-grandfather. The couple, who died in 1622 and 1617, respectively, shared one child, Thomas Rolfe.
The news put the whole concept of ancestry into perspective for Norton. “It just makes you realize what a small piece of the whole human story you are,” he said.
It wasn’t all happy news for Norton, he also learned that one of his ancestors enslaved seven people.
“These things are uncomfortable and you should be uncomfortable with them, everybody should be uncomfortable with it. It’s not a judgment on you and your own life, but it’s a judgment on the history of this country. And it needs to be acknowledged first and foremost and then it needs to be contended with,” he said.
And Norton discovered that one of his ancestors served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution.
“You can’t not get a warm feeling at anybody, whether it’s your ancestor or not, displaying a certain kind of courage and conviction on behalf of someone else,” he said.
Watch:
Through a direct paper trail leading to Pocahontas and John Rolfes’ 1614 marriage certificate, @EdwardNorton learns that his family lore appears to be true. His 12th great-grandmother is Pocohantas!
Tune in TOMORROW night on @PBS at 8/7c for the Finding Your Roots premiere!! pic.twitter.com/54sTTt2YKY
— Henry Louis Gates Jr (@HenryLouisGates) January 2, 2023
