Official website: https://to.pbs.org/fyr10 | #FindingYourRoots

Jesse Williams learns that his Swedish ancestor was a classically trained singer; a very successful one, in a time where opportunities for female performers where limited. She blazed a trail as a singer; but later in life she had to give up the big stage.

Jesse Williams made his Broadway debut in “Take Me Out” written by award-winning playwright Richard Greenberg and directed by Scott Ellis. The Second Stage production debuted at the Helen Hayes theater in April 2022 to rave reviews. Williams was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Performance By An Actor In A Featured Role and the show won the Tony for Best Play Revival.

Most recently Jesse was seen in the Netflix romantic comedy, Your Place or Mine, alongside Reese Witherspoon, and he will next be seen in Season 3 of Only Murders in the Building, alongside Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez.

Williams spent 12 season playing ‘Dr. Jackson Avery’ on ABC’s hit series “Grey’s Anatomy” and has appeared in TV and films including The Cabin in the Woods, “Little Fires Everywhere,” “Lee Daniels’”, “The Butler”, “Band Aid”, “Selah and the Spades”.

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Finding Your Roots
Renowned scholar Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. guides influential guests into their roots, uncovering deep secrets, hidden identities and lost ancestors. Using genealogical detective work and cutting-edge DNA analysis, Gates guides influential guests deep into the branches of their family trees, revealing surprising stories of forgotten ancestors that transcend borders, illuminating an American root system fortified by its diversity.