More suspenseful for me than any cop show or murder mystery, NBC's Who Do You Think You Are?, is my idea of brilliant reality TV. My favorite program is returning tonight at 8 pm, and I am excited. My recorder is set, because it starts right at my kiddos' bedtime, and I don't want to miss a minute.
Genealogy Stories
The premiere follows Martin Sheen as he discovers his maternal roots in Ireland, and his paternal roots in Spain. He is descended from a long line of family rebels on all branches of his family tree.
In the trailer for the upcoming series Sheen explains:
"If you had written a novel with all these truths in it, it would be a bitover the top, but it actually happened."
He admits:
"I had no idea from whence I came. My father did not know."
Everyone needs to know where their story began. With loving assistance from family members, and the expertise of genealogists and historians, celebrities discover crucial details of history that have shaped not only their families, but nations, and even the world.
Twelve celebrities participate in personal journeys of discovery to help create season three. I look forward to sharing their emotional revelations, and their intensely dramatic stories of personal connection
This season's celebrities include:
Martin Sheen
Blair Underwood
Rita Wilson
Marisa Tomei
Reba McEntire
Rob Lowe
Edie Falco
Rashida Jones
Jerome Bettis
Jason Sudeikis
Paual Deen
Who knows what thrilling adventures await! Previous seasons have not disappointed.
Celebrity Genealogy
Sarah Jessica Parker discovered her 10th great grandmother, Esther Elwell, was accused as part of the Salem witch trials. Esther escaped punishment when the court was dissolved before her case was heard.
Executive producer Lisa Kudrow found the final resting place of her grandmother and learned many other Jews from the same village were killed by the Nazis.
In season 2, Tim McGraw discovered George Washington had been a guest in his ancestors' home.
Rosie O'Donnell traveled to Ireland to uncover her family's suffering in a workhouse at the time of the Great Famine.
This is history that needs to be told. I admire these brave participants who share their innermost emotions with us, sometimes after unearthing the most painful truths. Murder and scandal, Americanized names, family abandonment, bigamy, and the deeds of rascals are often exposed.
I sincerely thank these celebrities for their openness and honesty. If you are like me and have plenty of tears, be prepared to shed them, as we join these brave individuals on their journeys of exploration, discovery, revelation, and hopefully, family connection.
You may be surprised to learn how many American celebrities have Irish ancestry.
Thanks for following my recipes and ramblings.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
Here are some more recipes and ramblings you might enjoy...
Kay G.
I love this show too! Did you see the version from England? (I assume that is where they got the idea from). I find it fascinating to go back and find out your roots. Oh, for that matter, did you ever see "Roots" when it was on TV? That was fantastic!
Irish American Mom
I have not seen the English version of "Who Do You Think You Are?" I have not been in Ireland at a time when it was showing. I remember "Roots" so well. I was twelve years old when it came to Irish TV, and being so young it really had a huge impact on me. It was such a masterfully told story. The other miniseries that made it across the Atlantic was "North and South." I was so intrigued by the characters and the love story between Madeline and Orry. I think it is high time for another great saga as a mini-series.
Kim T.
My husband and I taped this show and watched it this afternoon. It is definitely one of our favourites. Martin Sheen's family history was very interesting to say the least. I wonder if some of those "Don Juan" genes got passed down to Charlie?
My mother's cousins traveled to Ireland two years ago to do some genealogical research and I find it fascinating. My great-great-great-great grandfather (Patrick O'Halloran) came to Canada from Ireland some time before 1858. His wife, my great-great-great grandmother was named either Hannora or Honora Donovan.
I fulfilled a lifelong dream this past August when my husband and I traveled to Ireland. We started our adventure in Dublin then rented a car and traveled the southwest for a nine day unforgettable experience. We traveled the southwest, staying at B&B's and meeting some incredibly warm and welcoming people. Now, my dream is to go back one day. I know it sounds hokey but in my soul I truly felt like I was home.
I look forward to exploring your blog and trying out many of the wonderful recipes you have posted Mairead. We had an amazing Guiness Stew at one of the best restaurants ever....The Coachman's in Kildare. The music afterward was amazing as well. A young man named Michael Ryan who had a voice like an angel. I kept asking my husband, poor man, why he couldn't sing like that to me?!
Irish American Mom
I am so happy you made it to Ireland, Kim, and believe me it isn't a bit hokey when you say your soul felt at home in Ireland. There is something spiritual about Ireland that is hard to put a finger on. No matter how many years I spend in America, and even if I now call America home, once my plane lands in Ireland, my soul breaths a sigh as if to say - "Thanks for taking me home again".
Hope your husband starts learning some Irish ballads too, to serenade you and remind you of your lovely vacation. Thanks for stopping by my blog. I really appreciate comments that let me know others enjoy my ramblings.
All the best!
Mairead
Kim
Oops...I just happened to re-read my comment and there should be a correction- The Coachman's Inn is not in Kildare but Kenmare. I do apologize if anyone was looking for it.
Timothy
Greetings,
Just found your blog, through an irishfireside.com link. Really enjoy your blog! A good mix of everything-food, experience, life, and Irish ... We both love the show too, but last season, it 'forced' me to start searching my Irish roots... Meh. so far so so... But, andyway I will keep at it...
Wanted to say hello, and, appreciate your sharing. Have you on the reading list, along with Irishfireside, marriedanirishfarmer, and several others.
Best to you and your family....
Timothy Magnuson (born Conroy)
Irish American Mom
Timothy - So glad you found my blog and enjoyed my ramblings. This show makes genealogical research look so simple. I love when they make it look like the celebrity just happened to find the right entry in a really old book or log. Sometimes they forget to emphasize the hours of research by experts needed to find one all important nugget of information. But nonetheless, it is great entertainment. Good luck as you continue your family search.
All the best to you too and thanks again for stopping by.
Mairead