EDWARD NORTON IS RELATED TO POCAHONTAS
Oscar nominated actor Edward Norton has revealed that the real-life Pocahontas is his 12th great-grandmother.
The news was revealed during an episode of the PBS genealogical history show Finding Your Roots.
Pocahontas is the 17th century daughter of a Native American chief. Her story has been retold many times, including in a Disney animated movie.
CNN reports that historian and host Henry Louis Gates Jr. confirmed the longstanding family rumour to be fact, telling Norton:
“You have a direct paper trail, no doubt about it, connection to your 12th great-grandmother and great-grandfather, John Rolfe and Pocahontas.”
Rolfe and Pocahontas married on 5 April 1614 in Virginia. According to official documents, Pocahontas died three years later in England. Her husband died in March 1622.
The episode also revealed that one of the actor’s third great-grandfather owned a family of slaves, a fact that made Norton feel uncomfortable.
“The short answer is these things are uncomfortable. And you should be uncomfortable with them.”
During this season the Pretty Woman actress Julia Roberts will also get the chance to delve into her family roots. The show often feature A-list celebrities interested in finding out about their relatives and family tree.
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