Christopher Walken Uncovers His Grandfather's Criminal History | Finding Your Roots | Ancestry®

[@AncestryUS]

Christopher seeing his grandfather for the first time is pretty powerful! Do you have a relative that you’ve always wanted to learn more about?

[@jonirnmomba4130]

My father. He was a beautiful man, and died at 63. I took advantage of his stories and now I wish I would have asked more. I think that my son is the 5th generation with his name but that is just speculation based on family lore.

[@cjanderson768]

My great great grandfather. I don’t even know his name. He was never discussed. My mom had met her great grandmother a few times but he was never there. I’ve searched for his name or information about him for almost 40 years now.

[@patriciaredmond3996]

My great grandfather, Patrick McCudden, from Co. Monaghan, it's always been a mystery what happened to him after my great grandmother kicked him out , it's telling in my family that she's described as well a hard women to get along with, he was a lovable rogue who might of been a bit of a lady's man

[@theresamay9481]

My sister belongs to Ancestry and has done extensive research to find out who our Grandfather was. She walked streets and found the places where our Grandmother lived, went through microfiche at the city library and talked to all relatives she could find. The name on our Father's birth certificate was made up. We still don't know who he was.

[@bettyeclay5917]

I would like to know who my biological father was. I lived 50 years as a black woman and I then find out my biological father is white with Appalachian roots.

[@danielhickmott5800]

His mother is what I call a “cycle breaker”. She knew she wanted a better life for herself and future children and did it!

[@Desmondbrown73]

Can never break the cycle

[@ardakolimsky7107]

What cycle?

[@jasonspades1265]

I knew a guy who would break bicycles...is that kinda what you mean?

[@breeze_japanese]

@bluedream3195 I don't like your flag

[@palepride7530]

@@breeze_japaneseI don’t like you eating dogs

[@jimjam51075]

My favorite part of the episode is where the host gives him a gold watch and tells him where his grandfather had to hide it.

[@pippishortstocking7913]

🤣 you win today's internet comment

[@christophersmith2091]

It's a uncomfortable hunk of metal.

[@allancarel8511]

you beat me to it.

[@honorsilverthorne7227]

HAHAHA

[@bennettnez4711]

Almost scrolled passes this before it clicked. 10/10

[@nosol]

Mom was a pretty tough and proud figure to have ultimately still put her real father's name on the birth certificate. Never be ashamed of where you come from.

[@phyllisjohnson6442]

That’s so right. What is is. Whatever was was.👍🏾

[@shannonmcelyea4631]

Back then I think her being “illegitimate” on the birth certificate may have effected her immigration??

[@AncestryUS]

Great to remember, Olga!

[@Mybpeterson]

In her home country she had reason to be ashamed of her criminal father. In America no one knew the man. But in those times, she had A LOT to be ashamed of for being illegitimate. By getting a new birth certificate she wasn't so much as claiming her father, she was proving her legitimacy in a different society. Getting it done just before she married showed she didn't want to bring shame to her husband, his family, and any family they may create. She never spoke her father's name for a reason. She never even alluded to him.

[@josebotello928]

Thanks I need to her that. 👍

[@immortanjoe9362]

I'm a simple man. I see Christopher Walken, I click it.

[@AncestryUS]

Thanks for stopping by Immortan Joe! We hope you enjoyed this segment with Christopher Walken!

[@surfer-lc3nz]

Christopher Wawken!

[@BRAVO_FOUR_06-13]

Yeah. This is a pretty basic comment. I bet you're boringly simple.

[@LookingForIt-bw8ur]

@@BRAVO_FOUR_06-13 Are you okay? ...Like in life?

[@BRAVO_FOUR_06-13]

@@LookingForIt-bw8ur boring

[@tapanisydanmetsa6714]

Cristopher Walken is absolutely one of my favorite Hollywood actors if not the most favorite. His voice is Magic.

[@AncestryUS]

Thanks for taking part in the discussion and sharing your thoughts, tapani sydänmetsä! We hope you've enjoyed learning more about Christopher's own family history within another incredible episode of PBS’s Finding Your Roots. He certainly has a unique voice that is recognisable instantly! Thanks again and enjoy the rest of your weekend! 🎃

[@poppawheelie5666]

You're talking to my boy all wrong, it's the tone

[@spudspuddy]

his hair is criminal

[@thesavagebeast3994]

This guy together with Al Pacino have the coolest most Badass Speech Patterns let alone voices!

[@abdulazizalzut8963]

l bet his grandfather stole a cow bell

[@benvoeller8946]

I noticed his speech pattern is pretty "normal" in this interview as opposed to his acting speech pattern.

[@cecileroy557]

⁠@@abdulazizalzut8963😂😂😂😂

[@laurencaulton103]

Ironic that Mr. Walken is famous for his tough-guy roles, and his grandfather lived that life.

[@ForTheMonolith]

Art imitates life

[@jesseberry5500]

It wasn’t like he was of Marvin force or he got busted receiving and selling stolen goods that’s far from a tough guy Prasada I never know if I’ve been a sissy just saying, I don’t see the report certainly didn’t say he was a tough guy

[@BroodallyHonest]

You're thinking about Robert DeNiro. Christopher Walken is famous for being an amazing character actor. He does all kinds of roles.

[@David-ol3it]

Pentonvile prison is in London. Not just outside london

[@selmahare]

@@David-ol3it Yes! I made that correction as well watching the video. I lived in Pentonvile road, which not only bares the same name but is also close enough, in North London. Have walked by that prison a couple of times. It looks just as sombre as its History. Don't like that part of town at all, it has this dense vibe.

[@vXIR0NMANXv]

His mothers resolve to get on a boat and go to a completely different world is incredibly inspiring. I hope I can find that resolve myself some day.

[@taylor3014]

Though getting on a boat with Christopher Walken may not end up working out quite so well

[@___HH___]

At least she wasn't walkin'.

[@PeterRabbit70]

@@taylor3014 Do you think Walken had a role in that?

[@lIllIIIllIl]

Selfish*

[@miamijefe7793]

It's easier for women. They can leave everything behind and find another man to shack up with and be taken care of., especially in those days. Women were all housewives

[@kerrypickens8594]

Christopher Walken is such a great actor, but he has such a great sense of humor

[@infinitejest441]

Awesome dancer as well

[@808ghostMiller]

“But” ? Lol

[@ryandavids1129]

He also covered up a murder. He's sure a great guy!

[@lordshaxx667]

​@@ryandavids1129yea very creepy guy also

[@aboutface7961]

or at the very least, an unlawful death. @@ryandavids1129

[@hugs_nicolle7263]

“Well…what did he do?” He cracks me up… a tough customer…love this guy❤ his Ma sounds like a wonderful person.

[@kcuzz4091]

Think how strong Mr. Walker’s mother was to have the courage at the age of 22 to get on a ship to America.

[@debradevonne3225]

Courage...or fear, shame, regret 😢

[@lindacourtice7960]

I go with description "courage." Women didnt have alot of options then, and illegal things happened to women then that were permitted, winked at, women yook the full brunt of. We dont know what transpired, or even why that guy was led to selling stolen goods. Maybe he was desperate. So I say, rest in peace. PS Illegitimacy means "illegitimate heir," and some countries viewed heirs via birth, not marraige, so children of royalty qualified to rule via "partners," "concubines," "mistresses," "consorts," culturally acceptable or unacceptable rapes and later "marraige." Genealogy is eye opening.

[@katesleuth1156]

@@lindacourtice7960llegitimate also meant that the child was not conceived within the law, which was, after marriage. We’re not talking about royalty here. It wasn’t just about heirs as many were poor & had nothing to inherit, but the fact that the parent or parent chose to ignore the law without consideration for the child born illegitimate.

[@chomama1628]

@@debradevonne3225courage can come from all those feelings. She couldn’t change how she came into the world but she could change the outcome. We all can if we have the courage.

[@uwsgrrrl9981]

My mother came to,the US when she was 19 yo from Italy.

[@lizevans4534]

Glasgow Scotland here , we take great Pride that his mother was one of us 😍

[@SpiderPigggg]

BENNY HARVEY RIP

[@kitano47]

RIP BIG MAN

[@liamg1706]

Hi glasgow Scotland

[@ptommo1543]

Neat. Tough stock, he should be proud 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@devinthierault]

​@@SpiderPiggggI'll never see your face again

[@garymcatear822]

When i was in primary school (junior school) in Tollcross Glasgow, Scotland i would come home at dinner time to get my dinner because i didn't get free meals at school back then because one parent was in employement. Every day for 4 years or so i would do this old ladies shopping (she was in her 90's or something and housebound), i later found out that this old lady was Christopher Walkens grannie lol...back then in the late 70's i had no idea who Christopher walken was. She lived about 30-40 meters from my house. She would get the same thing everyday...newspapers and bread rolls. I hope Christopher gets to read this because no doubt his gran would have spoken to him about me. She lived in the left middle flat on the corner close of Easterhill place Tollcross.

[@JosephDredd31]

I haven't even seen this episode yet but wanted to say what an unbelievable talent Christopher Walking is. Simply one of my favorites of all time. Thank you for your gift of making me believe that you are each and every character you have played.

[@edithbannerman4]

@Hello there, how are you doing this blessed day?

[@mr.v2689]

Walken

[@RyanAustinDean]

You should see his brother, Ben Running.

[@marcosgomes7681]

😅​@@RyanAustinDean

[@danielamicallef9592]

I am a researcher myself, therefore am in awe of your work. Rendering results, unearthing truths.

[@AncestryUS]

Research is tough work, but is often so rewarding!

[@bjornyesterday2562]

​@@AncestryUSresearch is maybe the only worthwhile task

[@___HH___]

@@bjornyesterday2562 Even above procreation? Wow. You sure think a lot of research!

[@bjornyesterday2562]

@@___HH___ I'm sorry you feel procreation is a task

[@VictorLugosi]

You’re not tho.. this guy also isn’t, they hired him because he’s black.

[@kirkmanning6232]

Walken is a treasure!

[@seferinorino6951]

I absolutely love Christopher Walken. Every time he’s on the screen he just lights it up. I couldn’t pinpoint what it is but he’s my favourite actor.

[@johnwright291]

This really resonates with me. I have a cousin who is a well known geologist in salt lake city and I just reconnected with him after 50 years. Through him I found out that my maternal great grandfather was a horse rustler who bought horses he knew were stolen. What makes it very interesting is that he was in the Wyoming state penitentiary at the very same time that Butch Cassidy was there. He said I hope your not disappointed. I said are you kidding. I love it.

[@phyllisjohnson6442]

He’s a great actor, and he is brave enough to face whatever he had to face. I admire that. 🍎

[@ChiggidyChuck]

Google Natalie Wood.

[@uncletony6210]

@@ChiggidyChuck exactly.

[@SR-iy4gg]

I've been researching my family tree for almost 30 years. It's fascinating to me, but it's not brave at all.

[@Aham-Na]

@@SR-iy4ggwhat do you mean?

[@NotableSavage2]

@@SR-iy4gg I guess, but Ben Affleck famously cowered away from his family’s history as slave owners on this exact platform.

[@Mountainsnlilacs]

And that right there, is how he understood his Grandmother's reasons for leaving. She needed to find a better life outside of where she was, and when opportunity presented itself, she took it.

[@lgwappo]

My dad never spoke of his dad. My mom said his dad committed suicide in the 60s but said never ask dad about it. We weren't supposed to know. Decades later I also learned that my grandfather divorced my grandmother, married another woman, killed her with a .22 pistol, killed her father then himself. She filed for divorce because he had anger issues & she feared him. Strange to learn these secrets in my 60s. I have no memory of that grandfather.

[@johngalvin3124]

All families have secrets, you're not alone. 😊

[@pirobot668beta]

Ancestry testing told me I was swapped at birth. My own parents had no idea that I wasn't theirs. Other than being taller than my brothers and having different hair-growth patterns, nobody ever batted an eye. Some of the stories that DNA testing tells can be pretty amazing!

[@joekulik999]

Yes, and companies like Ancestry are more than happy to share those "pretty amazing" family stories with The Cops and any Fed Agcy that wants them.

[@AncestryUS]

Hi Joseph, thank you for the opportunity to clarify some misconceptions that are out there. While we can’t speak about the practices of other companies. To date, Ancestry has not released any customers’ DNA information to law enforcement agencies. Protecting our customers’ privacy and being good stewards of their data is Ancestry’s highest priority. We will not voluntarily cooperate with law enforcement unless compelled to by legal process. You can learn more about law enforcement requests we have received and what we have responded here: support.ancestry.com/s/article/Transparency-Report?language=en_US

[@wyp8098]

You want to reply to that Joe.....? Thought not.​@@joekulik999

[@SMGAPR8]

So true, she much was hidden by our own ancestors, so much written was lost or destroyed, my ancestry is a little like Pandora's box, none of us can know what we are going to find, or who? It truly is another journey.

[@paul.-jj6yh]

​@@joekulik999 it's worth it... bcoz of the info share , killers were brought to justice... read about the golden gate killer. The law found him thru genealogy databases.

[@macpduff2119]

Ive always been a fan of Christopher Walkin. A great actor. My grandparents also left Glasgow and resettled in NYC. So my favorite actor and I share Scottish grandparents. Scotland and England were rough places to survive late Victorian/early 20th C.

[@MrsBrit1]

Lol So was America! It's always a difficult life for the poorer folks.

[@silversurfermusicco5263]

True

[@laurietijerina3816]

Would you want to go live back in Scotland? It's a beautiful country.

[@charleshammer2928]

​@@laurietijerina3816Now it is.

[@t3649]

He’s a satanist

[@MrCabimero]

Chris's father ran Walken's Bakery on Broadway in Astoria, NY. We bought cake there. Never met Chris there but his father was a great baker!

[@gmann6269]

When did you visit the bakery?

[@MrCabimero]

@@gmann6269 1960’s to about the 70’s

[@charleshammer2928]

Christopher's dad was German and his Mom was from Scotland and he grew up in Queens. Donald J Trump"s father was German and his mom was from Scotland and he grew up in Queens. Hmmmmm

[@SY-ok2dq]

Chris talked about working in the bakery as a boy. He described having to fill donuts with jam using this contraption. Chris (then known as Ronnie) and his brothers were also actors as children, playing small roles as children in family scenes etc. for the emerging TV show industry in N.Y.C. You can see in the family photo that the Walken boys were very attractive.

[@ritajohansson582]

In the 1980's, the Walken Bakery was still there. I lived across the street.

[@TomMunsell-ln6mg]

It is such an informative show and should never be taken off the air for anything that may seem to embracing. History is history and life marches on. I proud of the way Mr. Gates shows empecable informative vision of what life was once like. It is just like a scavenger hunt about your search for your family history and historical events. I hope no one tries to remove this show.

[@AncestryUS]

We're glad you enjoy Henry Louis Gates Jr. and his shows!

[@gardensofthegods]

Really ashamed the full episodes aren't free here on KZbin as a lot of people would gladly watch the show and deal with the commercials and they would still make their money through the monetization of the commercials

[@mikedavis9244]

Interesting that we hear Walken's real speech pattern here without any of the affectations that are famously imitated. I didn't realize how significantly he puts that on

[@indianajim]

When he’s performing he certainly has a specific rhythm of speech.

[@pinecone9045]

It's called acting, I had to say that no demeaning intended, I could almost hear myself say it in his voice.

[@coma_TOES]

SNL episode classics whenever he hosts.. More Cowbell Colonel Angus One favorite of mine every single cast member did an impression of his speech pattern ~ I believe they were playing various relatives at Walken family reunion!

[@markant9534]

He just exaggerates his voice, his speech pattern is still a little strange.

[@gardensofthegods]

Call someone saying they grew up speaking Yiddish in his house because his father was Jewish so imagine also a Scottish accent in the house wow what a combination of accents for a kid to be dealing with from day one

[@user-pb2kg1ng4g]

Egan is a surname that comes from the Irish Gaelic name Mac Aodhagáin. It is derived from the root 'aedh' meaning little fire and the diminutive 'an' hence 'the little bright-eyed one'. Variations include: Egan, Eagan, Keegan, McKeegan, MacEgan, Kegan, Keagan and Egen. The name originates from County Tipperary (north).

[@hannahoconnell7324]

Wow, thanks for sharing. So interesting to know that. I’m Irish myself and had no idea

[@pinecone9045]

What hannahoconnell said thanks *edit I meant @jason-hy8ci but anyways

[@jason-hy8ci]

Tough language, I know their are still some Towns and small pockets of Ireland that speak it. I also know they still teach it in some places. I'd like to see the Irish Republic PAY the youth of Ireland to learn their language, nothing like a little Golden incentive. Anything would be worth keeping Gaelic alive, and never mind..... well?

[@tjokoloko6159]

and what about Vegan?

[@maryconway4728]

Yeah. This show is for an American audience who don’t understand that it was common for Irish people to go to places like Glasgow for work. And it probably was another reason that his mother immigrated to New York alone - she probably had some Irish relatives already there. That section of Queens, New York had a huge Irish community at that time.

[@ThehulkGreen]

My grandad was a wonderful man, as tough as they come. A proper londoner and a kind man. He and my grandmother earned an award for fostering over 200 children. I speak to some of them to this day. My grandparents are not with me anymore but I think of them all the time, they died over 30yrs ago.

[@hatednyc]

I’ll never forget the day I met Mr Walken and his wife at Lincoln Center. Absolute class act. Always loved him and always will.

[@slowery43]

nobody cares in the least.. you think that is entertaining or interesting to anyone but you? wow

[@forgetfulstranger]

​@@slowery43 I bet you don't go out much, eh?

[@michaelwilson2340]

His role in The Deer Hunter alone should put him in cinematic history.

[@infinitejest441]

He was chilling

[@slimzimm1031]

Can't argue that@@infinitejest441

[@sasskvetch8617]

How is he not in cinematic history? LOL. He won an Oscar for The Deer Hunter and was nominated for Catch Me If You Can. He has had a ton of other great parts and cameos as well.

[@SneakyKestrel]

"The dead zone" was also a masterpiece

[@dubski_01]

I'm actually watching from Glasgow, Scotland in the UK...with a rye smile. My grandfather's name was Joe Egan.

[@toi_techno]

The bravery of young people during hard times is incredible

[@ncooty]

His grandmother sounds like an admirable woman. She could've let the truth fade away, but she put it in writing at the same time she left it behind. She wasn't afraid of it or beholden to it. Good for her.

[@evypeace03]

Such a wonderful actor and his SNL skits are legendary... I need more cowbell, baby. 🎭

[@infinitejest441]

🔔 🔔

[@YDuskyCricket]

So glad he was able to do that! I did Ancestry for that same reason. My German oma had a fling during WW2 that resulted with my mother. Oma never told my mother who the dad was so I did a DNA test to try and get a clue. With Ancestry's feature of being able to distinguish between parents I thought it would be easier. I was able to find my entire paternal line, my oma's line, and the blood of mixtures of the maternal grandfather, but that was as far as I could get. I wasn't able to find any names sadly. I mean whole family's were wiped out in the war (any war) right, so that is a possibility. I am grateful that we scraped through. So it's always a happy thing to find ancestors, ❤️.

[@AncestryUS]

Wow! So glad Ancestry was able to help you discover new information on your family.

[@luciaennocenti9710]

Love Mr. Walken

[@PSA3377]

Thank you to Christopher's mom for coming to America and ultimately bringing us Chris !!❤❤❤

[@AIvey-qs1so]

❤ Mr. Walken so much, this is great thank you!

[@ChiggidyChuck]

Google Natalie Wood

[@jeannemoore6610]

As someone who has delved into my own genealogy, I really enjoy these episodes.

[@victoriaolson8985]

My mother was illegitimate, too, as was her older sister. They were also the offspring of an incestual relationship. My grandmother and her uncle hooked up for years in 1920s Vienna. He was the youngest of her mother’s brothers. I know his name but nothing about him, beyond he kept a tarantula as a pet. She left him after 10 years together, paid an American of Italian heritage to marry her and bring her and her two kids to the States.

[@turfsniffer]

My 2x Great Grandmother was Egen born in Glasgow - she had a brother called Joseph, and he definitely looks like her in the mug shot. I also have his birth record but it doesn't match the date on the picture - odd thing is on the birth record his mother listed is actually his grandmother who would have been over 60 when he was born, but the accidental listing of the grandmother proves it's the same family. The Egans were originally from Ireland, and went over to Scotland during the famine. My 2x Great Grandmother came back to Ireland and settled here.

[@jpi28602]

The date on the picture may be the arrest or conviction date and not DOB?

[@pmwyy]

Back then, having a father who received and sold stolen property was such a shame that she never mentioned or saw him again. Yet today, many people steal and rob with no consequences at all.

[@mikemccool7575]

But hard labor and solitary confinement?

[@bjornyesterday2562]

They are called police

[@bobdavidsonm.d.7214]

​@@bjornyesterday2562 Girlfriend, run off with a cop huh.

[@micomator]

I think there's likely more to the story. Not all children are the product of love or romance. The man who got her pregnant, she never spoke of until her daughter needed his name to emmigrate.

[@garylefevers]

Babdavidsonm, you must be related to a cop. I noticed how you didn't disagree with the fact that cops are thieves. The rich are themselves thieves as well.

[@MrMockingbird1313]

Hey Dr Gates, I have reseached a few histories. After a friends grandmother had been dead for at least 75 years. This lady's mother never knew who was her real mother and father. Eventually it was discovered, when she was in her 30-40s that her older sister was actually real mother. Yet no one would reveal her father's name. The lady had a birth certific that said the father was unknown. So the magistrate never learned the father's name. Except, the parish priest learned the whole truth. The priest on the baptismal and recorded it in the parish archive. The baby's father was a young neighbor, who was married to a Russian immegrant. He signed the baptismal in front of the priest. After all the parties were dead, the grand children learned the truth.

[@zorromaskedman8220]

Very interesting. In manufacturing we're told "if it is not documented, it did not happen". But we know in life there are numerous things that happen that are not documented. I've always been puzzled as I grew up, when I first heard the term "illegitimate". It doesn't apply to me, I just wondered why they use the term. I have since gained the understanding, that by Law, if the parents are not married, then any offspring are illegitimate. It always has had a Very negative tone to it, like "somehow" it's the child's fault. My mother's father ran away from his responsibilities after having two girls, back in 1937, when all you had to do is jump on a train, leave town, and never look back, except for the guilt. You can learn so much by a single document.

[@mtngrl5859]

in earlier times marriages were arranged for alliances, so it was important that any issue (children) be legal. Even today if a child is not born from the legal wife, the child can not assume any titles. So, if one is a Baron ( for example), any children can not inherit the title unless they are legitimate and born from his wife. Thus, surrogates or adopted children don't qualify.

[@gingerhiser7312]

My birth certificate has a check box for legitimate/illegitimate. It had to do with rights of inheritance.

[@kimquinn7728]

Is there a full length episode available? he is a fantastic actor and seems like a genuine and kind man.

[@cmomofilm]

What they didn't mention, or probably weren't aware of, is the scar on the side of his grandfather's mouth is known here (in Scotland) as a "Glasgow smile" (a cut violently imposed at 1, or both sides of the mouth, extending towards the ear, creating a macabre "smile"). So his maternal grandfather was almost definitely in a gang, and by the looks of him, a proper "hard man" (very tough gentleman, with an enthusiasm for violence). (Translations for any non-scots who are interested in lesser known Scottish colloquialisms).

[@ChiggidyChuck]

What they didn't mention was his direct involvement in the murder of Natalie Wood

[@Leo-sd3jt]

​@@ChiggidyChuckhe wasn't involved though. None of the witnesses say he was involved and, as far as I'm aware, it's agreed that he was asleep below deck whereas people reported seeing Natalie Wood and Robert Wagner having an argument above deck.

[@ChiggidyChuck]

@@Leo-sd3jt hahah ok dude

[@olly8]

​​​​​@@ChiggidyChuckThe fight that 'supposedly took place' was over Natalie. I don't believe Chris was involved with her death, but possibly a catalyst for R.W's jealously. Only those on that boat know the whole story. I have been a fan of his since the movie At Close Range -with Sean Penn. He played Big Brad so convincingly. Gives me the chills!!! So many good movie roles, and quite the dancer 🕺

[@dawnrobbins5877]

Constantly using the word 'gentleman' to describe a criminal seems to be a thing nowadays. Stop it. They're literally the exact opposite.

[@allthingsfrench1391]

I've adored Christopher Walken forever. What a dancer too. Both my paternal grandparents went to prison. My father passed away last year without knowing his own mother whom he adored was put in a women's prison at 18 for smoking. His father was an alcoholic who ran into a woman while driving. My dad used to have to visit him at a prison as a child of 5. Both my parents hid any and all past to try and raise us as good kids from a middle class upbringing traveling the world. My parents looked like the Kennedys. Nothing to be ashamed of at all. Sentences of old were way too harsh as in this case.

[@Truebritify]

The prison in Dorset was most likely the one in Portland. Portland stone is used throughout the UK and the convicts were used to break up the stone. I was told when I lived in Weymouth that in Victorian times there was a tea room overlooking it that the gentry used to sit in and watch them working. You can just imagine it.

[@finnmcginn9931]

Same Portland that brought the world Portland cement? Down the rabbit hole I go, cheers.

[@Evan-lr8nq]

Christopher gets that smile from him mother for sure.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

I'm convinced that my paternal grandfather, or perhaps his grandfather, changed his name to escape prosecution in Jamaica. Ancestry found me lots of cousins but none with my family name past my grandfather's generation. One distant cousin told me that there was an old family legend involving an ancestral criminal.

[@heatherwhite2788]

Solitary confinement is no way to reform anyone. After all these years we still haven’t learned

[@garymcatear822]

Solitary confinement is meant to be punishment, nothing more, nothing less.

[@heatherwhite2788]

@@garymcatear822 It can induce insanity and that is not a humane punishment. Solitary should be used extremely sparingly.

[@garymcatear822]

@@heatherwhite2788 If it is not a humane punishment then it should not also be used extremely sparingly as you say. If you can't do the time, don't do the crime...it is as simple as that. They commit crime, get sent to jail, misbehave in jail, get sent to the jail inside the jail (solitary), all criminals understand this system yet they still do it lolol and you're defending them.

[@heatherwhite2788]

@@Noooodle816 yes

[@markorollo.]

just bought the DNA test and 3 months membership, already got back 3 more generations than i knew yesterday, 7 in total. that is if im going down the right path, searched back from my Grandad so i think i am lol. slightly disappointed that there are so few generations born where i'm from (Oldham). i knew were connected to Gainsborough but found us in a village a few miles from Gainsborough, Sturton Le Steeple, a bit different from Oldham lol.

[@AncestryUS]

Hi, MarkoRollo. We're so excited to hear that you've been so successful already. We understand how important it is to have all of the information correct. We recommend verifying the information by using records. It sounds like you're really making great progress. We wish you the best in your research. Please don't hesitate to reach out at any time.

[@martinconnors5195]

I once asked my Grandmother, who this slightly older man in a grainy photo. But she closed the album, and said that "we're going to speak about it another time". Turns out that her older brother (it's too sad to say)

[@abinabraham4732]

Sad to hear it

[@TheEVGuy-rx9ju]

What a top Actor ! His mum was from Tolcross in Glasgow as far as I know. Their is always a bit of Scotland in most people.

[@AncestryUS]

Hi, EV Guy! We're so glad you enjoyed our clip from Finding Your Roots, featuring Christopher Walken. Have you made any fascinating family history discoveries lately in your own research you'd like to share?

[@ladydeerheart1]

Five years for selling stolen goods seems ridiculous. It doesn't necessarily mean he knew the stuff was stolen but either way he was a tough guy and his daughter moving, by herself, across the ocean means she was tough too. It looks like Christopher comes from good stock.

[@garymcatear822]

They used to send their prisoners to Britains prison colony Australia....why can't they do that these days, i would be out breaking the law right now and intentionally get caught.

[@Tessa--LibrarianLovesRick]

Maybe that is just what they got him for. Someone else mentions the scar going up his jaw as a "Glasgow smile" and something related to violent gangs

[@garymcatear822]

@@Tessa--LibrarianLovesRick I used to get his grannies shopping for her when i was a kid at primary school, i'd come home for my lunch and get this old womans shopping for her every day for a few years, turns out it was Christopher Walkens granny (not that i had any idea who Christopher Walken was back in the mid-late and early 80's as a kid)

[@Tessa--LibrarianLovesRick]

​@@garymcatear822 I have a few interesting "star-related" stories. One is when my Mom would call the "Conway Twitty residence" (that is how they'd answer the phone) to send someone home sick from school.

[@GlasgowCelticforever1888]

Reset is an old Scottish offence and essentially means handling stolen goods. I believe that there was no requirement for the state to prove that the person had knowledge or belief that the goods were stolen. Simple possession was enough.

[@lancethrust9488]

REMINDS ME OF MY GREAT GREAT GREAT GRANDAD 1860S THERE WAS A MUG SHOT OF HIM IMPRISONED IN IRELAND AND THE BIZARE THING OF THE PICTURE I WAS THE IMAGINE OF HIM CANT BELIEVE I LOOK SO ALIKE TO SOMEBODY IN MY FAMILY FROM THE 1860S

[@Mark-Vincent-yk8wj]

That picture of his grandfather is truly awesome...!!! Truly amazing...because his grandfather looks like a time traveler...!!! Once again...AMAZING...!!! 😱🤔✌️

[@jonibarger3147]

I adore Christopher Walken, always have. He's a great actor and he's a funny guy.

[@ChiggidyChuck]

Google Natalie Wood

[@FreeSpirit47]

Every family has skeletons in the closet, 8 in mine! It's important for those who will break the cycles of abuse, neglect, criminal behavior, to leave the house where the skeletons are & try your hardest to live differently. I was the third child in a family of six. There were several generations of abuse on both sides. Although I had 2 siblings older than me, I was the first one to get out on my own & stay out on my own. Way out. I moved, as a teenager, from Michigan to Hawai'i. A couple years later, I got my parents to give me guardianship of my younger sister. She was really messed up, I did my very best to help her. Of six children, there's only 3 of us left. My parents & siblings died at young ages. I'm still here, I broke the cycle.

[@slowery43]

not a sole cares... this has nothing to do with you no one came here hoping to hear alla bot you get over yourself

[@FreeSpirit47]

@@slowery43 I pity those who make comments such as yours. It reveals a very angry person who is too fearful to say what they want. Instead, hiding behind a keyboard, believing you're anonymous. Your negativity is all on you.. Also, your grammar & spelling reveal an uneducated mind.

[@JulesVega419TheSecond]

My grandfather was a great man and could never be replaced. My fathers father was a traveling jazz musician and nobody will say more about him. Like Mr. Walken I often think to myself; what did he do?

[@peggygibbons479]

Oh Man I can't WAIT to see this one!! I love Chris, I love this show and I love you Skip!! Your famous geneologist Cece should get a Nobel Prize! She is amazing!!

[@spitfiremac]

I love that this is the most normal we've ever seen Walken. He actually seems like sny other guy and not the impossibly original, cool, snd unpredictable star we've come to know.

[@sparkysmom7149]

I love christopher walken. No matter what, he is a genuine and good person. Never be ashamed of your roots. We're all here for a reason

[@OsbornTramain]

What's really amazing is how old his grandfather "Egen" was, what year he was born.....my gosh..he was going to prison in 1883, He must have been born during the civil war at a minimum....and then fathered a child when he was 40 or 50. And his own mother must have been pretty old when she gave birth to him, about 40 something, if she was born at the turn of the century.

[@marcvskulper2874]

Getting on a boat in her 20's by her self and coming to America. Bless the brave.

[@niciangel]

Love him ❤️ Such a great actor and man. Like his way of talking and his reaction about the news of his grandfather. He's a legend. One of the best. Wish him a long and healthy life.

[@AncestryUS]

Christopher is truly a gem!

[@JML6988]

Mr. Walken is definitely on a short list of my favorite actors.

[@AncestryUS]

He's definitely amazing at what he does, John!

[@roadkillgravy5168]

​@@AncestryUSyeah he is good at pushing females off boats. Natalie wood in particular.

[@codelessunlimited7701]

Chris grandma is very beautiful, no wonder he leaves him for a better future for his grandchildren named Christopher.

[@mrmoran0077]

Wonderful, and equally wonderful to hear an American pronouncing Glasgow properly 😊

[@SimonMcGrath-x2x]

This was originally an English programme that was a fantastic show and it's good to see its translated well and the stories they uncover are beyond belief. Pentonville is still a prison today. The word Penitentiary comes from the word doing Penance in prison.

[@JackFisherTrio]

She would have had to survive and such a young women alone...brave and smart.

[@Goldaction0]

Life was hard for everyone those days. I feel sad for his great great grandfather. 🕯️

[@AncestryUS]

Thanks for dropping by and watching this clip from our episode with Christopher Walken. We hope you enjoyed this insight into his family history.

[@hermessantos1601]

His mother must have been an interesting person. She was very brave in moving to New York by herself in her twenties.

[@jackiedavis8218]

Many may not know that he played in a film from a children’s book, ‘ Sarah,Plain and Tall ‘. I read the paperback to my fourth graders . It was in the time when if a man lost his wife, many times an advert would be put in a paper back east. The story begins there and became a lovely movie. And, of course his acting skills were superb!

[@jstone247]

Glasgow was a pretty rough place back then.

[@skeena59]

Still is.

[@kristineanderson4983]

My brother did some digging after our mom died because there was some mystery surrounding her background. It turned out to be a big shocker! Our 7th or 8th great grandmother was the first "witch" to be hanged at the Salem Witch Trials (same last name still!). A couple who also were hanged were relatives and we obtained copies of their arrest records. The story of how he found out how to even look for this is absolutely amazing! You never know!

[@AncestryUS]

Wow, that is fascinating Kristine. We really appreciate you sharing this family history discovery with us. 😃

[@kristineanderson4983]

@@AncestryUS My brother did his research through Ancestry, so thank you!

[@hestergreen2031]

Amazing story.. it’s always good to learn of our distant ancestors.

[@presidentpotato222]

Mr Walken is a Living Legend .. cooking chicken with him and his SNL Continental Sketches .. and his bringing of Characters to Life .. that will BE REMEMBERED for far far into the future .. I CAN ONLY HOPE

[@AJ1990.]

Mr. Walken seems like such a charming charismatic kind of guy. Strange to me that Mel Gibson said he reminded him of the devil when he first met him. When Mel recounts meeting Mr. Walken it actually gives you the creeps the way he tells the story. It's wild.

[@infinitejest441]

Perhaps Mel was jealous of Chris and his acting abilities.

[@___HH___]

@@infinitejest441 Surely you infinite jest.

[@playedout148]

Now that is irony. Mel gibson, horrible bigot, says Walken reminded him of the devil. Beside the fact the devil and leprechauns don't exist.

[@AlanSmithee1955]

I saw Mel Gibson describe that but I think Mel has a vivid imagination. Personally I don't get the creeps from Walken he seems to be great story teller.

[@wRAAh]

My dad died before I was four years old. Lineage was of no interest to me for many decades. As it seems, none of my uncles and nephews were interested either. But recently, I dove in the records, tracing my lineage, trough my dad, his dad etcetera all the way down to around 1635, where the recorded trail ends. It turns out that my forefathers were one of the three important 'dynasties' in a town not far from where I live now. They were in the textile industry, but also active as 'church fathers', mayors, notaries and in other positions. Shortly after the Napoleontic occupation and with the rise of industrialization in textile, the dynasty crumbled and withered away. Meanwhile, I find fascinating stories and discover paintings and maps that are mesmerizing. I urge all to delve down into what you can find out about your lineage. Enjoy!

[@AncestryUS]

We're delighted to hear that you've dived into your family history research with so much success, Wouter! It sounds like you've uncovered some remarkable stories from your family's past. Many thanks for taking the time to share a little of your journey with the Ancestry community! 🍃

[@zovalentine7305]

Christopher Walken ❤ 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@judy-uv1bk]

I remember Chris' parents bakery in Long Island City, Queens, NYC. I was very young then. I am amazed by Chris' and Chris' work and finding out he is a local boy that made it! Much love Chris!❤

[@hafizsirajkumar7927]

nice story .... it so sad and everyone deserved to know dad if they are good or bad ... important is discipline so not follow bad behavior

[@gerondajenkins6947]

I LOVE CHRISTOPHER WALKEN ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@UnderestimatedA1]

One of my all time favorite actor's I could watch this man eat a sandwich and be impressed.

[@AncestryUS]

We're glad you enjoyed this episode, Shay! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@joycampi7233]

I totally agree!!!

[@blackstarz556]

This channel is a go-to for information. It's the best!

[@Johnc259]

To me, this gentleman is just a “down to earth” human being. He has a great sense of humor and seems to be kind to others. I always enjoy his acting abilities. Peace 🎉🎉🎉

[@edithbannerman4]

@Hello there, how are you doing this blessed day?

[@romystumpy1197]

Very interesting wish the video was longer,in more depth

[@AncestryUS]

Hi, thanks for stopping by. You can watch full episode of Finding Your Roots on your local PBS station or by heading over to www.pbs.org/show/finding-your-roots/

[@dnealgail8244]

Wasn't Walken in the boat the night Natalie Wood died? You gotta wonder what that night, alot if unanswered questions.

[@lindac6416]

He said he passed out saw nothing !

[@tigere1111]

Thank you! Hello from 🇵🇷 and 🇩🇴

[@cynthiamclellan6745]

Will he ever say what Robert did that night on the boat?

[@bwenluck9812]

@cynthia Only God knows at this point....

[@georgeedward1691]

Hmm Chris is a Scotty!! I had no idea. Excellent actor non the less.

[@anitajinfla9762]

Amazing actor. Such a humble guy really. It's surprising things you find looking into ancestry.

[@AncestryUS]

Learning about lineage is truly a remarkable discovery!

[@AncestryUS]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, Anita! What has been one of your favorite discoveries through Ancestry?

[@garypedigogaeu5787]

So when Mr Walken wants to speak with a normal cadence and behave like a typical person he absolutely can. That’s interesting. Makes me appreciate his skills as an actor even more than I originally did. Go Robbie.

[@beachrose88]

Chris is amazing. Started in business as a DANCER..AND A GOOD ONE

[@sydneyevans2637]

Exceptional dancer!

[@ChiggidyChuck]

Oh he's a dancer alright. Just ask Natalie Wood

[@gpower9572]

Ben Affleck had them remove that one of his ancestors was a slave owner. Walken embraced his past with a chuckle, I love that.

[@yf222000]

No wondering why he has always played the role of criminal in most of his movies so well. Great job.

[@ChiggidyChuck]

Google Natalie Wood

[@yf222000]

@@ChiggidyChuck. I failed to understand how Natalie Wood related to the comment.

[@ChiggidyChuck]

@yf222000 you said it was no wonder why he has always played the role of criminals in his movies so well. I was alluding to the fact that in the real actual world (you know the one where real people exist that arent just characters) he was involved in the murder/denial/cover up of the murder of Natalie Wood.

[@yf222000]

@@ChiggidyChuck. I see the co text of your comment. 👍

[@ChiggidyChuck]

@SunnyDaze-uq8ed this episode? What are you talking about? Episode of what? This video is a commercial for Ancestry. My comment was relating to Mr. Walken's personal life.

[@stianmathisen4284]

Christopher Walken and Marlon Brando are my all time favorite male actors !

[@AncestryUS]

Hi, Stian. Thanks for sharing. We hope you enjoyed this episode of "Finding Your Roots." It is interesting to watch your favorite actors learn about their family history.

[@longhairwhocares]

The line about “what we now call ‘solitary confinement’” and the subsequent bit on the grandfather’s life is sickening, and I can figure out why Gates would gloss over outright torture like that.