John Lithgow Is Related To Clint Eastwood, Sally Field and WHO?? | Finding Your Roots | Ancestry®

Actor John Lithgow discovers an incredible connection to the Mayflower and some amazing names in his extended family tree, including Clint Eastwood and Sally Fields. Watch as Henry Louis Gates Jr. uncovers these remarkable true stories on PBS’s Finding Your Roots.
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00:00 Introduction
0:37 John Lithgow finds out his a Mayflower descendant
2:06 John Lithgow’s 9th great-grandfather’s tragic Mayflower journey
3:17 John Lithgow’s famous relatives

[@AncestryUS]

Can you believe John is connected to so many fellow actors? What's been the most mind-blowing discovery in your family tree?

[@JediSimpson]

Yes. It is extremely believable.

[@mjmooney6530]

We recently discovered that John Cary the Pilgrim is the common ancestor of my close friend and of myself, making us cousins. I’m also related to Julia through the McNary-Cary-Brett-Edson lines.

[@leannwilson2668]

That I'm related to Patrick Henry and George Washington

[@imocchidoro]

Finding my grandfather's real last name leading to a long family tree with many branches.

[@MrKorton]

Well a 9x grandfather would have so many ancestors, so yes. Still pretty cool 😊

[@s.sangma9850]

Fun fact: According to the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, there are 35 million Mayflower descendants in the world

[@southernc4919]

Pretty diluted out

[@Rai_S82]

​@southernc4919 well, obviously!

[@007Hutchings]

@southernc4919 Thank you Captain Obvious for your insightful knowledge in this area. Wouldn’t of figured that out in my own but because of your extensive explanation containing those 3 words have parted so much knowledge to myself and anyone so lucky to read it. Thank you kind sir.

[@orangewarm1]

That was fun

[@alisonspinelli7203]

I am a descendant. Lots of us for sure.

[@MidwestChica]

Through tracing my ancestry lines I learned that William Bradford is my 11th great grandfather. As much as I am impressed with all of his accomplishments (and it is kind of cool to be able to say one branch of my family tree came over on the Mayflower); William's granddaughter, and my 9th great grandmother Hannah (Bradford) Ripley was the one I found the most impressive. Hannah was the first physician in the Plymouth colony; not first female physician, first physician ever in the colony. Learning things like that always fascinate me.

[@OldLady-um9kt]

Hello Cousin, Hannah (Bradford) Ripley was my 9th Great-grandaunt. She was a noble and useful woman, remarkable for her skill in the art of healing, she was the first, and for a long time the only physician in the settlement, and it's said that the first male physician, Dr. Richard Huntington, received much of his medical knowledge from her. Small wonderful world. LOL Hugs!

[@jackiebest3159]

Hello. William Bradford is my 12th great grandfather.

[@bigfrankfraser1391]

i found im descended from sir simon fraser, a man who fought shoulder to shoulder with both wallace and the bruce

[@sd3457]

After that many generations, there are probably a couple of hundred thousand living descendants of William Bradford, and in his generation you have 16,382 ancestors.

[@dianecrawford2598]

Hello! William Bradford is my 8th great-grandfather.

[@jedtayloruk]

John Lithgow really is one of my favourite actors, I can not think of a bad performance. Always a pleasure to watch.

[@jarraandyftm]

Never seen 3rd rock from the sun then?

[@jedtayloruk]

@@jarraandyftm loved it too, over the top and ridiculous, as the role required.

[@bettyk8105]

I so agree! He is a fabulous actor - drama or comedy, he aces his roles! And I definitely see a resemblance to Julia Child!

[@The_Omegaman]

@@jarraandyftmi never understood that show

[@alphatrion100]

​@@jarraandyftm that show was so funny

[@susancarleton6407]

Omg that means I'm related to John Lithgow because I am also a direct descendant of William Bradford. Wonderful!

[@Itsmeggiejb]

me too! my last name is still bradford too :) x

[@nagaempress]

Oh crap hello cousin!!!

[@burtvhulberthyhbn7583]

I'm descended from at least 2 on the mayflower but not Bradford.

[@AncestryUS]

Hi Susan, and thanks for stopping by! Oh wow, that is an exciting discovery! Thank you for sharing!

[@HVS-gk7oo]

You'll have a helluva big family reunion.

[@juggler64]

I wish that the clip continued, because it's also revealed that Lithgow is related to Dr. Gates himself. When he learns this, he joyfully reaches his hands across the table and says "My cousin!"

[@hermessantos1601]

I've seen it. I thought he said "My brother!" Anyway, I was hoping to see that in this video.

[@Davey1522]

@@hermessantos1601you’re correct, he reaches out and says “brother”

[@jackiedavis8218]

I remember seeing that once. Simply incredible!

[@veronicaferguson8548]

John Lithgow excels at any role he plays.I love him.

[@taylorsmall2280]

Henry Louis Gates Jr is a remarkable host, I could listen to him for hours!! ❤

[@AncestryUS]

Hi Taylor, and thanks for stopping by! We are so happy to hear you are enjoying the show as much as we do. Thanks for sharing! 💚

[@TH-XP]

He made the cover of LMU (Loyola Marymount University) this month with a lead article on Black History.

[@daniellebenitez]

That laugh at the beginning was pure Farquaad!!! 😂

[@robokat36]

John Lithgow has always been one of my favorite actors, I especially loved him in "Third Rock from the Sun" He was perfect for the part and very funny

[@AncestryUS]

3rd Rock is such a classic🖖

[@tjmul3381]

How I love this show! I only wish that the great Henry Louis Gates Jr. would occasionally mention the magnitude of how many people that each and everyone alive today is directly descended from. Example: when he mentions "your ninth Great Grandfather" that person is just one of the 2,047 ninth Great Grandfathers we all have. This doesn't include the, rather essential, 2,047 ninth Great GrandMothers. That makes each of us directly related to 4,094 persons just 9 Generations ago (@ 250 to 350 years ago). Go back 20 Generations (@ 500 to 600 years ago) and each one of us have over 1 Million people who are 20th Great Grandparents. Think about that for a moment. 1 Million... If THAT doesn't show how diversified our ancestors are and how connected everyone alive today is to everyone else that's alive... I don't know what will. I just wish the show would mention that. It's a fact that's rarely known and I think it is kinda important one to know.

[@patriciaberkley3674]

Thank you for shining a light on all the relative we each have. I am blessed to have a brother who researched our family tree back to the fifteenth century, so I experience hearing about our found relatives quite often.

[@taylorhodges4461]

I think that math only checks out if you assume no one ever married their cousin. But that happened a lot. Still a mind boggling number of ancestors though

[@terrywade3696]

@@taylorhodges4461 Yes! Marrying cousins muddies the waters considerably! The Lee family (Gen. Robert E. Lee etc.) married first cousins which then made me a cousin of my own mother! The Lee family had so many deaf and blind children that they not only stopped that practice but built the first deaf and blind school in America!

[@dgh25]

Great point !

[@gigigrif]

Thank you for that valuable insight.

[@marvalousmarvin9234]

There are almost no words to express what this program and Henry Louis Gates Jr. have done for me and the guests featured. Every episode brings chills. I traced the people in my family for as far as I could and I know how much effort and time is involved. There's no way to thank Mr. Gates and his staff enough.

[@marychristenson1491]

Couldn't agree more.

[@veramae4098]

I've spent a lot of time on my geneology -- then my computer files became scrambled. I'm going to have to start all over again. BACK UPS, PEOPLE. Use back-ups.

[@benjackson8527]

Completely agree. It is a wonderful program that helps encourage you to find out more about your own history. While not all of it is always pleasant and o learn. Knowing is power and a connection to the greater whole.

[@observerobserver6040]

And those he betrayed as well. With the well known photo of the slave whome his back is badly scared. Lewis refused to help that man family desendants from getting thoses photos. Registered in their name. Nor interview them about their great great great great grandfather history. After the university who honoured Gates sold the orginal photos of their ancestors. For millions of dollars. And not acknowledge his exciting family. They didn't want money they just wanted him acknowledge as a person. Just like the other famous people he's made his name on interviewing. 😢

[@Mechadondada]

After tracing my ancestry, I found that I was my own cousin. Yee Haww!

[@Evian622]

Well apparently I'm related to Lithgow too. I am a descendant of Bradford as well.

[@tiredofit4761]

He is one of the greatest actors of all time. I have read William Bradford’s journals and it’s crazy that John is a direct descendent of this lineage.

[@tiredofit4761]

@karlwithak. I do agree somewhat with your comment. To me and others like me it is interesting to know what your ancestors’ lives and journeys were like. Where they came from and their struggles. If you don’t care maybe that is a reflection you may want to expand upon yourself. History makes you who you are whether you want to accept that fact or not.

[@AncestryUS]

Hi there, and thanks for stopping by! We are delighted to hear you are enjoying the show as much as us! It is amazing the discoveries he made! Thanks for sharing!

[@tatechasers2393]

he's not, you can't go deeper than early 1800s

[@joeldeakin2003]

​@@tatechasers2393what do you mean you can't go deeper than 1800

[@tatechasers2393]

@@joeldeakin2003 1810 census there's nothing before that, ancestry just clumps everyone together and puts them on the Mayflower, it's all bs

[@brianwaskow5910]

It amazes me that something like you have a relative that came over on the Mayflower does not get talked about through the generations.

[@kathleenrussell7711]

And I have 8 direct ancestors who fought in the revolutionary war, but no one talked about it.

[@Fordham1969]

We're talking 9th great grandfather here, we all have over a thousand of them. Kind of easy to lose track

[@victorblock3421]

@@Fordham1969 We all have very famous relatives, if you want to call them that. We are each related to millions. So is everyone else.

[@Doofus171]

Because history gets erased. Sometimes intentionally.

[@ha231]

Because it was a given for a long time until immigrating to the Americas became safer and more common. That is to say, who is going to brag about coming over on the Mayflower when it was likely the other person came over on another boat at the same time.

[@Frankie2012channel]

I was moved by his emotional response to the mortality rate of the first Settlers. A 50% death rate is incredibly high and I could feel a wave of empathy for the suffering that his own ancestor witnessed and chronicled. Seeing John Lithgow almost moved to tears, made me tear up a bit as well. So many times, we find ourselves humbled by our ancestors. I often consider that I'm probably a disappointment to my own ancestors who were civic leaders, warriors, explorers and scholars.

[@stephanieyee9784]

It's a case of there but for the "grace of God" go I. Imagine how many blood lines have been wiped out throughout history. The black plague. The bubonic plague. Wars. Even as recently as WWII when whole extended families were murdered in the gas chambers. As John said, it's the flip of a coin.

[@andrewtongue7084]

I might suggest, Frankie, that you concentrate upon the here & now; It is an incorrect assertion to make, that any one of your descendents would be "disappointed" in your own life's achievements - you are the individual you are - moulded (perhaps) by such lineage - but there is no dishonour cast upon you by what your ancestors became; such introspection is not necessarily a positive attribute. 'Carpe Diem' ~ seize the day, in your own inimitable fashion. You are as significant as the next member of the human race, be that prior to, or subsequent...we all have a contributiion to make.

[@nobodysbaby5048]

52 out of 102 is actually higher than 50%.

[@viktorcheng2061]

⁠The reason why the 50% survived is because the local indigenous people taught them to hunt for food and fur to survive the harsh winters

[@nobodysbaby5048]

@@viktorcheng2061 It was a 49% survival rate.

[@mossyfable]

John Lithgow is my favorite actor EVER! love seeing him doing absolutely anything

[@teppo9585]

How would he be anyones favorite actor EVER? A favorite actor I get but fav act EVER??? C´mon no he isn´t.

[@robinlavois4483]

I love John Lithgow, I'm also a Mayflower descendant, from John Alden and Priscilla Mullens. I loved him and Jane Curtin in 3rd Rock it's a great show.

[@AtticusZhivago]

That makes us cousins :)

[@gweedus]

John Lithgow is a national treasure. Love this man so glad he discover these things!

[@AncestryUS]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@denmark39]

@@AncestryUSYou should explain to people 10th generation gives you 1024 ancestors ☝️

[@karilucille5839]

John Lithgow is a legend. I can't believe he almost didn't exist because of his ancestor on the Mayflower!

[@AncestryUS]

Hi Kari, and thanks for your recent comment. We are delighted to hear you are enjoying this episode with John Lithgow. Thanks for sharing!

[@leslieweiser5455]

OMG it would be so amazing to find out John Lithgow was your crazy wonderful uncle. I love this man’s work ❤

[@Stretch-bh8pd]

I trace my ancestors back to my 5th great grandfather, born 1726, coming from Cologne, Germany, via Plymouth, England and arriving in Philadelphia on the ship, “The Thistle” in September 1738 and taking the “Oath” . I believe he came with 2 uncles at the age of 12. I can document the ship’s arrival and where it originally left Germany but records from Germany are vague! John’s story is amazing to get back to his 9th great grandfather, not to mention the historical connection to the pilgrims!!

[@stephanieyee9784]

It's always amazing to me just how far back some people's European ancestry goes in the US. The English/British in New England and the Mexican/Spanish in the south.

[@karnerbutterfly]

Yes, exactly! I have known that one line of English ancestors came to Massachusetts only 18 years after the Mayflower arrived since my HS days. But I was in my 50's before I learned that they were actually Normans. In other words... Vikings!

[@chrisbarrow9059]

@@karnerbutterfly Afraid the Normans are not Vikings, the Normans came from France and the Vikings from Scandinavia

[@karnerbutterfly]

@chrisbarrow9059 Yes, the Normans came from Normandy, France. But they were called Normans because they were "northmen" from Norway, only about 250-300 years before 1066!

[@doommonger7784]

@@chrisbarrow9059 The Normans were Viking descendants.

[@robjeffrey270]

@@doommonger7784 spot on

[@violinmiata]

John Lithgow finds out that Clint Eastwood is his very distant cousin. All he can say is “why won’t he hire me”, this proves his comic genius!

[@LuzMaria95]

lmao 😆

[@andrewtongue7084]

That's quite the legacy Mr. Lithgow possesses, particularly that his forebear (Bradford) was an original member aboard The Mayflower. He is a fine actor - & clearly shares that accolade with numerous other Thespians within his family tree. The UK version of this programme is equally fun & fascinating.

[@andrewtongue7084]

Au contraire, Karl; the legacy (in this instance) is Mr. Lithgow's - it is not yours or mine, but solely his - unless, by some genetic preponderance he (Lithgow) is distantly related to your own family ? Nevertheless, "legacy" is more than apposite.

[@chickie8252]

I didn't know there was a UK version of this show! That's great I hope I get to see it one day

[@joantrotter3005]

Me too! My Grandpa Bradford was still a Quaker.

[@dennisbailey6067]

A man who can play from psycho killer to comedy.His personality shines thru.

[@baronvonnembles]

William Bradford was/is quite well known. Cool thing for Lithgow to learn.

[@beverlydiltz2604]

This is the most incredible yet. I would be so proud. The strength those people needed to endure was beyond belief.

[@AncestryUS]

Hi Beverly, and thanks for stopping by! We are delighted to hear you have enjoyed this weeks episode. Thanks for sharing!

[@heathergibson2108]

I do wish this was shown on 🇬🇧 UK tv. The odd clips shown on youtube just leaves you wanting more

[@AncestryUS]

Thanks for sharing this feedback with us, Heather. We appreciate that this is disappointing and will reply this feedback to the appropriate team.

[@SopranoSistah]

These shows are everything! I’ve probably watched every one from the beginning since “African-American Lives” and remain completely infatuated with Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.!😊💎💯 I had the pleasure of running into him in a print store in Oaks Bluff on Martha’s Vineyard once, and he was nice enough to allow me to hug him years ago. Carry-on, Sir! Such excellence and compassion always!🎯❣️❣️❣️🌹🌹🌹

[@user-lo9cp2kr7s]

He’s one of the greatest actors I’ve ever seen. Dexter, The World According To Garp, Twilight Zone stand out in my mind.

[@aecmediallc1068]

Also must see Mr. Lithgow in "BLOWOUT" with John Travolta. A chilling portrayal. Won't spoil the plot. Then to see his comedic side in "3rd Rock from the Sun" shows his great range as an artist!

[@user-lo9cp2kr7s]

@@aecmediallc1068 Didn’t like Blowout very much but Third Rock is a riot.

[@janel.8921]

I saw episode of Third Rock with him and William Shatner. Both talked about seeing a creature on a wing of a plane.

[@jessragan6714]

Comedian Don Freisen does an AMAZING impression of John Lithgow. I didn't even know anyone HAD an impression of John Lithgow!

[@MnGirl1994]

My maiden name is Southworth... Alice is my many times great-grandmother she had a son before her 1st husband mysteriously died and then she quickly married Bradford.... (we are her son's descendants.) Anyway it's an interesting story and filled with intrigue since we believe they had long planned to be together.

[@vegetariansuniteworldwide8091]

So are you distant half cousins to John!

[@CT-uv8os]

Ahhhhh. Thats why some lines don't know. Embarrassed maybe. The history not told is usually more fascinating. Peace.

[@OldLady-um9kt]

Alice is my 11th Great-grandmother. I'm descended down through William & Alice's son John Bradford and his wife Mercy Warren. Are you related through Thomas or Constant of whom are my half 10th Great-granduncles? Hugs!

[@MnGirl1994]

@@OldLady-um9kt we are from the Constant line. Nice to meet you!!

[@1lawsongatch]

Alice's son Constant Southworth is an ancestor of mine

[@stevegabbert9626]

52 out of 102 died. A show I was watching today had something like that, and a question was asked, "Why did she die and I didn't?" The response was, "It's like dropping 2 eggs, one breaks, but not the other. Why?...Who knows, it just works out that way." John Lithgow, love him. He'll play any quirky role out there.

[@the.artists.studio.london7321]

❤ Mr Lithgow and this show ❤

[@nikkicoyotie8431]

John Lithgow is always a joy, and seeing him happy brightens my day

[@jessicacarlson2320]

I got excited because I thought this might be that John Lithgow is also through his father's side the 9th great-grandson of John Howland who was also on the Mayflower and is my 12th great-grandfather.

[@BORN-to-Run]

That was AWESOME! He just hit it out of the ballpark AGAIN! Americans are RE-discovering how ENGLISH we really are!

[@AncestryUS]

We're so glad you enjoyed this clip from our episode with John Lithgow. His story is truly fascinating!

[@paulineparker3662]

This is a wonderful show. I have traced my maternal and paternal French ancestry back to the 1600’s. I’ve also searched each maternal line for all men in my straight line. I had so much fun searching, before research books were online I purchased my own. I will pass these on to my grandchildren who hopefully will take an interest and pass them on to their children.

[@AncestryUS]

That's amazing to hear Pauline, we're so happy you've made so many family discoveries!

[@Fourrings80]

I have been a fan of John since watching 3rd rock from the sun as a kid.

[@brandoncreel5845]

William Bradford is my ancestor also! Very interesting. Thanks

[@AngelaJeanBarr]

I have a Frederick Church painting in my home. I had no idea he was a descendant!

[@billvill61]

John Lithgow is a national treasure!

[@thra-x1855]

"why wont he hire me?" well John they say you should never mix business and family, but also, lol, what a guy!

[@barbarabbraaggrant3398]

It couldn't have happened to a nicer bunch of people, all distant cousins wow Clint, Sally, John Lithgow, yes, they each ensue that warmth, charisma 😊

[@dreamcatcher5502]

Really ?? Alec Baldwin ??? 😂

[@janel.8921]

⁠@@dreamcatcher5502That means all the Baldwin brothers.

[@vistulacooper6802]

My future Son in Law is his Nephew... I was like, "WHAT?!! I LOVE HIM AS AN ACTOR!" Then we just went on with our lives😁👊🏽

[@AncestryUS]

Does this mean you'll catch John at a future family dinner? (we hope so! 👀)

[@reginaldgoodman4917]

LITHGOW'S PERFORMANCE IN THE TWILIGHT ZONE PLANE EPISODE IS ASTONISHING

[@canuck_gamer3359]

I began researching my own ancestry when I was in my mid 20's. I was working for a man who found himself on local cable television, during which time he mentioned his grandmother. My maternal grandmother happened to be watching and told my mother that she had heard him mention the woman's name and told her that we were related to that family. After doing a little bit of checking, it did indeed turn out that me and my boss were cousins lol. Not as exciting as this story but we all have something to learn from our ancestry and it's definitely worth looking into 9 times out of 10.

[@mayflowerdescendant8785]

I am a decentdant of 12 mayflower passengers including William Bradford. There are many other celebrities also link to William Bradford.

[@savvastzionis9112]

It's time someone made a movie with those 4!!!

[@AncestryUS]

We think that's a great idea, Savvas! 😃

[@redbarchetta8782]

John Lithgow is on my list of Top actors.

[@cindyblankfield1961]

I am enthralled by this show & the stories & reactions of the guests. Dr Gates is a brilliant man who has brought joy and a sense of calm/ and humor to his guests. I admit that I laugh and cry each time I view the program. Thank you,sir .

[@AncestryUS]

Thanks so much for watching, Cindy! We're very glad to hear you've enjoyed the show, and appreciate you taking the time to share your kind feedback with us. We hope you enjoy the new season when it airs next January! 😊

[@SGoldsmith111]

I recently found out that I have three great grandfathers who came on the Mayflower, Chilton and Cooke…..and William Bradford is my 9th great grandfather as well.

[@OldLady-um9kt]

Hello Cousin, Gov. Wm. Bradford and Alice are my 11th Great-Grandparents. Hugs!

[@SGoldsmith111]

@@OldLady-um9ktHugs back!

[@KarlaMB]

Francis and John Cooke? Because those are my great-gradnfathers, 12 and 11x removed.

[@bahiras]

What a hoot! Lucky John Lithgow can trace his ancestry to such depth

[@melissawalker3888]

Everyone is related. Some dont believe it and some just don't want to believe it, but it is true. I think it is wonderful! It brings a whole new perspective to life.

[@ninemilestationmusic]

These vignettes are simply amazing…can’t get enough. Keep ‘em coming!

[@pkmcnett5649]

My ancestor was a ward of Bradford. Her father died, leaving her as an orphan.

[@carlymeredithhedge5799]

This is why I love Genealogy - finding out these cool facts and stories. Just wish I could get further on my mom's side since there is some jewish/polish/slavic heritage on that side.

[@monkeyb1820]

doing the dna can help, but the problem is that many people in there with shared dna have no clue on their own ancestry and/or don't respond to messages.

[@AncestryUS]

Thanks for sharing, Carly. We're happy that you love genealogy as much as we do. We understand it can be difficult finding answers sometimes so perhaps you may find some of the suggestions helpful in our article here: support.ancestry.com/s/article/Overcoming-Roadblocks-in-Your-Research?language=en_US. We hope this information helps and wish you the best with your research!

[@Catracks3]

It was wonderful to share this discovery with Mr. Lithgow.. he was genuinely moved and so was I.

[@gene8172]

Coming from MA, I can tell you William Branford’s name is revered here.

[@michaeld6147]

Everyone is related if you go back far enough.

[@patriciacarey1741]

Exactly

[@cahg3871]

Good but sadly overlooked point.

[@robharris8844U]

Not necessarily many people went to the New World much later than the 'Mayflower'. Just as important as they built on what went before. Many English in England now, can trace themselves back to William the Conquerer - who was French speaking invading 1066.

[@Implicit_Truth]

True, but 9 or 10 generations back is a relatively short distance down the true family tree.

[@michaeld6147]

@@robharris8844U The current estimate, is that every single person in this world is at least 30th cousin.

[@susanmarie2231]

I love this. My son, on his father’s side, is a direct descendent from the Mayflower through George Soule. I believe Richard Gere is as well.

[@AncestryUS]

That's so cool to hear, Susan! Thanks very much for taking the time to share this. We hope you've enjoyed piecing the puzzle together that is your family tree! 🌳

[@Lilluffy333]

this shows passed down knowledge and prospective can be so priceless its no coincidence this tree is so ripe

[@jeannemoore6610]

I really love all these episodes. Researching genealogy and history are favorite pastimes of mine

[@TubenIt83]

I had relatives on the Mayflower as well, but not the Bradford line.

[@AncestryUS]

It's so cool to hear that you've been able to get so far back in your family tree! Thanks very much for sharing where your research has led you. Have a great day, too! 😊

[@jaimejimenez8749]

I wanna see a sequel or remake of Harry and the Hendersons. 😁

[@melvinsmiley5295]

I have always been such a fan of John Lithgow. I hope one day I can shake his hand for all of the joy he has given me.

[@AncestryUS]

That is lovely to hear, Melvin! Thanks for sharing.

[@bowmanencore]

A man with a heart who understands one small change in history can lead to the deletion of a massive amount of people. The odds of us existing are far worse than us winning the lottery, yet here we are.

[@elizabeth97311]

Hi cousin!!!

[@rievans57]

Baldwin, Fields, Eastwood, LIthgow, and Childs all cousins to each other. Getdafucout!!!!!

[@vXIR0NMANXv]

They should teach this in history classes, it's incredible to see where some of the original colonists descendants have ended up.

[@judit1783]

WOW, that is some heritage line - so many creative people.

[@UlyKansas]

This kind of reminds me of that one part in the movie Coffee & Cigarettes where Alfred Molina discovers he’s related to Steve Coogan.

[@Troy-McClure81]

I am descended of one of the 4 Woman of the Mayflower,it's sad to see how few survived but wonderful how many thousands of us are alive to carry on for them and their dreams of a better life.

[@ellanina801]

I met John Lithgow after a performance of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. I even have his squiggle 😹

[@Humanity4ALL]

I did DNA with Ancestry and if I did it correctly, I may have Churchill, Lincoln, etc in my lineage

[@paullord196]

If you are related to Lincoln,you have plenty of relatives in the Washington D.C. area with the last name of Lincoln.I used to work with his 6 th cousin who is a spitting image of Mary Todd only thinner.

[@victorblock3421]

This is no big deal. You go back enough generations and some branches on a tree, you find many many famous people. It's a small world. I started over a year ago researching and found someone with over 45,000 relatives and he had my grandparents on his tree. This researcher easily showed me I'm related to Abe Vigoda and Andy kaufman. That's only the tip of the iceberg. I found other famous people. I thought this was the biggest deal. I got over it.

[@sidvicious332]

What did you have an ego for a little bit and you realized you'll never be as talented as them? Bloodlines are cool dude. You're just lame.

[@stanwoody4988]

The further back you go the fewer people there were, so it all converges. We all have 332 ninth great grandfathers. Of course, many of those 332 are counted twice or more because we are descendant from them on multiple lines.

[@epicgenealogy8853]

I had not seen Bradford's journal before, the highlighted section included my 11x great grandparents, the Mullen, my 10th great grandparents John Alden and Priscilla are mentioned, very cool to see.

[@rachelcritchley805]

I love the way he is just so fun and lovable.

[@tlo42058]

He's a cousin lol

[@lmc2375]

"That's phenomenal," except for the cousin Alec part. 🤓 I made myself chuckle with that one. He can now ring up Eastwood, and say, "Hire me before you depart this life, cousin Clint." 💖💫🙏😷

[@briandeschene8424]

Now now - nepotism is probably why it hasn’t happened so far! :-)

[@trevorgwelch7412]

Hey John what an incredible actor you are . Superb above and beyond . 😊

[@Stephm647]

That’s so cool! Little did he know he’s related to some of his fellow actors and other prominent people and artists. I wish my history was that exciting!

[@stacywilson4790]

It's only by the grace of God that the ones that did make it .Because so many died before even making to America .

[@terrancekayton007]

Wow Rich people related to More Rich people?!? get out of here 😂

[@Paulafan5]

Bradford wasn't rich, and all the other relatives of his aren't famous.

[@mountainmama7672]

My husband and I have a collateral Mayflower connection, to Bradford. My husband’s direct ancestors landed in 1623, the first family to land in Plymouth

[@thomasgreen1557]

Johns reaction in the intro is awesome 😂

[@sanchezchuy77]

Great now do the average joe.

[@Exiled.New.Yorker]

People forget that The Mayflower was a ship full of religious lunatics in a doomsday cult.

[@pamelaolson2449]

🙄

[@julienielsen3746]

They were God's children. Praise God for them. I'll meet them in Heaven someday. Praying for you.

[@CT-uv8os]

You got that right. Their laws were insane and treatment of others was horrorific. Europe excelled in such groups at that time. No wonder so many people ran off to live with the Natives. People have NO idea how much Native American culture has shaped America today. Peace.

[@maggiebannenberkowitz9254]

This is why journals from people of all ages and centuries are important!!

[@kendrasmith8087]

Fascinating..talent runs in the family!!!

[@AKABoondock19]

This is a great series really enjoying it

[@Itsmeggiejb]

looks like im related to john too! William Bradford was my ancestor also :D

[@RochelleWilliams-kv9vw]

John, I met you in an elevator back in 1983, remember me? I was the woman with the green shirt and ankles that you looked at? We seemed to have a real connection, Connor might be more in my life now but everytime I watch Shrek with my grandkids now I get tingles when I hear the little angry man you play speak. The ankles might have aged but my memory of that sure hasn't.

[@jamesdelcol3701]

Thomas Pynchon is one of my favorite authors. Very cool story. John's one of my favorite actors.

[@andreahegarty9262]

John lithgow is my nightlight!!love him so much!

[@adele865]

What a wonderful story and history.

[@SueProv]

That was wonderful.

[@morbidangel2424]

I could watch these all day i crave for more, to bad they cant be longer lol. I crave all types of history, keep up the good work