LL Cool J's "Devastating" Family Revelation | Ancestry®

[@wendelynanderson9517]

“it makes you wonder if your DNA Carrie’s shadows or consciousness…” What a profound observation ❤

[@shadeofdeepgreen24]

It carries memories

[@imaginempress3408]

​@@shadeofdeepgreen24agreed. We just have to access it.

[@bvbxiong5791]

it absolutely does. it carries predisposition. many separated twins at birth have proven that point...not always, but uncannily so.

[@Thrashedcrow]

I mean we know many animals have genetic memory, why not humans as well.

[@sandracrandall4561]

Environment is everything as well...maybe even more so. Just look at the youth today. 🙏

[@SueProv]

Very glad that you respected his privacy. Nice guy.

[@kimpossibilities]

Agreed

[@ComradeStiv]

Prof Gates is all class. Role model status.

[@SueProv]

@retsub3 yes very much so.

[@alysonturcin-weller7443]

Right?

[@tomevers6670]

His grandma cheated on his grandpa with a famous boxer……..

[@Abijah12411]

It's nice that he learned who his biological grandaddy was, but the man he was raised by is just as much his grandaddy...my step daddy was more of a dad than my biological dad, of this I am thankful😎🌹

[@ccbarr58]

The man that raised you is your father. Anyone can father a child, but it takes someone special to be a dad. Dont you forget that LLCool J!

[@NotParentExpectedShorts]

It depends. Some relationships are toxic. Individuals will define their relationships. With luv ❤️

[@ditiquel]

Absolutely..he loved you and raised you. He's your grandfather

[@lamartruth6601]

That's information that he has a right to know. Maybe they could've had a relationship

[@Minister1Little]

Very well said

[@eburel506]

Takes more than blood to be a parent.

[@sunnywhether]

Met him once in New Orleans and didn’t realize who he was. Once he saw I didn’t know him, he really opened up and we talked for 15 min at least. I’d like to think he still remembers the hippy chick he met who spoke to him for just being him.

[@sunnywhether]

He told me to call him Will J

[@lulumoon6942]

These are the moments I've enjoyed with famous people, just being real.

[@johnbethea4505]

I am 77. Until a few years ago when i took the Ancestry test and found out that my father's father was not my real grandfather and i have been living a lie all of these years. Since all of my elders are dead i have never found out who my real grandfather was. Very disappointing, but i am glad that my father and one of his brothers never found out...

[@AncestryUS]

Hi there, John! We can understand how shocking this must've been finding out later in life. Perhaps you might find these tips helpful in the long run with your family research: support.ancestry.com/s/article/Overcoming-Roadblocks-in-Your-Research?language=en_US We hope this information helps and truly wish you the best on your journey of self discovery!

[@johnbethea4505]

@AncestryUS thank you very much..

[@ComradeStiv]

The older the generation the less likely they were to talk about things. Troves of secrets and skeletons back there.

[@bjacres7057]

I am the oldest link to so many people, especially younger generations who were not from what we call super families. These younger people can't connect easily to 2nd and 3rd cousins. That's why we older people need to take dna tests because we have the memories and the dna connection.

[@JdeeGeekyGao]

I'm in my early 40's and I found out the same thing except it was my mother's father. My mother had an idea but no proof and she passed away before this kind of DNA thing was readily available. Pretty sure I've had DNA matches from the bio family but both my grandfather and bio one passed before my mum so I can't confirm cause no one in my mum's family as in siblings will take the test.

[@gail9299]

His biological grandfather definitely looks like him!!

[@msjackson4332]

💯🤎🤎🤎🤎🥂

[@mmcdonald1000]

Yes he does. I see where LL Cool J got his good looks from 😊

[@AncestryUS]

Hi there Gail and Michelle! We hope you both enjoyed this episode of the show!

[@dunbarcustomsound]

Wow! They look like father and son

[@jeffbrown6533]

As soon as I saw the photo I said that he looks just like him!

[@bpdynasty9265]

WAIT....he totally looks like his biological grandfather! Amazing!

[@AncestryUS]

It's uncanny how clear Ancestry can be sometimes! We hope you've made some fantastic family history discoveries of your own as well.

[@jake-qn3tl]

Imagine that

[@ComradeStiv]

I love that exec producer Prof Gates names the amazing folks behind the scenes who make all this happen. Doesn't get any classier 🙏🏼

[@SJLamb-te3dt]

He is a wonderful human being whos work breathes compassion into the world. A blessing to all the thousands of lives he has touched both directly and indirectly.

[@pamelamays4186]

Gives his video Momma Said Knock You Out a whole new meaning.

[@gwenaguilar7049]

LL I know discovering your grandfather wasn't your biological grandfather was a blow, but he obviously loved you as if you were. That is a priceless gift. Nice that you were able to track down your blood relatives. Your book isn't finished and each chapter has shaped you into the person you are today. God isn't done with you yet. That book is still being written.😊

[@waterandshovelgardening]

DNA is an amazing tool for the recovery of a person's ancestry. I'm so happy LL Cool J was able to find his relative and discover something more about himself and his mother.

[@val_nightlily]

It took some courage on his and his mother's part to go public with this.

[@SueProv]

Yes. I respect them.

[@Mrsquick]

Wow! LL Cool J looks just like his grandfather. I'm glad his privacy was respected, and he had a great experience from this. 😊

[@lizw495]

Oh my gosh, such a respectful way to handle such a sensitive topic. 🥰I love this artist and I love this series

[@AncestryUS]

Thank you for the kind words, Liz! We're so glad you enjoyed watching this segment.

[@washyshortshot3013]

And his most popular song is MOMMA SAID KNOCK YOU OUT

[@diamondheadstudios951]

What a handsome grandfather!

[@joannlacy2276]

LL has a new family to embrace 🎉

[@chalabrooks5433]

Yep, Grandfather was a looker and see where LL gets it from.😊

[@leslie5161]

After doing my DNA through Ancestry, I found step brothers and a step sister. My step brother and my son had a picture taken just after they met. Same stance, same body language. And he and I use a lot of the same terminology. Inherited traits can be amazing

[@caitlinmackie4602]

Do you mean half siblings?

[@Ribcrickett]

Step siblings don’t typically share DNA.

[@Skiskiski]

Usually Steps don't have close traits unless they have close DNA. So did you mean that you and them shared a parent?

[@mmcdonald1000]

LL, your grandfather that raised you is your grandfather. I was raised by my mother and stepfather my whole life and I didn't meet my biological father until I was 14. I called both of my fathers my fathers. It takes a real man to father a child even if it's not biological. I see you got your good looks from your biological grandfather. 😊

[@AncestryUS]

Hi Michelle, and thanks for stopping by! We are glad to hear you had such strong role model in your life and that you were able to finally meet your biological father. Thanks for sharing!

[@patrickbyrne5070]

Always seems Gates is such a kind and thoughtful man.

[@swimnwfishes]

This episode was why I researched my bio-family. I was successful finding both bio-mom and dad.

[@ComradeStiv]

In my 20s I asked mom if there's any way to contact my real dad. They split within a year of my birth. She called information, got the number, and gave me the phone lol. Nice enough guy, well liked & respected, stable, long since remarried with kids. But I soon lost interest in staying in touch and cultivating a relationship. I couldn't get beyond the fact he had two whole decades to reach out but never did. I heard he passed in 2013. And so it goes. Finally started building my tree on the Ancestry site. Totally didn't expect the software to be so clever and impressive. Interface very intuitive. Making amazing speedy progress, completely hooked. Countless surprises and discoveries - some pleasant, some not so much. Excited to see how far back I can go.

[@AncestryUS]

Thank you for sharing your story, Steve! We're so glad to hear how helpful you're finding the Ancestry website for your genealogy journey. We wish you all the best!

[@AncestryUS]

We hope you enjoyed watching this segment from Finding Your Roots. To learn more about how you can start your genealogy journey with Ancestry, please check out: www.ancestry.com/c/ancestry-family?_gl=1*jd14oq*_ga*MTM0MzA0MzUwMy4xNzEzNjM1NTY0*_up*MQ..

[@annew8365]

I’m so glad he’s moved to NCIS: Hawai’i! He’s a great actor. ❤

[@Skiskiski]

Saw it on streaming 😅😅😅 yesdiddy.

[@lamarlamar1524]

That’s crazy LL is a boxing fan without him knowing that his ancestors was boxing amateurs that’s wild!!!!!

[@AncestryUS]

Perhaps some things really do run in the blood! Thanks for watching.

[@SutekhDaSteemroller]

epigenetics!

[@mimis105dobbins3]

I’m a 66 year old female and I have had serious crush on LL Cool J for many years. He is one smooth man ❤

[@NevinReid-zy4ry]

His Rap.carer is over

[@jthomp72]

The John Henry Lewis named in this clip is the same John Henry Lewis who fought James Braddock, or Cinderella Man. So if you watched the movie, you've seen LL's uncle.

[@joannlacy2276]

Wow hope LL knows that🎉

[@adamwatkins1150]

I cannot get enough of these episodes.

[@AncestryUS]

We're glad you enjoyed, Adam! Thank you for watching and we will bring you all the upcoming guests we can in the near future. In the meantime, perhaps your own family ancestry has similar reveals? Feel free to start your own Ancestry journey here: www.ancestry.com/c/ancestry-family

[@MareMeyer]

He looks like his genetic grandpa. Wow

[@dianefiske-foy4717]

That’s the same exact thing that I thought.

[@jake-qn3tl]

Well shouldn't he? Lol

[@rheeryder2524]

​@@jake-qn3tlDo all grandkids look like their grandparents? 😶

[@jake-qn3tl]

@@rheeryder2524 it can't be surprising

[@Parasiteve]

i love LL so much. hes made some of my fav songs and hes just an all around good person.

[@DannaK247]

Incredible unveiling for Cool J.

[@mslj4062]

This is the BEST show on any TV, cable or ANY network!!!! 🏆💯🏆💯🏆💯

[@AncestryUS]

Hi, MsLj! We're so glad to hear that you've been enjoying Finding Your Roots. If you'd like to see if you can catch up on any episodes of the show that you may have missed out on, or if you'd like to see where you can watch the newest episodes, you can find information on any available episodes via the PBS website here: www.pbs.org/weta/finding-your-roots

[@richinoable]

Dna has shadows... That's deep. I wonder is this a good metaphor for epigenetics...

[@Glen.Danielsen]

Professor Gates, I love, love your series. Thank you for it. 🙏🏽

[@lunagal]

This has always been my favorite DNA story. The complete show on LL was fascinating. His grandparents and mother were not who they all thought they were DNA-wise. I urge everyone to watch the whole episode, not just this snippet.

[@andreadaley4058]

Can't help but like the guy!

[@mstaz1688]

Wow, he looks just like his bio grandfather. Sounds like LL channeled him for “Mama Said Knock You Out”, too.

[@dianefiske-foy4717]

My nephew met LL COOL J. He was in an episode or two of “NCIS: L.A.” and took a picture or two with him.

[@AncestryUS]

Oh that is exciting, Diane! Thanks for sharing that with us. We hope you enjoyed this episode of the show!

[@dianefiske-foy4717]

@@AncestryUS … You’re welcome 😊! I enjoyed the episode a lot.

[@NevinReid-zy4ry]

Really what did he say about LL what was he like

[@dianefiske-foy4717]

@@NevinReid-zy4ry … I don’t know. He didn’t say. I just saw the picture.

[@NevinReid-zy4ry]

@@dianefiske-foy4717 oh that was Nice I wonder if LL wanted to take that picture

[@lovedaybebe5881]

This was very moving. How wonderful for him to find this connection of boxing. His DNA must have the same determination and strength! I don’t have a television , but if I did , I would love to watch these episodes in full ! My father never knew who is father was. There’s a grandfather shaped hole in my genealogy .

[@AncestryUS]

We're glad you enjoyed this segment! Thank you for sharing your story and we wish you the best for your genealogy journey.

[@Ldonally84]

Mama said knock you out.....dang

[@shaughnessyoncue]

I recognize the name John Henry Lewis from the movie Cinderella Man based on boxer James Braddock (starring Russell Crowe). The two fought each other in the movie and real life. How cool! That was LL's great uncle.

[@coppertopv365]

I agree what he said about dna carrying shadows. Ive seen it as well. I found my dad 5 years ago

[@AncestryUS]

Hi Coppertop! Thanks for stopping by! We are thrilled you are enjoying the show and even more so that you had recently found your father. Have you been in contact with them?

[@chrisp1355]

So exciting about the boxing connection.

[@BruceMusto]

John Henry Lewis, I have definitely heard that name before.

[@MegaPhilmat]

The work you do, and the care you do it with is amazing, all love and respect ❤

[@joeherleth9274]

The research that CC Moore does and the knowledge of history and story telling that Dr Gates does makes this the BEST show on TV.

[@nonafleming8378]

I love Ll. I've always called him my twin brother because we share the same birthday. I'm glad he found the truth. Peace be unto him and his family ❤🙏🏽

[@successfulsmiles]

😮 He looks just like his grandfather!

[@coneyoster1275]

Never met my Grandfather on my Father's side he died in the late 60s. But i named my last son Raymond as well and was the 4th. After 48 years , my age, thanks to my little brother I learned that my great grandfather was named Ray as well so it Pushes me to the 4th amd my son to the 5th. Amazing.

[@Colthrone]

LL still looks like he's in his late 30's.

[@LiquefiedRottingSnails]

this is my favorite youtube channel

[@Taina2024]

Oh my gosh, wow! I've seen this for people who I know, but its usually a further grandparent! I think that it was great to show this, bc a lot of people who get their DNA results have experienced a parent situation or worse and LL is a celebrity! Perhaps it makes them realize that they aren't alone!

[@AncestryUS]

Hi, Taina! We're so glad to hear that you enjoyed our clip from Finding Your Roots, featuring LL Cool J. If you'd like to watch full episodes of this fascinating show, you can see how to watch any available episodes via the PBS website here: www.pbs.org/weta/finding-your-roots

[@kristinaparker5597]

Wow, LL heavily favors his grandfather..

[@marygardner7289]

LL you should be so proud ! A man that was not your blood ! Did a great job in rising you !Look at the great young man you are!

[@itneverrainsfunk4808]

Still got my I'm bad album up on my wall in my garage....he will go down in history as on of the best not just rappers but entertainers!

[@boondoggle4820]

This is an incredible story and it illustrates the impact of nature in the whole nature versus nurture debate.

[@redmoondesignbeth9119]

In the last 5 yrs all the dots connected and I realized my dad was not some Midwestern Hick but the son of a powerful Chicago Gangster. The DNA is what is amazing to me. I have a very "wolf like' way of dealing with things. Now it makes sense.

[@jake-qn3tl]

So you attack deer when you have to deal with things?

[@redmoondesignbeth9119]

@@jake-qn3tl I am actually real Chill....but I have a certain Vibe that I tried to muffle....and now I see where it comes from.

[@PAMELAENEAS]

❤❤❤IVE ALWAYS BELEIVED THAT LL WAS SO COOL AS HANDSOME AS CAN BE..ROCK ON DUDE!!

[@jake-qn3tl]

He looks Filipino

[@patrickbyrne5070]

This is why science is important folks! Love Gates, love LL. Top blokes

[@Lily_of_the_Forest]

The host is very classy and respectful. The man who raised and loved you is your DAD. Any man can be a father, but only strong men can be DADS.

[@vw1649]

LL Cool J, has his grandfather's lips..that was one of the first things that I noticed.

[@mikeholton3914]

my paternal grandfather was adopted during the depression, in the south this was basically handled by the one family taking the adopted kid to the other family and just handing them over, with both families annotating in their family bibles what had transpired. this has made my finding my roots a bit difficult. we think we know the old family name which was Calhoun, but we aren't certain.

[@AncestryUS]

What an intruiging starting point you have there. It's always a shame when life developments disrupt family records. If we can ever lend our services, please visit the Ancestry site to see what we can offer for your discovery journey. www.ancestry.com/c/ancestry-family Thanks for the viewership and have a great week, Mike.

[@laviebanale]

😂 Whenever I hear LL Cool J, it reminds me of what Lisa Lampanelli said, “Why take Jerrod from subway, when you can have LL Cool J?” 😂

[@debbeasher-k4764]

WOW! Great findings 😮

[@juanitamatlock7001]

I was known as 7 of nine until I got engaged to my late husband…. As a engagement gift….. my mother told me that my dad wasn’t my father and that she had lost a child. I honestly don’t know when she lost this child . I would love to have answers.

[@hazelbrownsugar6846]

Momma said knock you out!😅 What a coincidence! I'm glad he was able to see and hear about who his biological grandfather was❤😮

[@nasserabdi2630]

legend LL Cool J, greetings from Somaliland 💚🤍❤

[@ItsMadeNChynna]

“Mama said knock you out”

[@jennymcgowin9140]

THAT IS SOOOO COOL!!❤

[@joeknowz4898]

I didn't know my dads dad either. he died when my dad was 15... My dad said he wasn't in his life much after he left them when he was 8.. My grandmother remarried after she got divorced in 1955.. ( against the law in the church back then ) and married the grandfather I knew and loved...My moms dad die a few years after I was born and her mom never remarried. My wife had grandparents only on her mom's side, her dad too was divorced and remarried my mother-in-law and his parents passed years before they married.,Its not "who" is your family.. its who is there "in" your family that matters...

[@KSMO1031]

It would be interesting to see how many families DNA lined up with what they thought. My grandfather changed the family name in the 1920's. None of my aunt's and uncle's or dad knew about it. I only found it out after accidently stumbling onto a family link due to a misspelling of a last name. Life isn't always what you think it is.

[@Airbear211]

We have a pretty incredible story through our Ancestry DNA tests. My mother is adopted, and she found her biological mother and father. My mother is an opera singer, and we found out that her great grandmother was also an opera singer from Italy. We also found out my great grandfather was a pro golfer, and I have played and loved golf all of my life. DNA is interesting, to say the least.

[@AncestryUS]

It truly is incredibly fascinating! We're grateful for you sharing your story, AriannaL. Thanks for stopping by!

[@renee6511]

Wow that DNA is something ❤❤

[@vincenza2319]

Where can I watch the rest of these stories?

[@joannlacy2276]

PBS channel

[@lamontemckinney9724]

LL much respect 🙏

[@lindalacey9671]

Wow his biological grandfather looks so much like L L Cool J. Blood family isn’t always the ones that love you the most.

[@michaeldavis8617]

Wow that’s amazing

[@kendrasmith8087]

Love LL Cool J.

[@johnnyc3184]

Whoa. Amazing.

[@kevingaddis7276]

I don't see what it matters. Blood is nothing. Love is every thing.

[@HopeAndrea_HFG]

Incredible moment.

[@RyanLogan01]

is it just me or does his grandmother look like Queen Latifah??

[@jasondawson92]

Yes I won’t be surprised if they are related

[@mikewatts1533]

The man took it upon himself to raise his grandson to be a man. It did not matter that there was no blood relation.

[@gerrymarmee3054]

While “blood” kin seems so important, and is, this also shows the importance of the kin that are there. That raise us, that love us.

[@monapatrick5930]

Love this show ❤😊

[@mariabuckley1749]

Wow! ❤

[@1TightMinute]

My aunt is a divorce lawyer and she urges every man to get paternity test done on their kids. She says 30 to 40% of the time one of the children isn’t theirs. That’s an insane amount to me. She tells some clients this and they still don’t get it done bc they don’t want to know.

[@melindadurchholz3738]

LL Cool J has always been an interesting and talented person since he came on the scene with "Goin' back to Cali"!!

[@rheeryder2524]

Ahem: Rock the Bells. Krush Grove.

[@melindadurchholz3738]

I need a beat!

[@melindadurchholz3738]

I know he was a rising musician before ‘Goin back to Cali’ but he and his video exploded and blew the other ones away with his style. I think Angelica Huston was in it initially.

[@jaymillymills]

Mamma said knock you ouuuuut😊

[@xandermarley8552]

Mama Said Knock You Out!!! 25 years b4 he even knew his REAL lineage 💥🥊💯

[@jw11432]

I do think there are certain traits we have that are carried in DNA. My grandfather, my dad's dad, I realize later in life I have many of his characteristics. Some good, some bad.

[@Yah-Yah733]

I love Henry Gates! I have all of his documentaries!

[@SMOOVKILL1]

One of the G.O.A.T.' of hip hip!!!

[@AncestryUS]

Hi there, SMOOVKILL1! Thanks for stopping by. We do hope you enjoyed this episode with LL Cool J as much as we did!

[@ogsemi-automusic813]

Respect to LL the GOAT

[@sophieb86]

Love LL

[@lolly1405]

I don’t think you should ever consider anything you find out in exploring your families history as devastating. Learning some thing about who you are and where you came from is never devastating.. It can sometimes be surprising, but it’s really other peoples history. You’re making your history right now. You’re observing or learning about their history. I want to know every detail I can find out good bad or ugly.

[@b.m2133]

He looks like his grand father.

[@barrychilds109]

I was always an admiring fan of Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. 's work

[@a.thomas501]

This happened a lot in many a black families. And the secrets were taken to the grave.

[@LLCoolJArchive]

❤