Pamela Adlon's DNA Mystery is Finally Solved on Finding Your Roots | Ancestry®

"Better Things" Actor Pamela Adlon comes to Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. to solve a DNA mystery that's been in her family for generations in this clip from PBS' Finding Your Roots... and he delivers. Get your Ancestry® free trial today: www.ancestry.com/s119573/t4517...
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00:00 Introduction
0:21 Meet Pamela Adlon’s mother
1:55 Pamela Adlon’s finds a surprising family twist
4:43 Pamela Adlon’s long-lost aunt is found

[@AncestryUS]

"This is an amazing gift!" We agree, Pamela. Drop a 🌳 if you're ready to start your own family history journey.

[@gailkennedy5727]

🌳

[@gailkennedy5727]

Grandmom had five siblings. We knew not one…

[@kellygeter3449]

🌳

[@ms.t7614]

🌳 My Dad’s family from both his grandparents.

[@katievioletthedivadog8662]

Through my ancestry DNA I found a nephew that I never knew about. He was looking for his biological father and it turned out to be my brother. It has been the best addition to our family. He is such a wonderful kid and I feel so blessed that he is in our lives. My brother was his sperm donor and my nephew wanted to find his father. We are one big happy family now.

[@susanwilliams7062]

I think it’s wonderful when families accept and welcome unexpected members. My philosophy is the more people to love, the better.♥️

[@elsajones6325]

@@susanwilliams7062 but there are those who can't get past the pain of betrayal that they refuse to see or talk to the newfound members

[@katievioletthedivadog8662]

@@elsajones6325 I agree. In my case though my brother was a sperm donor.

[@joycebowen8958]

Congratulations 👏 me too! Although my idiot brother wants nothing to do with him I adore my "new" nephew. I have chosen to include and embrace him and the family that adopted him when his mother let him go. He's now in college studying marine biology. Couldn't be more proud and so happy he considers me his aunt!

[@jeromemurry755]

Omg! The exact same thing happened to me in our family! DNA found a nephew we never knew about! My 2nd eldest brother fathered him! I'm glad he found us and met his father before he died.

[@AL-fl4jk]

Dr. Gates is the ideal host for this show, he’s like a kind uncle walking you through family stories

[@Rhov9]

YES! That’s the perfect description! He’s such a comforting presence while explaining everything they found.

[@dps6198]

You may recall Dr. Gates was stopped by a police officer for a traffic violation and was full of false outrage because the officer didn't know who he was. At the time he was a professor at a university near where he was stopped. Obama got personally involved by attempting to broker peace over a couple of glasses of beer which was a horse and pony show really for Obama's benefit. At the end of the day I am sure Gates realized his actions were in appropriate and the arresting officer was trying to do his job when he, Gates, refused to obey the lawful orders of a police officer. The end results are that Gates and Crowley are amicable to each other. It is also been determined they are related by blood to an Irish ancestor. We are all related to each other you just have to go back far enough to prove it. Did you know that now deceased black comedic/activist in a now deleted YT video, encouraged people of color not to cooperate with the police that these laws were white man's laws and they had no obligation obey them. That video had well over 10s of millions of views. The comic/activist was very influential when alive and those few words has the dramatic repercussions we see today. I sure wish I could find that video...

[@kittyfrog0]

This happened to me. I found out many years after his death, that my grandfather knew my mother wasn't his. He still loved us unconditionally. The most wonderful man who ever lived.

[@amit4Bihar]

He must have a very large heart. Society is cruel to good people. He didn't deserve it

[@tonisumblin2719]

❤

[@wandertree]

He sounds like a very special man.

[@elizabethlinsay9193]

When my father found out that his wife, my mother, had had an illegitimate child before he met her, he immediately wrote her children into his will. I love you, Daddy.

[@chomama1628]

The greatest gift is to love a child even if they aren’t yours biologically. A very special person.

[@MoonLightOnWater1]

I was born into a nuclear family of four. After loosing my only sibling six years ago and my mother 4 years ago I took my elderly father in to live with me- a single woman with no children:, just us two against the world. Two years later through a DNA test (and at the age of 58) I discovered I had a completely different biological father-and two half brothers, three nieces and two nephews! I had the pleasure of meeting them all earlier this month. They are just WONDERFUL people who welcomed me with open arms. Now I have a dad and a biological father….both are just fantastic men who I’m fortunate to have in my life!❤️

[@nicktampoy2305]

What was your dad's reaction tho? This kind of truth is disrupting. But, well, that is what the truth is for.

[@youcantfightme8282]

Beautiful ❤️

[@alison2649]

How did that go over with your dad? Did he know you weren’t his before this revelation?

[@sh-oo4wm]

omggg

[@qs4177]

Your dad must of been devastated 😢

[@elwoodstroder9476]

I discovered that the man I grew up thinking was my father is not. Through Ancestry I found my biological father (deceased), and have met a new sister and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Fortunately, they have all been very accepting.

[@AncestryUS]

Thanks for sharing, Elwood, it certainly sounds like a really life changing discovery to make, we hope this has not been distressing for you and your family. We are glad that you have met some of your family with the help of Ancestry too. If you are interested in sharing some more of your story with us, you can do so on the website, we've included a link for you here: support.ancestry.com/s/article/Submitting-Your-Success-Story. Thank you again, we wish you all the very best for the future too! 😊

[@user-ub3jy7li8y]

The man who was always there for you and helped you grow up will always be your father

[@gtillman96]

I’ve been told that I was adopted since I was old enough to understand- it’s funny- my entire childhood I wanted to look. Now, though, I really don’t care.

[@hessu3]

@@user-ub3jy7li8y exactly.

[@cavisionbanta813]

I grew up with my mom lying to me about who my father was as well. Wasn't until he was long gone 4 I learned da truth. Also, new relatives who I have linked up with through Ancestry and the truth I have learned from both sources have been a blessing.

[@AaronAngusRubinstein]

Don't forget that a loving father or mother don't have to be DNA related, it's that they are always there for you and give you love and support.

[@chrsd2536]

💯

[@melissasaint3283]

But it is important, if possible, to at least find out health information about your genetic relatives. That can be very important and useful.

[@kazimirawolf]

100000% agree. I do recommend for anyone to find out any genetic health factors or to do it just for fun!

[@sandeedobberstine5591]

Well said!

[@shawneevee7490]

Every child has the right to know who their biological family is. Adoption can be a very painful thing difficult to understand. No matter how much you were loved as a child the pain of knowing you were unwanted at birth never heels. You simply learn to live with the pain. Birth parents and adopted parents are completely separate and adoptees should never have to chose one over the other. It's ok to want to know more about a birth family and that has NOTHING to do with your adopted family.

[@PinkHawk191]

I found out that my family is from Ukraine. My great grandmother is from Crimea. My great grandfather is from a small town outside of Kyiv. I am a third generation Ukrainian American. My family’s last name is Udalevich. I finally know who I am and where my family comes from. My great grandmother and my great grandfather escaped during the Polgroms. I wish that I had gotten to meet them. My Hebrew Name is Chaya Esther after my great grandmother. I carry her name. We are Ashkenazi Jews. I am so proud to be a Ukrainian American!

[@hannathompson7998]

My dear friend, who’s father committed suicide when she was 6 years old, took a dna test in her 40’s and found out her real father was alive and well in California and she had multiple half siblings. Man oh man. Mama had a lot to answer for!

[@youcantfightme8282]

Wow! That’s really tough

[@mikebrase5161]

plot twist it wasnt a suicide.

[@williamwilson6499]

Whose.

[@larsonfamilyhouse]

It’s not her fault he did that. She is not to blame.

[@H-Vox]

@@larsonfamilyhouse i don't think that's what they were suggesting

[@pamelaleannefreeland9025]

Wow. What a gift to her mother! I’m so glad that her mom and her new half aunt are alive and well and can hopefully meet! How incredible!

[@AncestryUS]

We're thrilled that you enjoyed this so much, Pamela. We hope it's inspired some of your own research too! 😄

[@kimfitzgerald702]

Through ancestry I was able to connect my dad with his brother whom he had not had contact with for 70 years. We were able to setup a video chat for them. Sadly dad’s brother was in poor health and died six weeks later but he told his son that he felt at peace because he had had a chance to speak to his brother again….it’s never to late to try

[@bredagner4632]

This story is beautiful and made me cry.. I'm so happy your dad got to have that reunion before it was to late.

[@tknows470]

That is so beautiful that you gave your uncle and father that gift.

[@keddiemeal]

Wow that is such a blessing to be able to see and had a chance to see your own family before you die.

[@patriciajrs46]

Good for you. Bless your heart.

[@tamihawthorne480]

I have a friend that has been my close friend for twenty plus years; I was even a bridesmaid in her wedding. One day we were sitting around chatting with my mom and come to find out me and my friend are distant cousins. So a beautiful soul that means the world to me became even more special to find out were related.

[@jimgibbon6982]

First, we found my wife's grandfather. Then we found my Great Grandfather's entire family. It has been a gift.

[@ImageDesignLLC]

I was adopted 57 years ago and when both my adopted parents passed. I got an Ancestry DNA kit and started my search for my birth parents, within the first year I found both my birth parents and their families. Best thing I ever did I just wish I would of done it sooner!

[@AvatarPrimus]

Leonard Leece, what an extraordinary guy, sometimes unknown heroes don´t wear capes and are not really apreciated even for their own loved ones and Leonard is one of them, God bless his soul and memory!

[@shop-a-holic3194]

Was he known?

[@opticscolossalandepicvideo4879]

They are celebrating the deucebag who was never the father and ignored the family. Leonard was the true hero.

[@SheilaR.08]

He raised Pamela's mother as his own. ​@@shop-a-holic3194

[@Nimue56]

Through DNA I found out that my brother in law has a son, and my cousin's daughter who she put up for adoption found me. Through a cousin who I met through DNA, who are the best two people in the world told me about all these family members that I never knew I had. My grandfather had 7 siblings I never knew about. It's a whole new world. WOW!!!

[@RetiredSailor60]

I found my birth mother 25 years ago along with 3 half-brothers. Though we never refer to ourselves as "half" anything. We're brothers period.

[@AncestryUS]

That is a wonderful perspective William! Thank you for sharing your wonderful story with us, it is always incredible to hear!

[@user-hm6bn6kw6k]

Excellent attitude. We are ALL related, you know.

[@shadowkissed2370]

Thanks to Ancestry DNA, I was able to find my father. Through him, I learned that I have a younger sister and an older brother. A couple months ago another older sister found us, she is only 6 months older than me. I learned that I grew up in the same area as my older sister and we probably passed each other on the street.

[@francescathomas3502]

I know exactly how Pamela feels. My mother was born out of wedlock in 1937 and was later adopted out. She had to do a DNA test to find out who her birth father was. My mother also has a cousin who was raised on a family story that says that his legal father may not have been his biological father. That story also turned out to be true. Again after a DNA test was done. DNA is brilliant for finding out the truth. Adoptions are no longer sealed records. Sperm Donors no longer have any anonymity. DNA can track them all down as well.

[@AncestryUS]

Hi there Francesca! It's wonderful to hear that you've been so successful with your own DNA family research, such incredible finds! Thanks so much for sharing this with us and for being one of our valued members. Have your mother been able to get in touch with any relatives on her biological father's side so far? We wish you all the best on your continuous family research journey!

[@alhollywood6486]

How has your life been improved by destroying your family?

[@mlr4524]

@@alhollywood6486 Everyone deserves to know the Truth, period.

[@aquntio]

@@alhollywood6486 you are really weird, all of your comments are the same.. i’m guessing you have a family secret you don’t want to get out at all. lmao!!

[@shirlepps4636]

Even in the sixties having a child out of wedlock caused confusion in families. I'm glad you found out the truth. Everyone deserves to know were they come from.

[@chapina1492]

Through DNA I finally confirmed that my paternal Guatemalan grandfather was adopted and his father was not Guatemalan. The family secret was that my great grandmother got pregnant by a foreigner.. She lived in a sea port called Puerto Barrios. He goes back to his country and she was pregnant, then married a man who adopted my grandfather as his own son. My dad's Y-dna matches, over 2000 of them, all reside in Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, Australia and very few in surrounding areas. It was a fun discovery. Wish I could find out what my real last name is.

[@randomobserver8168]

I love Pamela's reaction. Just the most recognizably human joy and shock.

[@pisces228]

Pamela is so down to earth abd likable. I'm very happy for her whole family. What a wonderful late-in-life surprise for two sisters!

[@AncestryUS]

We're so happy to hear that you enjoyed the video, thanks so much for stopping by!

[@camjamcam1]

Yes, it's amazing that her newly-found aunty is accessible, receptive, and living in the same country as Pamela and her mum. I hope they can meet and create a bond.

[@Noneya99799]

Being adopted i always thought of myself to have Italian or Greek heritage, dark curly hair and blue eyes. But Ancestry came back 1/3 Irish...! It was exciting to have the knowledge and also over 300 cousins from all over the world.

[@Sean-jc6cu]

Those features are very common in Ireland, contrary to popular stereotypes

[@Noneya99799]

@@Sean-jc6cu I need to do more Irish history for sure. When the world settles down a bit would love to travel over there.

[@ba8501]

Yes, dark hair and light eyes are very common Irish traits. I am not sure about the historical implications but it would be interesting to find out.

[@ernestoavalos6321]

This is exactly what happened to me 2 years ago… I found out my mom had 5 half siblings thx to an ancestry dna test… we went to meet the rest of the family in LA from Guadalajara Mexico… it has been one of the most amazing gifts life has granted us… my mom couldnt be any happier and now she went from being a single child to have a huge family!

[@ernestoavalos6321]

Btw this helped me to trace my linage all way to 1491 in a little town in Extremadura Spain, all 15 generations documented one by one

[@cattails1166]

I also have a similar story. I was looking for my biological maternal grandfather. I think that I narrowed it down to which son, but am not 100% sure. After emailing DNA matches from his family, there has been silence. This has been a devastating setback. My mother died without ever knowing who her real father was. I would love nothing better than to see a photo, hear family stories and reclaim that lost part of my family history.

[@kathleenherron594]

It's hard to know a family rumor lingers, and now the truth came out. She and her Mom should also circle back to respect her English Grandpa for raising her as his own.

[@GaelinW]

If being raised by him was a positive experience. It may not have been if he know she was another man's child.

[@louchat333]

A very good man.

[@sahej6939]

That’s your journey, not hers!

[@crusmonster1397]

I was gifted an AncestryDNA kit by a very kind stranger when they found out I couldn’t afford one. I was hoping it would help me find any paternal-line relatives since I didn’t know much about my father’s paternal line beyond my grandfather (who had passed away 6 years before I was born). While I’ve not found many yet (2 so far, but they’ve not responded to my messages), my DNA test has connected me to distant Finnish relatives from my maternal grandmother’s paternal grandparents, who are my most recent immigrant ancestors. Those distant cousins have helped me tremendously with building my family tree beyond my gg-grandparents. For that I will be forever thankful ♥️.

[@alishamassa]

Yes! My awesome Finnish relatives had a bound book of family ancestry to share!

[@rebeccamd7903]

I was lucky enough to help 2 strangers find their family and share the family stories. One was dying and it feels good to know I brought him joy before passing. Now I am on a mission to find my grandfather to bring peace to my mother. We’re waiting for her dna test to finish processing and we have a potential match using my dna. Fingers crossed everyone!!

[@Sanity_Faire]

Update?

[@grcleve7053]

I can relate. Through Ancestry DNA I was blessed to find a half-sister my family was unaware of. It was a big surprise to her as well.

[@bobbiemitch]

Growing up I knew that there was something off with my lineage. To make a long story short, I found that my Mother was actually my aunt, my Aunt was my biologic mother, and I had 3 half sisters on my mothers side. My daughter did the DNA test on a lark and got a strange e-mail from a cousin back east. I did the DNA test as a result and found my biologic father's family. He related to the family that he fathered a child while in the Navy, so something could pop up some day. That was me. Unfortunately, he died several years prior, but I did talk to his surviving brother and first cousin. Seems as though I have several half brothers and sisters on my paternal side. And in all my 70+ years I grew up as an only child. It is sad to think that I'll never be able to see that side of the family.

[@carolsmart238]

Thru my ancestry DNA test, I discovered that my father was not my biological father. My parents separated, got back together & then divorced. She took my older sister & I to live with her at her mother’s. She was working & my grandmother took care of us, but needed to go back to work. Mother was tricked into signing us over temporarily so she could gets things straightened out & didn’t bother reading what she signed ( she was in her 20’s & trusted him). It was permanent & try as she might, she couldn’t get us back bc he remarried & could provide a stay at home wife & mother for us. I was 2 & a half & my sister 6 & a half. I rarely got to see my mother & grandmother, who were living paycheck to paycheck, but very loving. Years passed, & only my step-mother was still alive & I was in my 60’s when I did the DNA test. I found out that I had been raised by my mother’s first husband & his second wife. Their son was not my half-brother. We were not related & my sister was only. My half-sister. My biological father was from a large Irish Catholic family & he & his brothers have all passed. No one has any answers. From what I could guess & piece together, he couldn’t marry a divorced woman & she went into a tail-spin. She married & divorced 4 times & never found love. I’m divorced, but very happy to know celebrate I’m 50 per cent Irish! Maybe, after COVID & the World calms down a little, I’ll be able to try to meet up with some Irish 🧙🏻‍♀️

[@dreed1058]

Both parents thought they had American Indian blood - however, none showed up in Geneology or DNA. My paternal grandparents thought a family named Silverthorne was Indian - they were related, but the family was from England!

[@jjaa6157]

We all thought we had German ancestry with the name Helmer being my paternal grandmother, but we were blown away when we found out we were Dutch, as well as Iberian, Scandanavian, Italian, French and Asian.

[@AncestryUS]

Those can be surprising results, JJ AA. What else have you learned after learning about your connections to these regions of the world?

[@stephanieyee9784]

Donna, did your parents grow up in an area called Indian Territory or similar? Apparently a lot of people who grew up in such areas thought they were Native American but weren't. They just lived in or outside areas later designated as Reservations. DNA for genealogy purposes is amazing and do many people are getting closure after years of feeling like outsiders in their own families. It's also great for clearing up old family mysteries and legends.

[@elisabethlavery4473]

@@jjaa6157 Dutch & German are similar, so the assumption of German heritage is understandable.

[@AncestryUS]

Thanks for sharing that, Avril. That is a major discovery about your great grandfather! Have you been able to learn more about him or his family lines? We hope you'll learn new facts and add his stories to your family history.

[@jeffmorse645]

I saw that episode. It was so cool and I was smiling ear to ear for Pamela and her mom. Genuinely happy.

[@maritimus17]

Absolutely love Pamela Adlon! So glad they found answers for her and her mother

[@downhilltwofour0082]

Thank you Dr. Gates for the wonderful work you do!

[@21bebaescandon]

Sir, you are an amazing human being. You and your crew have done so many good things foe many people to make them feel better about themselves and their family history. Amazing! Thank you 🙏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@AncestryUS]

Thanks for stopping by, Courtney. We hope you enjoyed this video, it's amazing to be able to share these type of stories and we hope they are inspiring for other as well. Have you had the chance to dive into your own family history? 🙂

[@dee_dee_place]

I totally understand 'the code of silence'. I accidentally found out that my Dad had been married & divorced before marrying my Mom. I asked my Mom if I had any siblings that I didn't know about & she angrily said no, then turned to my big Sister (who let it slip about Dad being married twice) & screamed at her to shut up. Well, one day my Dad asked if I wanted to see his 'Gett'... his Hebrew divorce decree. My Mom went ballistic & said, oh no you won't. When my Mom died I went through her papers & she had apparently thrown out my Dad's 'Gett' because I couldn't find it anywhere. I now have no idea what is the maiden surname of my Dad's ex-wife or the surname of my 2 step-siblings. I'm pretty sure they don't have my Dad's surname.

[@AncestryUS]

Thanks, Steven. We're glad your enjoying the shows. We'd encourage you to check your local listings and streaming service provider(s) to watch full episodes of Finding Your Roots.

[@roseberryrebornnursery3035]

I found my grandfather as well! My Granny went to her grave with the secret but thanks to DNA I can at least see his face and I've met my mom's half brother 🥰

[@patrickmckinley6679]

Hi 👋 Roseberry, how are you doing?

[@fb8015]

Through Ancestry i was giving the gift of a half sister and three beautiful nieces♥️. Actually a beautiful extended family that i have visited a few times since finding them 5 years ago. Words can not express how thankful i am to Ancestry. Now working on my tree my dream is to have one done and printed like in the show🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@AncestryUS]

How amazing! Thank you so much for sharing this with us. We're truly humbled to learn that our test could play even a tiny part in helping you connect with your half sister and nieces. We wish you all the best for the future, and hope you'll be able to make some wonderful discoveries as you continue to research your family history too. Have a great day, and thank you so much for your comment! 🙏

[@patrickmckinley6679]

Hi 👋 Filetza, how are you doing?

[@AncestryUS]

Hi, Sinndy. Thanks for sharing. We're so grateful for the many teachers that teach our children. Sometimes difficult things inspire the best to come out in us. It sounds like her students were lucky to have a teacher that was passionate.

[@cactusmomma]

I found 2 brothers, a sister, multiple cousins, and the locations of my deceased grandparents. It was breathtaking being able to visit their gravesites, not realizing that they were not even an hour away from me before.

[@RaysDad]

Through DNA testing I found cousins I'd never heard of. It turns out that my grandfather was married for a year before he met and married my grandmother, and he had a daughter with his first wife. No one ever told me! My grandfather and grandmother are both gone now; they had four children and were as close and as happy as two people could be. But they never visited by grandfather's first daughter; they treated his first marriage as though it had never happened.

[@mslowry]

I have a similar story! My grandpa was married for a couple of years & had a daughter. Then he met my grandma, divorced his wife & married grandma all within a couple of months. They had 4 boys & were extremely close. But my dad says that when he was around 5, a teen girl knocked on the door looking for her dad. Grandma & grandpa turned her away & never talked about it again. I did a dna test a couple of years ago & one of my closest matches his grandpa’s daughter, my dad’s half sister. As my grandparents are deceased, I asked dad about whether I should reach out to her. He said no & my uncles agreed. Well, I reached out to her anyway & she’s never responded to me. The whole thing makes me sad.

[@RaysDad]

@@mslowry I'm sure it was very traumatic for your father's half-sister to be rejected when she tried to reach out to her dad.

[@anndeecosita3586]

@@mslowry Wow I can’t believe your grandparents turned her away. How cruel

[@siraksleepmastersiraksleep9814]

@@mslowry she must be still very upset by the fact your grandfather rejected her and acted as if she never existed, not your fault that she doen't answer but don't expect it to change, no matter how many years have passed those things are the kind one can not forget.

[@stefincanada]

I'm so happy for her family , I hope this turned out well for her mother & 1/2 sister

[@Nurichiri]

I had a similar thing happen. My mom was adopted, and while she found her bio-mom, her bio-dad's identity was far more difficult, especially since - as I found out later - a false name had been given. I took a DNA test through Ancestry and found a second-cousin willing to help. Now I not only know who my bio-grandpa was, but that I am a quarter Italian.

[@stevenhambek846]

Most heartwarming program I’ve ever seen! Thank you for posting it on you tube.

[@AncestryUS]

We're so thrilled that you enjoyed this so much, Steven! We hope you continue to enjoy more of these kinds of videos in the future too. Have a great day! 😊

[@stevenhambek846]

@@AncestryUS i would love to see complete shows. All your shows highlight our history in a tasteful way helping bring some things full circle. I remember many times actors and artist and other celebs got information the list is long and mind boggling 😍😢🍿

[@N1RKW]

This is truly heartwarming, and a great way to finish my day. Thank you, Ancestry!

[@AncestryUS]

We appreciate your comment and we're delighted you enjoyed this. Thanks for stopping by, have a good day! ❤️

[@redeadhead4]

She is such an amazing talent, so happy to see her feel so rewarded from this information. Anyone who's nice to Bobby Hill is a friend of mine.

[@AAXS-op1vo]

DNA testing is amazing for the most part. My mom was in her eighties before getting an answer to a question she has had her entire life: did she have Native American ancestry? She had memories of a grand or great grand mother that looked curiously “different” than the average African American. She was darker but had high cheekbones and long straight black hair. My mom said that as a child, she was always trying to figure out what she was because she “looked different”. When my mom took her DNA test, she came up as 2% Native American. It was really great to see her finally get an answer to her long held question about her bloodline. My dad’s DNA test was an even wilder adventure as he came up almost 40% from various European countries and had 2% from a place called Caucasus! So many different countries and cultures represented in our bloodline, spanning from Africa through Europe and even into Asia.

[@erictalbert4633]

Love this show. Love moments like this!

[@codyflowers8758]

It also can cause a lot of pain and trouble in the families. It’s a very difficult thing. Finding one’s history and hurting others in the search. Just be very careful of others feeling!

[@AncestryUS]

Glad you enjoyed it, Mandy. We hope you'll record your experiences along with your ancestors' stories to add to your family history.

[@downhilltwofour0082]

I am constantly amazed by the work Doctor Gates does! He has had such a wonderful impact on so many people through his chosen profession. I have to say, I love the man!!

[@spider46531]

Ancestry brought me and my moms birth fathers family together. By that time though mom and her father had passed away but now I have a huge Irish Catholic family. I got to meet my great auntie and one of moms half sisters. Tons of cousins!!!

[@CatherineAKennedy]

so, so happy for Pamela and her mother and of course their dear sister & aunt...

[@leapingkitties]

Yep that's exactly how I reacted with some amazing discoveries of my own. Totally get that. Awesome.

[@AncestryUS]

Thanks for sharing, Jonathan. What have you learned so far? Are you part of any communities that have helped you to learn more about your Spanish family lines? Good luck as you continue to research and learn more.

[@danishaussie63]

My daughter found my 'others' as I call them. I look more like my father than my 3 half siblings. I speak to two, and the other one doesnt want anything to do with me. I ended up being the old and have a total of 7 half sibling all combined with the children my 'sister' had...yes thats right, my sister was my birth mother. You know you can hide your secrets for just so long because in the end, they always come out in the end...and off course DNA helps lol. My daughter also found a huge amount of family history going back centuries in Denmark...but thats another story lol.

[@bearthedog12]

Maria your story is so amazing! I’m glad that most of your half siblings are in communication with you! Gosh I would love to hear more of your story it sounds fascinating. Kudos to you and your daughter!

[@gloriaschaffer2896]

I k no

[@AncestryUS]

Hi Maria, it sounds like your daughter has had a lot of success researching your family history. It's great that you are in contact with two of your half siblings.

[@danishaussie63]

@@AncestryUS Thank you for that. I think she was a detective in her previous life lol. Lots of success researching. Apparently our lineage goes right back to Gorm the Old. Now wouldnt I like that verified!!! Have always grown up with stories about being of 'blue blood'...maybe we are.

[@MegaAloly]

by having my Ancestary DNA test i found a lot of my lost cousins here in Australia and in the USA also learned a Lot more from where i am from my dad was European my mum Australian and spoke rarely of my roots when they passed away a lot of info was lost and as a dad and grandfather i wanted more info SO happy i did the DNA test - sweden denmark england wales and the baltics a rich tapestry of info so happy.

[@paigegottesman8445]

I love pamela adlon, and this is amazing! I cant wait for Better Things.

[@annagarner1280]

How wonderful that would be to find out they're still relatives alive that no one knew about it would be nice to see the extended version of Pamela's introduction to her aunt and her mom's introduction to her sister hope everything works out in the end and they all get together on a regular basis before the very end

[@adele865]

This is so wonderful. I have to say that Ancestry has helped me so much. We managed to find the parents of my maternal great grandfather, and then, also discovered a big surprise with dad's mum who turned out to have been adopted.

[@AncestryUS]

Thank you so much for sharing your incredible discoveries with us, Adele! We are thrilled that you have enjoyed such amazing success with us. ❤️

[@adele865]

@@AncestryUS Thank you. It's been such a wonderful experience.

[@AncestryUS]

We are so glad and wish you continued success! 😊

[@jennifermiller1160]

2 years ago my mother wrote me a letter saying she had an affair and she did not know if the man that raised me was my biological father. Fear kept me from doing a DNA test for a long time but I had to know the truth…. happy to say the man that raised me was my biological father 💜💜 family secrets suck

[@dorcaswalker1867]

It’s refreshing to hear an American pronounce English place names correctly. It’s also amazing that two related people but unknown to each other end up in America from what is really a very small place in north west England though not far from the docks that lead people to Ellis island

[@randomobserver8168]

I'm always going to be torn between two principles, that people get to keep their secrets if they can against all comers, and that children deserve to know their true heritage, ideally by the time they are young adults. Not an easy set of choices. But it is undeniably cool when some hidden truth is dug out and a picture is completed for someone.

[@matthewhuszarik4173]

I believe the children’s rights supersedes the parents right. Transparency should always supersede opacity.

[@judyperri9496]

Children’s rights come first No one , not even a parent has the right to that secret

[@erinlennon6036]

If it helps you at all, there are fatal but preventable diseases like ovarian cancer, that surgery or lifestyle and dietary changes will solve. Having an accurate understanding of your genetic inheritance is far more important than someone's privacy.

[@bookmagicroe9553]

In our family several people have a genetic condition leading to blindness. It is only possible when someone closely related has a child. We suspect an affair, but no one will talk. Even into their nineties, no one will talk. Meanwhile this younger generation must go far away to find a mate, since they do not know who in the small town area they are actually related to.

[@SopranoSistah]

I say NO to such secrets! Respectfully.😊

[@northernprovisions5679]

Where in Canada can I watch full episodes of finding your roots?? I always watch clips and I LOVE them!

[@marinecorpswarrior915]

After years of searching I finally discovered who my biological father (deceased) was and that I had a biological half sister living literally right around the corner from me. I also discovered that my ancestors apparently did a lot of traveling, I have DNA from 13 different ethnic groups.

[@et76039]

Ancestry has helped find a relative we believed existed (she was adopted out), and may have found another one we had no hint about. Some of us in the family have also noted that the written documents about my great great grandmother (census, gravestone) are impossible to reconcile with oral history, leading some to wonder if there were two different women. My great great grandfather filed a Confederate pension application that is consistent with the oral history of my great great grandmother, but makes no sense otherwise.

[@patriciajrs46]

So cool. I love her excitement. Great job.

[@kosys5338]

I am the total opposite. I grew up never knowing my mother, I had never met anyone on her side of the family. My father raised us but like my mother we have never met anyone on his side of the family. I have never known of or knew who my grandparents were, never had aunts, uncles, cousins and the like. Now with all that being what it is I have never had this urge to find out who everybody is and sort it all out. To me it was just a past best left in the past. So I found it difficult to relate to the burning passion to find out, but that's just me I'm not saying there was anything wrong with it. We are who we are. Cheers!

[@grahamemackay1770]

Beware!!! I have always thought of myself as a person who is driven by reason rather than emotion. Truth is always preferable to untruth. I have discovered that blissful ignorance can be a preferred option. As a retired person vastly closer to death than birth, I can in all honesty say that I found out things I would much, much, much rather have not known, which have caused enormous emotional upheaval and which have completely distorted my previously positive memories of my immediate antecedents. Love converted to almost loathing - how depressing. I did not know this kind a emotional state even existed! Discovering sibling no problem and actually quite fun. Losing them? Devastating! !!

[@cathaymcrae2401]

Why lose them. Every shared experience is positive and emotional ties can be very positive too. Getting to know people even if there is no blood tie can mean a lot.

[@Cyclonus84]

This is one of the best shows on tv today. I hope it stays on it for a long time and never gets cancelled.

[@Africa-ky1bg]

I bet Pam ... called her mother before leaving this location ...told her ...pack a bag & bring some old photos ...& flew them over to meet her mother's step sister immediately. THAT would also be a lovely reunion to see on film ! Such happiness & Joy she expressed here 6:13 ~ SO lovely💞😭tears of joy !

[@LWms517]

After taking an ANCESTRY DNA test, I found out my father's father was not the person we were all told. Since my father died 23 years ago, the only person I could as was his sister. My aunt. She refused to talk about it. Refused to believe it. I've found more answers on my own since then, busting through more family secrets.

[@cherylhughes9487]

Love this! Very similar to my family story.

[@patrickmckinley6679]

Hi 👋 Cheryl, how are you doing?

[@sinndymorr6358]

Yes..that code of silence. Grandmother didn't share that our family came to America by Indentured Service. I do suspect, that her passion for teaching her students about such things, came from our families past.

[@helenh20mo]

I found my mothers biological paternal family with ancestry DNA, sadly her father had passed... but his paper trail dried up . He has disconnected with his own family at the time also.. it was wonderful to meet up with cousins from his family .

[@karenroberton3290]

Love watching this. Prof. Gates is the best.

[@CarbonatedBorger]

I had found a surprise cousin through my DNA test. He didn't want me to tell the family yet though. I was his confirmation that his mother cheated on his dad with my great uncle. She has already passed and he wanted to wait until his dad passed before asking me to help him meet my grandfather, his biological uncle, and his half siblings. My great uncle had already passed so my new cousin wanted to lessen the total drama. He wasn't looking for new loving relations, just the truth. I was able to fill him in for the most part so now he knows who to not let his kids date lol.

[@blt4239]

Maybe every family has secrets. I've been a big fan of Ms. Adlon's for years (first saw her on Louis CK show). Isn't it great that she has this amazing news to bring to her mother!?

[@carsonwieker]

Incredible, wow. Thanks for sharing.

[@AncestryUS]

Thanks for stopping by, @Sea Gypsy. What have you learned while researching your family lines? We hope you'll learn new facts and add to your ancestors' stories.

[@kimberlypatton9634]

Thanks to Ancestry,I have discovered SO much info about my descendents from the 2 brothers who were recruited from Austria in the late 1700's to have jobs working in the Virginia coalmines..my family tree is so massive ..from just these 2 brothers,and the stories are so remarkable! But on my mother's side,I am lost..just as this poor lady was,not ever having heard her say anything about her biological father or who he was.It just wasn't talked about and she kept it hush hush to her grave...So I'd like to go further with my search ,specifically on my mother real father's path this time...

[@stevegabbert9626]

Finding Your Roots is my absolute favorite show, maybe of all time.

[@justayoutuber1906]

I always thought it was about hair coloring

[@dannschmit8604]

Ancestry... PLEASE PLEASE put up all full episodes of all seasons. I would be beyond grateful!!! I am poor and can not afford anything above my internet connection. No streaming, downloading... nothing else. Thank you so much.

[@shaunstrasser1]

I have a cousin who finally found her biological father and several half siblings about three years ago. She was welcomed with open arms as so were her two children

[@suzywilliams6610]

I could tell my Mum at aged 83 the name of her biological Father through Ancestry DNA. We had no name just the town he was from and his occupation a policeman.

[@krotma]

We wanted to know why my father was the only hispanic-looking person in a family of pale, mousy-haired scandinavians. Ancestry told us "We dont know, you're all totally related. Genetics are weird LOL!"

[@patriciajrs46]

Great story!! Loving it.

[@AncestryUS]

Hi Patricia, and thanks for stopping by! We are happy to hear you are enjoying the show. Thanks for sharing!

[@Chrstnrchrdsn]

Pamela! Come back with “ Better Things”. Love you and the cast.

[@checle4499]

I have a very similar family situation - except my mother died in 2005 and so never tested. Thru DNA testing, I have the names of her grandparents? but determining which son has been much more difficult. Plus - the couple that are MCRA might be great grandparents and there might be an unknown grandson in the mix - based on ages and time period. It is complicated and I continue to wait for others to test. Pamela's story gives me hope.

[@over50t66]

I’m in the same boat. I hope you find your family.

[@cathaymcrae2401]

When you say ‘MCRA’ is that a last name? It is mine, which I searched for for 30 years. It is a special spelling which was discovered in The US just by scanning an old book and by incredible luck. Just wondering

[@cynthia3433]

Just found out the same thing myself from my DNA test. I'm hoping for some happy endings too.

[@Susweca5569]

My paternal grandfather was the 1st one born here from Somerset, England. My arrogant father told us we were "English" and that was that...PERIOD. I do have some English ancestry, but not all that much because I'm also descended from the invading Danes and it turns out I'm genetically literally half Scottish. The real surprise was from Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan? I did NOT see that one coming.

[@christopherallen9580]

Very cool episode! Love Mr. Gates.

[@avrilelliott9438]

We found out that my paternal great grandfather was a Russian Jew from Latvia, we had been led to believe he was maybe Spanish, Italian or Greek due to our dark skin.

[@avrilelliott9438]

@@no_name3005 Sorry did not mean to insult anyone, I was just trying express that I thought Ancestry was excellent at actually being able to answer a long held belief and the result was nothing like we expected! But in my defence Ancestry did show his family as being bang in the middle of Russia on a map.

[@joyce7892]

I would LOVE to have seen that reunion. What fun!

[@AncestryUS]

Glad you enjoyed it, Joyce. What did you enjoy most? We hope you'll record your experiences along with your ancestors' stories to add to your family history.

[@jenniferdnoseworthy2348]

I come from a blended family, so many secrets that took so long to sort out. But, our family, Mom adopted Dad’s and Dad adopted Mom’s, they had me together, then we adopted my younger brother and then they had my sister. So, 7 kids all under the same name and we were never and def do not refer to ourselves as half’s or steps and all that BS. My Mom used to say to people who would ask such rude questions, “ they are yours, mine, ours and somebody else’s “ lol. It was a huge inside joke for us. We have it on her headstone knowing she’d get a chuckle out of it.

[@NS-mz8gq]

I gave my wife a dna test for Christmas as more of a ethnicity result and after receiving her results,she was expecting a high English and Scottish ethnic mix,but instead she got a high Eastern European result.So after talking with her mother she confided with my wife that she had a one night stand with a famous baseball player and that he might be her father.Not long after my wife got an email from a gentleman that said he might be related to my wife and so they started writing to each other.So his mother had a one night stand with the same baseball player and had him.My wife’s non biological father was a good man and a good father and as far as she is concerned she is not interested in finding her real father.As far as her half brother he said that he tried to get in touch with his father but he wasn’t interested and the same with the father’s children.So the moral of the story is that we go through life believing something that might not be a fact and I know that DNA testing science has opened a door where a lot of us don’t want to go but at least we can find out the truth and it actually doesn’t hurt that much.I know for a fact that humanity’s history is going to change because of this science and that is a good thing especially because we have been lied to for a long time.