RuPaul’s Full Circle Moment With His Mother Left Him In Tears | Finding Your Roots | Ancestry®

In this emotional Finding Your Roots, RuPaul learns that caring for family runs in his blood. Watch his full circle moment come to life as he discovers his family history with Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
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00:00 Introduction
0:21 RuPaul learns of his 3rd great-grandmother’s enslavement
2:18 RuPaul finds an incredible family record
3:23 RuPaul shares emotional story of his mother

[@AncestryUS]

RuPaul's family discovery gave him a whole new appreciation for his late mother. What stories have you learned about the women in your family?

[@klyanadkmorr]

Same story for Jefferson's kids by Sally

[@frederikdemoor2018]

I remember everything, I will be there as long as they want me to be.

[@LeeToucheck-pm3oo]

I also took care of my mother till her dying day which will be 8 years March 27th and I took care of my father till his last days made 4 years on February 7th I'll always remember my dad's mom's cooking but my mom's mother ill remember her always cause everyday I hear her name and see her name cause I was named after her were both Lee Alice

[@paulamusicnme5234]

As someone who cared for my mother until her dying day, I understand the honor he felt to take care of his mother.

[@VeronicaGarcia-gj1be]

I also cared for my mother and did in return what my mom did for me. Seeing and hearing him talk about his mother got me really choked up.

[@willielandrum3359]

me too😢

[@razorjean]

circle of life guys they looked after us when we were young, we do the same when they are old.

[@patriciajackson2565]

I cared for both of my parents when they were in hospice care. It was emotional caring for them in that way, but I'd do it all over again for them.

[@moyashisoba]

Same here with my father. It was truely an honor and filled with pure love. The most beautiful days in my life.

[@Yryyyys]

RuPaul's middle name is Andre like his ancestor!!!

[@sugarismagic]

wowww!!!!

[@rachelle_banks]

How cool.

[@ryanamari2233]

His great great uncle

[@tuity3357]

Wahhhh

[@charyperalta1037]

He is most likely a reincarnation of his uncle

[@davenorth8922]

Ru's story about "helping" his Mom on her deathbed brought me to tears. . .

[@swicheroo1]

I've seen Rupaul around town quite a bit. He's always in suits. But the first time I met him was at a pool party in the Hollywood Hills. Not in drag. Just in a silver swimsuit. Fun times.

[@johnson2joy]

Me too....

[@paradoxicalcanons]

Right there with you, Dave.

[@joytuc2608]

Me, too

[@rondothard1698]

its a real thing! We should not be ashamed of it .How many times did we mess our pants and they rescued us?

[@TMYPiscesSunandMoonRising5548]

When my husband proposed to me, he said my mother and I are a packaged deal. He had been taking care of her for the last 18 years after her stoke. It was my honor to help take care of her for the last 10 years until her recent passing. I completely understand Ru'Paul. My MIL did not want my husband seeing her when she had an "accident" or to bath her. I took over those duties. She was an amazing person and taught me so much about being a wife and woman. I miss her terribly. 2022- Today is the anniversary of my MIL passing. Thank each of you for your heartfelt responses. My husband had a rough time especially since her passing fell on Father's Day. We are still taking it day by day but it's definitely not as hard from a year ago. I hope each of you are doing well mentally 💗. Thank you all so much again. Make it a great week on purpose 🙂.

[@rescue9810]

You are a very strong, loving and considerate person ❤️

[@TMYPiscesSunandMoonRising5548]

@@rescue9810 thank you so much 💛. Our vows for better or worse included her. She was so amazing and giving and a firecracker right up to the end 😁. I truly miss that woman 🥺.

[@rescue9810]

@@TMYPiscesSunandMoonRising5548 you’re welcome. Honestly I don’t have a great relationship with my own mother so it’s nice to hear other stories of people who do have a good relationship with relatives or in laws. It’s very heartwarming. She sounds like a very happy woman and must have been very honored to have a great daughter in law such as yourself.

[@TMYPiscesSunandMoonRising5548]

@CureLucky23 thank you. This is a thankless job but it's our family ya know. There will be some hard days for sure but stay prayed up and have patience with them. They are losing their independence and it's very scary for them. Treat them with dignity and not pity.

[@rainotter]

I completely understand. When my grandpa was losing himself, I took care of those issues and it's humbling and sad and beautiful all at once. I would do it all again.

[@MrKevinEaddy]

My Man Rupaul hasnt aged in 30 years

[@nashantastanley3261]

And makeup preserves the skin...when you cleanse and reapplies it daily...not wear new makeup on old layers...NO

[@blessthemchangeme7706]

Black don't crack, baby

[@almondeyes6353]

I have a respect for this man because he said that he is honoured to clean up the soil of his mother....so was I....so was I..

[@slimtee2]

Beautiful people, you and Ru are. I have too much selfishness in me, and can't imagine doing this. However, I am not sure how capable I am if ever it came to this.

[@fromthefountofyouth]

@@slimtee2 If it came right down to it and only you could, you certainly wouldn't leave her to fester in her soil. Things, I have come to realise, are only as good, bad, or whatever epithet as we make of them.

[@sandranorman5469]

Me 2-remember when I was called to clean up after my Mom. Truly felt blessed-that I had spent my medical training into helping my Mom. Bless you Ru.

[@a.t.c.3862]

I was privileged to do it too - it really is a holy thing.

[@desireedempsey4573]

I love you! My last moment with my mom was fixing her hair and dressing her in a brand new outfit. I knew she was going for good and I wanted her to look nice. Stripping her out of her jammies and helping her into those new clothes broke my heart. She was so weak and frail. My mother in her youth was a tall bombshell. The kind of woman men slow down and stare at she walks by. Was so grateful that I took that moment to restore some of her dignity before she died.

[@AncestryUS]

Thank you for sharing your story Desiree. We are sorry to hear about your mom, but it warmed out hearts to read what you did for her. Thank you again for sharing what must have been a difficult time with us.

[@THEDOORIZCLOSED]

Yes. My mother appears weak and frail as well. She used to be very shapely. Its a scary and saddening time for me to see her like that

[@sadoucelouis2549]

😭❤️😢..same here

[@kristalraya730]

This made made me cry you are the type of people we need in this world and i am sure your mom watches over you and is proud of who you are. I am a mother myself, so what more could a parent ask for to be loved to the point of our children knowing what we need in the end even emotionally.

[@MrRaziel25]

i have no doubt in my heart that her heart was glowing with love and happiness for what you did for her and smiled all the way to the gates of heaven:)

[@lisahumphries3898]

Rupaul is such a beautiful spirit.

[@justayoutuber1906]

Read about the fracking he does on his 66,000 acres

[@berta.9912]

@@justayoutuber1906 silence you sinner

[@radseed9802]

@@berta.9912 Big Bertha

[@berta.9912]

@@radseed9802 Big Rad

[@radseed9802]

@@berta.9912 Quiet you JUMBO!

[@lauraabbott6235]

How can you not love RuPaul? Was very impressed and humbled by this tidbit into his life but also by history in general. Thanks for sharing.

[@AncestryUS]

We're so glad you enjoyed the clip, Laura! ❤️🌱

[@cher2815]

Fracking

[@agunahadvocate6301]

Gorgeous vulnerability. True beauty

[@carishaw4143]

Love RuPaul, such personality!

[@Nativegirl1985]

Bc he lets oil and fracking companies contaminate the Earth on land he owns.

[@wintermoon6978]

I cared for my grandma for the last 7 years of her life. She was non-ambulatory but could transfer from chair to bed. One time near her death, she stood from the wheelchair and began turning to get situated over the bed to sit down when she fell. I was behind her so I made my leg like a chair to catch her. As she landed on my thigh, she had a bowel movement. She had no pants on, and she was extremely embarrassed. I got her in the bed and cleaned her up as she was apologizing profusely. I told her to stop apologizing because I felt special now…I told her that there’s few people in the world who can brag that their 91 year old grandma shat on their lap, but now I can. She laughed so hard she nearly shat again. She was my best friend and I miss her so much. I can relate to what RuPaul is saying here and he almost made me cry.

[@natty8891]

Takes a special person to let someone keep their dignity

[@clubsnatcher]

He didnt love Julie enough or he loved her too much to free her. A sick love, that is.

[@johnson2joy]

Enslavement involved so many complex and inter generational entanglements, with the oppressor & the oppressed in the words of Buju Banton, "Half the Story Has Never Been Told"......

[@lmnoqrst4067]

Maybe they loved each other ... they couldn't stay together if he freed her

[@sunrae7680]

@@lmnoqrst4067 Bull crap. Probably kept her working and cooking....

[@cheesecakelasagna]

@@lmnoqrst4067 they couldn't stay together because she'd leave, and that's reasonable.

[@lmnoqrst4067]

@@cheesecakelasagna they could not stay together because inter racial relationships were not accepted.

[@yellowhouse5510]

The reaction in Rupaul’s eyes is very emotional. So happy that he gets to shine like the star he is, to bring light to his ancestors who came before him.

[@ericballi4701]

Wow...how moving. Especially the last part when RuPaul was taking care of his dying mother.

[@junie6pope]

I adore Ru Paul. He’s a sweetheart.

[@AshLoRo]

As a mother myself, I just want to hug this grown man, who is old enough to be my father. But the little boy within him.

[@AncestryUS]

Hi Ash, thanks for stopping by. We are glad you enjoyed this video.

[@kimweidner7351]

Wow, that just touched my heart to the point of tears. Helping his mother the way she has helped him "in that way". Touching.

[@shermancoleman5941]

Same here I'm crying now

[@AncestryUS]

We're so glad you enjoyed the clip, Kim - and that Ru's story touched you as much as it touched us! ❤️🌳

[@ckd0680]

I did that for my great grandmother, my aunt, my grandmother, & my mother!!! I am honored to be able to say that I know EXACTLY how you feel Rupaul in helping your mother in that manner! GOD HONORED ME TO DO THAT FOR 3 GENERATIONS & IT WAS THE GREATEST HONOR OF MY LIFE TO DO SO!!!!

[@eternalconfusion6226]

I wasn't as lucky. When my dearest sweet grandmother, my second mother, had a stroke I was 18, still thinking like a child and her downfall shocked me. I was too young to help her but not too young to not feel guilty about it. And when her daughter, my aunt, my other mother, had cancer, I swore I'd do it for her and get a redemption for my Grandma. But alas, covid came and she had a heart attack during the quarantine. There isn't a day that I wish I could be by their side, helping them out with everything, taking care of them. ❤❤❤

[@dia9491]

The love, the hope in this story by Nanette and Andre, I’m just in tears. They needed their mom and they never gave up on her. Just beautiful.

[@AncestryUS]

Hi, Diana. We're glad to hear from you. Thanks for letting us know how much you've liked this segment of Finding Your Roots. This story was amazing!

[@georgealderson4424]

When he said helping his mother was the most beautiful moment of his life, it was itself a beautiful moment.

[@stephaniemc9948]

Amazing to see him not in drag. He’s a beautiful man either way.

[@caramelchaos]

He only dresses in drag when he's being paid for it. Otherwise he dresses in men's clothing

[@javierlopeztapia5588]

@@caramelchaos he’s out of drag more often than in drag

[@sunrae7680]

He said he has to be PAID !!

[@cheesecakelasagna]

@@javierlopeztapia5588 Yeah, I know him more out of drag than in.

[@mitzithompson6585]

🥰❤💖💝💘

[@Robotchickjenn]

I could listen to Ru Paul talk forever

[@dyvazhousboutique]

It's was a privilege to take care of my mother until she let go. I started crying at the end because I know how RuPaul felt.

[@michelemaliano7860]

Omg! I’m in tears about his mother’s story.

[@tknows470]

Me too 💖

[@JonathanXLindqviust]

Ownership is the darkest impulse of "love". A insecurity of being unpicked, of not being up to snuff to others so they wish to rob the person of the choice. To own them.

[@BaptistJoshua]

I am sorry, but you do not understand the history of this time. People sometimes bought them out of love, to actually protect them. Some founding fathers are documented to have bought them, and tried to purchase entire families, to keep them together. They lived in a world where that is what they could do to care for them. They treated them as respected employees. Thomas Jefferson fought against slavery, but many powerful men would not hear of it, and so you read of the founders pleading with other men to end slavery.

[@MaryvalePress]

I'm loving Henry Louis Gates, Jr.... And Ru, you made me tear up

[@beanem.3989]

RuPaul is such an exceptional human being - such a compassionate and intelligent man. I love him ❤️

[@wendybutler1681]

An enlightened soul.

[@KK-gn8nm]

Wow, that is the most emotional story I have seen here so far... People who have amazing mothers will tear up.

[@PomegranateStaindGrn]

Or people who wish they had amazing mothers. I definitely teared up. That was a beautiful story.

[@anidiquaojala1804]

I've experienced the same feeling caring for my Mom in the last days 💞

[@tcconnection]

How beautiful to feel so graced to help his mother like that

[@mandysaied]

The story of helping his mom brought me to tears. I have 2 little ones. That’s how it’s supposed to be ❤

[@v.a.993]

Yes. RuPaul, helping your parents when they need you after a lifetime of them doing for you is special .

[@franjones5312]

Woo, chil'. Did not expect RuPaul to make me cry today. I totally get it. My Mom lives with my husband and me. It's a lot of work, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

[@IKHANOGRAPHY]

Rupaul as a Caregiver for his Mother was really touching. I can relate so profoundly to his experience.

[@texanasimmons1761]

What a powerful tidbit into the life history of such a powerful entertainer.

[@AncestryUS]

We're so glad you enjoyed the clip, Texana! We hope you'll join us on PBS for the full episode ❤️🌳

[@choosewisely616]

To return to our loved ones the dignity and unconditional love they’ve shown us is a gift. Treasure it.

[@misslotuswisdom8545]

I cared for my dad until his last breath and now mom. I get it and felt in my heart what RuPaul said. Grateful for this video.

[@merlinstwin7373]

I love Ru Paul's sense of completion with is mother, like completing the circle. I felt the same way when I held my mother's hand as she lay dying.

[@DrNancyLivingCoCreatively]

I'm an epigeneticist. And Dr. Gates is my hero...ever episode gives me chills. Bless RuPaul. Your life enriches the world.

[@cynthiahawkins2389]

We looked after mom until she died, in her sleep, love surrounding. I remember thinking that the woman who brought us into the world...for us to help her leave it in peace and dignity, was a true honor. And a gift that altered the trajectory of my life, and my sister's.

[@hjisagirl]

I know what helping his mom when she was helpless felt like, as I bathed my dad several times, in his last days of battling cancer. It was poignantly meaningful to go full circle with him.

[@Magyarleanzo]

RuPaul’s presence has always made me happy. Seeing his family’s story makes me appreciate him more 💗

[@jennifercedillo7861]

I heard RuPaul's interview with Oprah many years ago and became even more fascinated by him. His story telling is so touching. This one in particular was so humbling and open. What a gem of a person.

[@AncestryUS]

We're so glad you enjoyed the clip, Jennifer! 🌱❤️

[@tiffinyharrington9307]

I helped my mom like that when she was on her deathbed and during the five years before her death. It’s so true how moving it is to be able to offer such intimate care to your own mother. Truly an honor.

[@will4620]

I’ve always been a fan of RuPaul, but every time I see his interviews I fall in love with who he really is underneath the clothes. This moved me, his interview on jimmy kimmel is one of the best interviews, also on the uk show….. Anyways, he’s so thoughtful in his words, a elegant thinker, poured out with affection and care. He’s very deep, and a really good person❤️

[@SPChannel722]

Ru's recollection of caring for his mother was so powerful.

[@skippymagrue]

I've always like Ru Paul. That is so special!

[@asab167]

I felt the same way when my mom was on her death bed. She wanted my help and only mine and to this day those moments of me helping her during that vulnerable time remain the most magical and meaningful weeks of my whole life

[@maggiegoldfish]

So grateful to Dr Gates for sharing his passion and knowledge with the world. And to his guests for their willingness to be present and vulnerable in their ancestral quests.

[@rebeccamd7903]

Bawling 😭...what unconditional love they have for their mothers. Absolute life goals!!

[@marciagoosby7452]

I know exactly what he's saying about helping his Mother I did the same and felt the same I told my Mom it's OK you took care of me now I will take care of you, I'm crying as I write this!

[@Purple_911]

The host gets along really well with each guest. He really listens and is great at keeping them on topic.

[@pukegreenpea4628]

This is an amazing story. Freed in 1804. Continuing to Strive to free their mother. Such love.

[@AncestryUS]

You're right, Madana! The story of Ru Paul's ancestors is quite fascinating and his devotion to his mother quite touching. We're so glad you enjoyed the video. Have a great day!

[@deborahdobbie]

I’m crying. Just beautiful. Tragic yet beautiful

[@joshuabadach543]

I'm very happy to see Rupauls first reaction be LOVE

[@poppletop8331]

Loved Rupaul before this story...love him even more now.💗💗💗

[@AncestryUS]

We couldn't agree more, Poppletop! ❤️ Thanks for checking out this short excerpt from this amazing show. We hope to see you back again soon.🌳

[@doberman1ism]

What a beautiful and wonderful son. This is loving someone.

[@catherinebridges3695]

Beautiful, I did the same for my mom. What an honor.

[@AmandaLynnBaez]

Ru you are such a beautiful soul.

[@karenpoch]

I love the personal experience shared at the end. I can relate to that experience. I think experiences like that are Godly in nature. No one can really understand it without experiencing something like it.

[@lauriehollister9428]

Ru just continues to amaze me. What a beautiful spirit he has

[@gladystharpe9842]

I grew up with Rupaul! We went to Gompers Elementary School in San Diego, California! Well he didn't go by Rupaul then!

[@marlobrooks9495]

I absolutely LOVE Rue Paul💞 not just for his body of work but wholeheartedly because of who he is. Such strength, grace, beautiful, compassion. 🥰 I love you

[@myindigoblues5796]

That story about them freeing their mom and Ru telling the story of helping his mom at the end. I know that feeling and wish I could have still done more for my Dad. I know I freed him at the end, but I wish there was so much more I could have freed him of in life.

[@tonisumblin2719]

I see a lot of comments about people who took care of their parent, or both parents or relatives. You are angels. The best of the best. ❤️

[@montanamangum4026]

Seeing RuPaul's beautiful soul shine on and on, it does not surprise me his ancestors had the same beautiful soul! Wow. The apple didn't fall far from that family tree! And, I choose to think the owner kept Julie because he loved her and couldn't bear to lose her. Bless you and your ancestors, RuPaul! You are amazing!

[@hera7884]

I took care of my mom until her dying day as well and felt the same way. Almost like it was written in destiny that I was supposed to do it and I feel accomplished for doing it.

[@AncestryUS]

We're sorry for your loss, Hera. We're grateful to you for taking a moment to share this. ❤️

[@elsabean6791]

I don’t think words can express how much I admire and love RuPaul. He is just the classiest, most well-spoken, thoughtful, intelligent person who always moves me with whatever he says. One of the few celebrities I truly have respect for! He’s the best!!!

[@robertahubert9155]

What a beautiful man . His compassion is so rare.

[@courtneyholland6215]

This is beautiful

[@sistacbell]

I found back in those days as well that there were different motives behind each relationship. Jacques freed 3 women and gave their children his last name so he could give them the land. Very interesting about Jacques. He really is a very important figure apart of louisiana history. Our family is very prominent in louisiana..i found much more info. He can call me and we can talk. Lol

[@thecook8964]

You should try & get in touch with him. He might not read your comment.

[@patriciajrs46]

To not give up the dream, and back it up with courage takes inner strength from the core. Good for his ancestors.

[@melissabohms9871]

RuPaul you truly are a kindred spirit, you are so kind and sweet and gentle.

[@FreeBird2.0]

Oh my god this got me so emotional

[@diannegazzola1957]

I love this program and to have the privilege of truly finding your history it's awesome to watch.

[@AncestryUS]

We're so glad you enjoy the show, Dianne. We couldn't agree more. 😊

[@jeffpetrie7744]

Wow. Amazing. Tears. Way to go, Mr. Charles.

[@AncestryUS]

We're so glad you enjoyed the clip, Laura! ❤️🌱

[@Shiny20111]

Rupaul is a beautiful soul!❤

[@whatever5486]

What a beautiful heart Ru has.

[@AkashSharma-sy7gm]

Gosh Ru... You're so loved. I was hoping he doesn't cry but the ending got me off guard. Mothers love is beyond comprehension. It's all about feelings in the end. You fade away, yet you feel the love.

[@AncestryUS]

We're happy to hear that you enjoyed it, Fran. We're glad that you're working hard and that you're so close with your mom. We hope you'll share family stories with each other and the rest of your family. We'd encourage you to take the time to record your mom's stories including the individuals that she spent time with.

[@Megadextrious]

Wow I wasn’t expecting to cry today but here we are 🥲 that was beautiful

[@sheckyfeinstein]

Perhaps the greatest series of stories to ever appear on television. Thank you, and more, please.

[@goinggreen4720]

RuPaul is such an old and beautiful soul. I just love the person that he is.

[@dominicpardo4783]

I so understand what RuPaul is saying about his mother. When my father was ill, I took care of him. I cleaned him up too. I get emotional thinking/talking about it. He took care of me when I was helpless. I felt it my duty to take care of him. But I could never have imagined the emotional impact.

[@38JamieLee38]

OMG! I'm in tears this whole video....... Miss Julie 💯❤️🙏👑

[@monicabainum9637]

I am rethinking everything about my family after getting DNA test.. Thank you Ancestry for setting me free.

[@benh9784]

RuPaul is one of a handful of celebrities I'd be honored to meet and call a friend. It has nothing to do with his fame, but everything to do with the genuine, kind soul behind the success.

[@gregr9292]

We should all be so lucky to have a loving child...now grown...closeby in our final time on this earth. 🙏

[@rynjeff1073]

RuPaul, I am so glad for you that you were able to help your mom at her truly needy point of her life. I understand what you meant by what you said, as I had helped my mother too.

[@lucyholmes9627]

He comes across as such a lovely, deep and interesting soul. I really like him.

[@rossmorebaz]

what a beautiful soul RuPaul is ..behind all the Glitz and the glam ...there is a genuine human being with a heart of Gold

[@christinehutchins123]

I've always liked RuPaul, he's very charismatic, dynamic....and now I have a great deal of respect for him. The story of his dying mother.

[@AncestryUS]

Hi, Sandra. Thanks for your comment. We're so happy that you enjoyed this segment with RuPaul.

[@tigertiger1699]

I cleaned my demented Father… it was the greatest remembrance of being loved by him…🌹

[@victorianicolehughes4291]

To hear Him talk about his mom like that is beautiful. I felt it in my heart. A mother is so precious and such a gift from God. May God Bless Him. What a touching story.

[@AncestryUS]

Thanks so much for stopping by, Victoria! We hope you enjoyed this episode as much as we did!

[@Hugginsince79]

I totally get helping his mother. I took care of my grandmother like that. And bathing her and helping her dress was a humbling and loving experience.

[@courtneyholland6215]

I just found out that my 7 times great grandfather was an Indian chief John Lawrence big feathers he had something to do with the trials of tears this discovery made me emotional

[@douglasvilledarling2935]

That is AWESOME. You must have been so excited when you found out

[@Homoclite]

You and I might be related given the surname Lawrence and a story that I was told about the alleged Cherokee bloodlines that is said to exist in my family. I don’t know but would love to find out.

[@nolovechuck9816]

👀👀 and if you're calling yourself black are African American you're lost our people don't have the slightest idea what's really going on

[@courtneyholland6215]

@@nolovechuck9816 who is this towards im talking about an native American Indian chief

[@courtneyholland6215]

@@douglasvilledarling2935 I was

[@audi92310]

So sad to know all the pain the ancestors of black America endured and some today as well

[@lenaM-gx2gk]

Boy he loved so much that he didn't want to let her go