"Finding Your Roots" continues
to astonish celebrity guests with unexpected revelations about their family
histories in the tenth season. Bob Odenkirk recently joined the ranks of those shocked by the
show's discoveries, as reported by The Guardian. Delving into his paternal
lineage, Odenkirk learned of his royal connections, a fact previously unknown
to him due to his father's estrangement from the family.
Despite being a Chicago native, Odenkirk's fifth
great-grandfather, Friedrich Carl Steinholz, hailed from Plön, Germany, born in
1755. Steinholz's illegitimate birth to the Duke of Plön established a
connection to European royal families through intermarriage, a revelation that
left Odenkirk surprised but ultimately unaffected in his beliefs.
Expressing his skepticism toward monarchy and emphasizing
his commitment to democratic ideals, Odenkirk found humor in his newfound link
to King Charles III of England. Reflecting on the irony, he mused about the
possibility of changing his views, albeit in jest. His episode aired on January
30 on PBS, coinciding with the continued acclaim for his show "Better Call
Saul," despite its record-breaking Emmy nominations without a win.
Odenkirk's experience parallels that of other guests on the
show, such as Angela Davis, who discovered her lineage traced back to William
Brewster, a Mayflower passenger, and Isom Spencer, a post-Civil War activist.
Davis expressed pride in Spencer's resistance against slavery and his efforts
to free his nephews, highlighting the resilience and impact of her ancestors.
In uncovering these familial connections, "Finding Your Roots" offers not only surprises but also opportunities for reflection on personal identity and historical legacies. From royal ties to acts of resistance, each revelation adds depth to the understanding of one's heritage and its implications for the present.
