On a recent episode of the PBS series Finding Your Roots, hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr., actor Michael Douglas was shocked to learn that he is related to fellow Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson through DNA. The 79-year-old actor expressed his amazement at the news and found it cool that he shares identical branches of DNA with the 39-year-old actress on four different chromosomes. Their shared DNA appears on Scarlett’s maternal lines, which trace back to Jewish communities in Eastern Europe.
In addition to the surprising revelation about his connection to Scarlett Johansson, Michael Douglas was also informed that he has a celebrity connection with writer-director-actor Lena Dunham. According to Gates, Dunham and fellow filmmaker Larry David share at least one common ancestor. Dunham was excited by this news and mentioned that her husband would freak out upon hearing about this connection. It was not disclosed on the show how far back this ancestor goes or in what way they are related.
It was revealed on the episode that Scarlett Johansson had previously appeared on Finding Your Roots and shares DNA with Michael Douglas, which comes as a surprise to both actors. Johansson, who is known for her roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Douglas appeared together in the box-office hit Avengers: Endgame. The connection between the two Hollywood stars adds an interesting twist to their professional relationship in the film industry, as they now have a personal connection through their shared DNA.
The information from the “book of life” presented by Gates on Finding Your Roots includes research from professional genealogists who trace the lineage of the celebrities featured on the show. The analysis of their DNA reveals surprising connections and links to historical communities. The show often uncovers unexpected relationships between famous individuals, showcasing the complexity of human genealogy and the interconnectedness of people despite differences in background and profession.
Michael Douglas, known for his iconic roles in films such as Wall Street and Fatal Attraction, was left stunned by the revelation of his connection to Scarlett Johansson, known for her roles in Lost in Translation and Marriage Story. The news of their shared DNA creates an intriguing bond between the two actors, showing that family connections can sometimes be found in unexpected places. Finding Your Roots continues to uncover fascinating connections between celebrities and shed light on their shared heritage and ancestral history.
The episode of Finding Your Roots featuring Michael Douglas, Scarlett Johansson, and Lena Dunham highlights the wonders of genetic genealogy and the surprises that can come from exploring one’s roots. The show brings together individuals from various backgrounds and professions to reveal the interconnectedness of the human family tree. Through DNA analysis and genealogical research, the series uncovers hidden connections and shared ancestry that challenge perceptions of identity and showcase the universal bond that links all human beings.
