Chrissy Teigen, the renowned model and television personality, recently embarked on a deep-rooted exploration of her ancestry on the popular PBS series, 'Finding Your Roots.' Joined by host Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Teigen uncovered surprising ties to both the Roma people and her Thai heritage, presenting viewers with a multifaceted narrative of her familial history.
The episode, which aired as part of the 11th season, presented Teigen's paternal roots, tracing her lineage back to European communities associated with the Romani. Gates revealed to Teigen, "You are part Roma," connecting her to the Sinti community, which has historically faced considerable discrimination and persecution across Europe.
Teigen's details matched with the complex stories of her ancestors who lived nomadic lives, contributing to the rich musical traditions associated with her ancestry. "Wow, that's so cool," Teigen exclaimed when informed about her family's musical legacy, which spanned multiple generations. The discovery marked not only cultural significance but also led her to reflect on what it meant for her identity as someone deeply embedded within both American and immigrant narratives.
But it wasn't just her paternal history; Teigen's maternal side also painted vivid images of her roots. Born to Thai parents, she recounted fond memories of her grandmother selling food from her cart outside of schools back home. "Food is everything," Teigen articulated, emphasizing how meals were the linchpins connecting her to her Thai heritage. This connection has only strengthened; during the pandemic, she even assisted her mother with publishing a cookbook, showcasing recipes steeped in their family's traditional cuisine.
With her grandparents' legacy firmly rooted back to rural Thailand, Teigen marveled at how much her own life's experiences echoed their struggles and triumphs. "I don’t think I've strayed too far from what they were. It feels like we share the same belief system, the same passions, the same love for one another,” she noted, reinforcing her bond to her ancestors through shared virtues of perseverance and hard work.
The narrative of Teigen's familial experience is not just personal; it holds broader societal reflections. By revisiting the stories of her ancestors who escaped persecution and discrimination, she has enriched the overall dialogue about heritage and identity. Interestingly, Teigen also came to grapple with the findings related to her Jewish ancestry. Initially believing her grandmother was of Jewish descent, the genealogical search found no clues to support this claim, prompting her to humorously reflect on identity expectations. "I have no idea where I got this idea from, but it’s fascinating," said Teigen.
Throughout her exploration, Teigen learned about her two ancestral branches—the Roma and her Thai family—discovering the struggles faced by both sides. While her Thai ancestors had the dignity and respect associated with education and community engagement, her Roma ancestry spoke to the resilience of those often marginalized. Weaving these narratives together, Gates guided Teigen through the historical significance of her ancestors and their impacts.
During the episode, Teigen also learned about the poignant heritage of the Roma, who endured significant hardships, particularly during World War II. Gates illuminated the tragic fate of many Roma families, including one of Teigen's cousins, Else Adler, captured by the Nazis during the Holocaust. Such discoveries rendered the personal stories of her ancestors even more weighty, heightening the importance of recognition and dialogue around these histories. Teigen expressed her heartbreak as she processed the layers of her family's past, demonstrating how history can often feel distant, yet remain deeply interconnected with present identities.
The episode's format encapsulates contemporary conversations about race, identity, and belonging, as highlighted through Teigen's reflections. Using humor and candor, she dissected the intertwined nature of her heritage, stating, "It feels surreal to connect these dots and understand my place here." It's enlightening to see Teigen, as someone with immense fame and visibility, engage with her ancestry—making her discoveries relatable to audiences everywhere.
Teigen's time on 'Finding Your Roots' culminated with the emotional moment of seeing her complete family tree, framed within the larger historical narrative of identity, survival, and cultural pride. The impact of knowing one’s roots can never be overstated, as it gives individuals like Teigen the ability to share her story from her unique perspective, wholly boring, yet deeply enriching.
This exploration of the past not only serves to educate Chrissy but also stands as powerful storytelling for the audience, illustrating the nuances of American identity through Teigen's lens.