On Tuesday evening, Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard, two familiar faces from Hollywood, delved deep down their family trees on PBS's popular series, Finding Your Roots, hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr. The episode examined the rich histories of these married actors, originally from Michigan, opening windows to stories rooted far beyond their home state.
Bell, who calls Huntington Woods her hometown, and Shepard, raised in Milford and Walled Lake, were excited to explore their ancestral backgrounds. Their shared Michigan roots added another layer of intrigue to the revelations from Gates, who has been enlightening famous guests about their genealogies since the show’s inception back in 2012.
Flighting down memory lane, viewers found both Bell and Shepard gaining new insights about their lineage. For Bell, one notable connection came from her maternal grandfather, Bernard Frygier, who experienced significant trauma early on when he lost his little brother Joey to a car accident. "I can't even begin to think of how he would've processed seeing his brother die," Bell said poignantly, showcasing the toll of familial tragedy.
They also unraveled the story of her great-grandfather, Frank Frygier, who abandoned his family after the horrific event. Despite being unaware of Frank’s fate, Gates revealed his life post-Poland—after arriving at Ellis Island, his path remained shrouded until he eventually moved to New Jersey, where he died alone far from his children. "I hope he'd be happy to know we’re happy now," Bell reflected, embodying the theme of healing across generations.
For Dax Shepard, the episode unveiled previously unknown facets of his history. Shepard discovered the vibrant yet tumultuous past of his ancestors, tracing back to his ninth great-grandfather, Toussaint Beaudry, who embarked on the arduous voyage from France to Canada. Gates illustrated the transformative struggles of Beaudry, from being employed as a domestic servant to becoming a fur trader, laying the groundwork for the family's future.
"Wow, I want to go to the place in France," Shepard remarked, visibly captivated by the historical journeys of his ancestors. His connection to his heritage showcased how the past continues to reflect on their present lives.
The show also unearthed disquieting truths. For Bell, the brighter revelations were mingled with darker tales from her lineage. She learned about her grandfather’s heroism during World War II, earning a Silver Star for bravery, yet coupled with his harrowing personal losses.
And for Shepard, the legacy didn't come without its shadows. The research documented the tumultuous criminal history of his family, including two brothers linked to violent acts from years gone by. Shepard humorously recounted, "My dad would always warn me, 'There are jackals about.' But knowing this, I now reckon with how these stories of chaos can chase someone down all the way through the family line. It's just wild!".
Deep-rooted connections like these evoke two sentiments: pride and shame. "There’s stuff to be proud of from here, and there’s stuff to be ashamed of from here," Shepard candidly stated, poignantly summing up the complexity of their family histories.
The emotional voyage through their ancestry prompted reflection on identity for both Bell and Shepard. Learning about the past plays a significant role in shaping who they are today and how they approach their futures as parents. Episodes like this remind American audiences of the enduring connections families have with their pasts, intertwining stories of hardship, love, and resilience.
While the genealogical research leads many to shocking discoveries and reflects complex emotional templates, it also fosters appreciation for the legacies we inherit from our ancestors. For Bell and Shepard, this exploration evidently brought them closer together, giving rich narratives to share with their children about where they came from and what shaped them.
They've been through many ups and downs, and each story they now carry will carry meaning for generations to come. The feelings of discovery they went through, as shared under Gates's guidance, represent just how powerful it can be for anyone to wonder, "Who am I?" and "Where did I come from?"
Indeed, through this episode of Finding Your Roots, Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard not only explored their family's history but made the weight of their ancestry resonate with the warmth of hope.