Debra Messing and Melanie Lynskey made some surprising discoveries about their family trees on the latest episode of “Finding Your Roots.” The show, hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr., revealed that both actresses have famous distant relatives. Lynskey found out that she is related to musician and filmmaker Questlove. Gates informed her that her father and Questlove share a long identical segment of DNA on their 15th chromosome.
“I am very excited,” Lynskey said. “He’s such a sweet guy. That’s incredible.”
Messing, on the other hand, discovered that her distant cousin is none other than politician Bernie Sanders.
Family connections surprise Messing, Lynskey
This revelation left her stunned. “Are you kidding me?
Bernie Sanders?! No way! Oh my gosh,” Messing exclaimed. “That is mind-blowing.”
Both Sanders and Questlove have appeared on past episodes of “Finding Your Roots.” The show is known for uncovering surprising genealogical connections and exploring the ancestry of celebrities. Gates, a noted historian, educator, and filmmaker, continues to draw in viewers with the fascinating revelations made on the show.
“Finding Your Roots” airs on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on PBS.