Birth Name: Nelson Ahlgren Abraham

Date of Birth: March 28, 1909

Place of Birth: Detroit, Michigan, U.S.

Date of Death: May 9, 1981

Place of Death: Long Island, New York, U.S.

Ethnicity:
*25% Swedish [grandfather, who converted to Judaism]
*75% Ashkenazi Jewish

Nelson Algren was an American author.

He was the son of Goldie (Kalisher/Kalischer) and Gerson Abraham. His father was born in California and his mother was born in Illinois, and all of his grandparents were immigrants.

Nelson’s paternal grandfather was named Isaac Ben Abraham. Isaac was Swedish, and was born Nels Ahlgren in Stockholm. He was a convert to Judaism, as a personal choice. He was an immigrant to the U.S.

Nelson’s paternal grandmother was named Yetta Shire/Stire. Yetta was a German Jew, who was born in Koblenz.

Nelson’s maternal grandfather was Louis Kalisher (the son of Samuel Kalisher). Louis was a German Jew.

Nelson’s maternal grandmother was Henrietta “Yetta” Jackson (the daughter of Samuel Jackson and Saranza). Henrietta was a German Jew. Saranza was born in Gołańcz, Wągrowiec County, Greater Poland.

Sources: Nelson Algren on the 1910 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Nelson’s parents on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Death record of Nelson’s father – https://www.familysearch.org

Genealogy of Nelson’s mother – https://www.geni.com

David Garelik – “Mile 22” Los Angeles Premiere – Arrivals – The Regency Village Theatre, 961 Broxton Avenue – Los Angeles, CA, USA – Photo Credit: Photography by E / PRPhotos.com

Birth Name: David M. Garelik

Place of Birth: Sudbury, Massachusetts, U.S.

Date of Birth: October 16, 1991

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

David Garelik is an American actor.

His parents were born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and are Jewish.

Birth Name: Chad Jamian Williams

Place of Birth: Hollywood, Florida, U.S.

Date of Birth: February 21, 1984

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish, possibly other

Chad Jamian is an American actor and writer.

Chad is the son of Paula and Ted Williams. His mother is Jewish.

Chad’s paternal grandfather was named Jack Williams.

Source: Marriage record of Chad’s parents – http://www.familysearch.org

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Birth Name: James K. Handleson

Place of Birth: Danville, California, U.S.

Date of Birth: November 1, 1999

Ethnicity: Danish, German, English, Irish, Greek, 1/8 Dutch Jewish

Buddy Handleson is an American actor.

Buddy is the son of Athena and James Handleson.

Buddy’s paternal grandfather was Peter Joseph Handleson (the son of James Paul Handleson and Mietje/Mietze/Mitzi Catherine Spetter/Spetler). James was born in Missouri, the son of Peter Alexander Handleson, whose parents were from Denmark and Germany, and of Ellen Leona “Nellie” Sanders, who was born in Texas. Mietje was born in New York, to parents from the Netherlands, Joseph Spetter and Antje Levie, from Etten-Leur, Noord-Brabant, who were Dutch Jews.

Buddy’s paternal grandmother is named Norma June Cox.

Buddy’s maternal grandparents were surnamed Poulos and Costello.

Sources: Genealogy of Buddy’s paternal great-grandmother, Mietje/Mietze/Mitzi Catherine (Spetter/Spetler) Handleson – http://www.findagrave.com

Genealogy of Buddy’s great-great-great-grandmother, Antje Levie – https://www.geni.com

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Birth Name: Sarah Gabriella Yarkin

Place of Birth: Alameda, California, United States

Date of Birth: May 28, 1993

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Sarah Yarkin is an American actress.

Sarah’s paternal grandfather was named Joseph “Joey” Yarkin.

Sarah’s paternal grandmother was Pearl Galpern (the daughter of Olia Galpern and Nachum).

Sarah’s maternal grandfather was named Seymour Rubinoff.

Sarah’s maternal grandmother was Doris Weinstein (the daughter of Joe Weinstein and Annie). Joe was born in Deveen, Russia, likely as Joe Mazursky, and was the son of Chay Fagel.

Sources: Obituary of Sarah’s paternal grandmother, Pearl Galpern – https://www.jweekly.com

Obituary of Sarah’s maternal grandmother, Doris Weinstein – http://www.tributes.com

History of Sarah’s maternal grandmother’s family – http://users.bestweb.net

Birth Name: Michael L. Doneger

Place of Birth: Hewlett, New York, U.S.

Date of Birth: July 21, 1986

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Michael Doneger is an American writer and actor.

Michael is the son of Valerie and Abraham Doneger. Michael’s parents are Jewish.

Michael’s paternal grandfather is Henry Doneger (the son of Abraham Lewis Doneger and Anna “Annie” Moskowitz). Henry was born in New York. Abraham was born in New York, to parents from Russia, Mowszo Wolfowicz Donejgier and Chaja Rejza Jdzkowna. Anna was born in New York, to parents from Hungary.

Michael’s paternal grandmother is Rita Roberts (the daughter of Jesse Roberts and Gerry/Jerry Levitt). Rita was born in New York. Jesse was born in New York, the son of Joseph Roberts, who was from Germany, and of Annie Noah, whose parents were from Russia. Gerry was born in New York, to parents from Russia, Solomon Levitt and Esther/Ester.

Michael’s maternal grandfather is George Familant/Familiant (the son of William Familant and Bessie Mellen). George was born in Massachusetts, to parents from Russia. William was the son of Samuel Familant and Esther Winegrad. Bessie was the daughter of Louis Mellen and Frieda Kaplan.

Michael’s maternal grandmother is Phyllis E. Pullman (the daughter of Jacob “Jack” Pullman and Sally). Phyllis was born in Massachusetts. Jacob was born in either Lithuania or Latvia. Sally was from Russia.

Sources: Genealogy of Michael Doneger – http://www.geni.com

Obituary of Michael’s maternal grandfather, George Familant/Familiant – http://www.legacy.com

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Birth Name: Sara Elizabeth Chase

Place of Birth: Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.

Date of Birth: August 3, 1983

Ethnicity:
*Ashkenazi Jewish (father)
*Scottish, English, Irish, Welsh, German (mother)

Sara Chase is an American actress.

Sara is the daughter of Sandra and Arnold Chase.

Sara’s paternal grandfather was David Theodore Chase (the son of Leon/Lion Ciesla and Hella/Hela “Helen” Piotkovski). David was born David Theodore Ciesla in Kielce, Poland. Sara’s great-grandparents Leon and Hella were killed in the Holocaust.

Sara’s paternal grandmother was Rhoda L. Cohen (the daughter of William Cohen and Rhoda). Sara’s grandmother Rhoda was born in Connecticut, to parents from Poland.

Sara’s maternal grandfather was Albert Lewis Dakers (the son of Albert Dakers and Janet). Albert was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and moved to the U.S. in 1926.

Sara’s maternal grandmother was Beverly Stone (the daughter of Henry C. Stone and Claire Mae Huntington). Beverly was born in Connecticut. Henry was born in Connecticut, to parents from Newfoundland, Canada, Albert E. Stone and Mary. Claire was born in Connecticut, the daughter of Edward Francis Huntington and Augusta Anna Sterzing, whose father was German.

Sources: Obituary of Sara’s paternal grandfather, David Theodore Chase – http://www.jewishledger.com

Obituary of Sara’s paternal great-uncle (grandmother’s brother) – http://www.familysearch.org

Obituary of Sara’s maternal grandfather, Albert Lewis Dakers – http://www.legacy.com

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Birth Name: Isaak Azimov

Date of Birth: c. January 2, 1920

Place of Birth: Petrovichi, Klimovichskiy Uyezd, Russian SFSR (now Russia)

Date of Death: April 6, 1992

Place of Death: Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Isaac Asimov was an American writer and professor of biochemistry. He is known for his science fiction works.

Isaac was the son of Anna-Rachel (Berman) and Judah Asimov, from Petrovichi, Smolensk Oblast. His family moved to the U.S. in 1923, and he was raised in Brooklyn, New York.

He was married to science fiction writer, psychiatrist, and psychoanalyst Janet Asimov, until his death. He had two children with his former wife, Gertrude Blugerman.

Isaac’s paternal grandfather was Aaron Menachem Asimov (the son of Mendel Asimov). Aaron was born in Petrovichi. Mendel was the son of Abraham Ber Asimov and Shepsheleva Sosya.

Isaac’s paternal grandmother was Hana Leikin (the daughter of Ziva). Hana was born in Hislavichi, near Petrovichi.

Isaac’s maternal grandparents were Yitshak Berman and Tamara.

Source: Genealogy of Isaac Asimov – https://www.geni.com

Birth Name: Jade A. Berti

Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.

Date of Birth: August 8, 1974

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish (maternal grandfather), Mexican (great-grandfather), English, German, Slovenian

Jade Marx-Berti is an American actress. She is the daughter of actress Melinda Marx (Melinda Marie Marx) and actor and composer Sahn/Sean Berti (Sanh Dehl Berti).

Jade’s half-aunt (father’s paternal half-sister) is actress Derya Arbaş (Derya’s father was also Jade’s paternal grandfather). Jade is married to Dominic V. Ruiz, with whom she has a son; Dominic is the brother of reporter and television news anchor Dina Eastwood.

Jade’s birth surname, Berti, comes from her paternal grandfather’s own stepfather, Thomas H. Bertie. Thomas was born in South America, to American parents, from California.

Jade’s paternal grandfather was actor Dehl Berti (Dehl Franke Berti; the son of John/Juan Edward Carillo and Cecilia Lucille Uhernik/Uhernick). John was born in New Mexico, of Mexican descent, and was the son of Albert/Alberto Gerome Carillo and Elizabeth/Lizzie/Elisa Hidalgo/Heidalgo. Cecilia was likely of Slovenian descent.

Jade’s paternal grandmother was Francis/Frances Cummins Collins/Collyns (the daughter of Albert B. Collyns and Mattie Brotherton). Francis was born in Kentucky.

Jade’s maternal grandfather was Julius Henry Marx (the son of Samuel/Simon Marx and Miene/Minnie Schönberg/Schöenberg). Julius was born in New York, to Jewish parents, his father from Mertzwiller, Alsace, France, and his mother from Dornum, Lower Saxony, Germany. Julius was the brother of entertainer Groucho Marx.

Jade’s maternal grandmother was actor Kay Marvis (born Catherine Marvis Dittig; the daughter of Percy John Dittig and Marguerite F. Hodgson). Percy was the son of John Paul Dittig and Barbara Reinhardt, both of whom were born in New Jersey, to German parents.

Madeleine Coghlan – “42nd Street” Opening Night at the Pantages Theatre – Arrivals – Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Boulevard – Los Angeles, CA, USA – Photo Credit: Guillermo Proano / PR Photos

Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.

Date of Birth: c. 1996

Ethnicity:
*Irish, possibly other (father)
*Sephardi Jewish, Ashkenazi Jewish (mother)

Madeleine Coghlan is an American actress.

Madeleine is the daughter of actress Katherine Kamhi and Anthony “Tony” Coghlan. Her father is from Australia. Her mother is from New York.

Madeleine’s maternal grandfather is actor Maurice Kamhi (born Maurice Ellis Kamhi). The surname Kamhi is Sephardi Jewish.

Madeleine’s maternal grandmother is Barbara Berkman (the daughter of Martin David Berkman and Anna Goldberg). Barbara was born in New York, to Jewish parents. Martin was born in New York, the son of Abraham Berkman and Trina Rose. Anna was born in England, the daughter of Alexander Goldberg and Auguste Chail.

Birth Name: William Norman Gerber

Place of Birth: U.S.

Date of Birth: April 30, 1957

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish, possibly other

Bill Gerber is an American film producer.

Bill is the son of Herbert Roy Gerber. His uncle (father’s brother) was actor Jay Gerber.

Bill’s paternal grandfather was Frederick “Fred” Gerber (the son of William Gerber and Annie Hirschhorn). Frederick was born in New York, to parents from Austria.

Bill’s paternal grandmother was Bertha Simon (the daughter of William Simon and Ida Bohman). Bertha was born in New York, to parents from Russia.

Source: Obituary of Bill’s father – http://variety.com

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Birth Name: Natalie Jenette Lander

Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.

Date of Birth: March 28, 1983

Ethnicity:
*75% Ashkenazi Jewish
*25% British Isles/English

Natalie Lander is an American actress, voice actress, and singer. She is the daughter of actress and photographer Kathy Fields (Kathy Lynn Fields) and actor, voice actor, comedian, composer, musician, and baseball scout David L. Lander (David Leonard Landau).

Natalie’s paternal grandparents were Saul Landau and Stella Goldman. Saul and Stella were Jewish.

Natalie’s maternal grandfather was Freddie Fields (born Frederick Feldman; the son of Jacob Feldman and Jeanette Suwalske), a theatrical agent and film producer. Jacob was born in Russia, the son of Henry/Zayde Feldman and Ruth Bubbe. Jeanette was also born in Russia.

Natalie’s maternal grandmother was actress Edith Fellows (born Edith Marilyn Fellows; the daughter of Willis Sylvester Fellows and Harriet). Willis was the son of George Sylvester Fellows and Elizabeth Matilda Lamb, who was English.

Source:

https://www.geni.com/people/David-Lander/6000000036041444957

https://wc.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=PED&db=vrc84&id=I2768

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Birth Name: Marianne Deborah Williamson

Place of Birth: Harris, Texas, U.S.

Date of Birth: July 8, 1952

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Marianne Williamson is an American spiritual teacher, author, lecturer, entrepreneur, and activist.

Marianne is the daughter of Sophie Ann (Kaplan) and Samuel Williamson. She has a daughter.

Marianne’s paternal grandfather was named Solomon Williamson. Solomon was born in Russia.

Marianne’s paternal grandmother was Mildred Nichamin (the daughter of Izel/Isaac Nechamen and Bryna). Izel was the son of Schaime/Solomon Nechamen, who was born in Kiev.

Marianne’s maternal grandfather was Henry Kaplan (the son of Yankel/Matusov Kaplan and Rachel Alpert). Henry was born in Kapyl, Kapyl District, Minsk Region, Belarus. Rachel was born in Russia, the daughter of Jack Alpert.

Marianne’s maternal grandmother was Rose Taitz/Deutser (the daughter of Isaac Taitz/Deutser and Mary Dora Trisik). Rose was born in Nikopol’, Dnipro, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Ukraine. Mary was the daughter of Khaim Trishek/Trisik, who was born in Telsiai, Lithuania, and of Sora Riva Matusov, who was born in Kražiai, Šiauliai County, Lithuania.

Source: Genealogy of Marianne Williamson – https://www.geni.com

Birth Name: Joseph Philip Adler

Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, United States

Date of Birth: March 29, 1993

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish, Italian, other

Joe Adler is an American actor and director.

Joe’s maternal grandfather is theater director, production supervisor, and actor Jerry Adler (born Jerome Elliott Adler; the son of Philip/Phillip Adler and Pauline Goldberg). Jerry was born in New York. Philip was born in New York, to parents from Austria, Louis Adler and Anna “Annie” Dienstag/Deinstag. Pauline was born in New York, the daughter of Michael Goldberg and Anna Levine.

Joe’s maternal grandmother is named Dolores Parker (born Dolores Bove). Dolores was a model, and likely has Italian ancestry.

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Meaghan Oppenheimer – “We Are Your Friends” Los Angeles Premiere – Arrivals – TCL Chinese Theatre – Hollywood, CA, USA – Photo Credit: Izumi Hasegawa / PRPhotos.com

Birth Name: Meaghan Reed Oppenheimer

Place of Birth: Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.

Date of Birth: March 28, 1986

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish, German, English

Meaghan Oppenheimer is an American screenwriter and actress.

Meaghan is the son of Gabrielle and Reed Oppenheimer. Her mother was born in Nabburg, Germany.

Meaghan has said:

[My favorite travel memory is] My German-Jewish grandmother coming to America after surviving the war with fake papers and giving birth to my mother while in exile.

Meaghan’s paternal grandfather is Harold L. Oppenheimer (the son of Harold Lawrence Oppenheimer and Doris Babette Jones). Meaghan’s grandfather Harold was born in Missouri. Harold’s great-grandfather Harold was born in Missouri, the son of Herman Oppenheimer, who was born in Germany, and of Barbara Grass/Gross, whose parents were from Germany. Doris was born in Missouri, the daughter of Godfrey A. Jones, whose mother was English, and of Blanche Dreyfus, who was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, into a French Jewish family from Alsace-Lorraine, France.

Meaghan’s paternal grandmother is Daphne/Daphine Nan Davis (the daughter of William True Davis and Helen Marstella). Daphne was born in Missouri. William was born in Missouri, the son of William J. Davis. Helen was born in Missouri, the daughter of Eli W. Marstella and Frankie Goodwin.

Meaghan’s maternal grandmother is named Christa M. Christa was a German Jewish emigrant.

Sources: Genealogy of Meaghan’s paternal grandparents, Harold L. Oppenheimer and Daphne Nan Davis – http://www.familysearch.org

Obituary of Meaghan’s paternal grandfather, Harold L. Oppenheimer – http://www.nytimes.com

Obituary of Meaghan’s maternal grandmother, Christa M. Lazell – http://www.legacy.com

Birth Name: Zachary Andrew Kornfeld

Place of Birth: Scarsdale, New York, U.S.

Date of Birth: July 26, 1990

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Zach Kornfeld is an American internet personality. He is part of the comedy group The Try Guys, along with Keith Habersberger, Ned Fulmer, and Eugene Lee Yang.

Zach has said: “I have a grandmother from Germany. I have two grandfathers from somewhere in Russia.”

A DNA test whose results displayed to The Try Guys on YouTube stated that Zach’s genetic ancestry is:

*99.6% European
——–*88.7% Ashkenazi Jewish
——–*4.2% Northwestern European
————*3.9% Broadly Northwestern European
————*0.2% Finnish
————*<0.1% Scandinavian
——–*0.8% Eastern European
——–*0.4% Southern European
————*0.4% Broadly Southern European [Iberian or Italian]
*0.3% Middle Eastern & North African
*<0.1% Unassigned

Zach’s paternal grandfather was Bernard Kornfeld (the son of Abe Kornfeld and Gussie Sapkin). Bernard was born in New York, to Russian Jewish parents. Abe was the son of Chaim Kornfeld and Ida R. Loback/Toback. Gussie was born in Kovnia, the daughter of Boruck Sapkin and Ida Chiat.

Zach’s paternal grandmother was Evelyn Wahrhaftig (the daughter of Jacob/Jakob Salomon Wahrhaftig and Miriam/Mariem/Mary). Evelyn was born in Germany, to Polish Jewish parents, and had come to the U.S. in 1939. Jacob was born in Lezapk. Miriam was born in Kahusz.

Zach’s maternal grandfather was Irwin/Irving Isaacs (the son of Manuel Isaacs and Helen Biederman). Irwin was born in Pennsylvania. Manuel was a Hungarian Jew or a Czech Jew, and was the son of Anthony Isaacs and Sarah Grose. Helen was born in Pennsylvania, to Czech Jewish or Austrian Jewish parents, Henry Biederman and Teney/Teny Kaufman.

Sources: Zach’s paternal grandfather, Bernard Kornfeld, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Obituary of Zach’s paternal grandfather, Bernard Kornfeld – https://www.nytimes.com

Obituary of Zach’s paternal grandmother, Evelyn (Wahrhaftig) Kornfeld – https://www.legacy.com

Zach’s maternal grandfather, Irwin/Irving Isaacs, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Marriage record of Zach’s maternal great-grandparents, Manuel Isaacs and Helen Biederman – https://www.familysearch.org

Zach’s maternal great-grandmother, Helen Biederman, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Place of Birth: Tarzana, Los Angeles, California, United States

Date of Birth: July 6, 1989

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Jonathan Daniel Brown is an American actor and director.

Jonathan is the son of Ellen and Jeffrey Brown. His parents are both Jewish.

Jonathan’s paternal grandparents are named Joseph Brown and Pauline Foster.

Jonathan’s maternal grandfather is surnamed Moss. Jonathan’s maternal grandmother is named Rose Ksionzka.

Source: Obituary of Jonathan’s paternal grandfather, Joseph Brown – http://www.familysearch.org

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Birth Name: Trevor Elias Einhorn

Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, United States

Date of Birth: November 3, 1988

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Trevor Einhorn is an American actor.

Trevor is the son of Mindy and Joseph Einhorn. His parents are both Jewish.

Trevor’s maternal grandfather is Seymour Z. Lake (the son of Harry Lake and Minnie). Seymour was born in New Jersey, to a father from Hungary and a mother from England, who were listed as Yiddish speakers on the 1920 U.S. Census.

Trevor’s maternal grandmother is Martha Z. Miroff (the daughter of Samuel Miroff and Anna). Martha was born in New Jersey, to parents from Ukraine (under Russian Empire).

Source: Obituary of Trevor’s maternal grandmother, Martha Z. (Miroff) Lake – http://www.familysearch.org

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Birth Name: Paweł Aleksander Pawlikowski

Place of Birth: Warsaw, Poland

Date of Birth: 15 September, 1957

Ethnicity:
*75% Polish
*25% Ashkenazi Jewish

Paweł Pawlikowski is a Polish filmmaker. He lives in the U.K. He is married to model and actress Małgosia Bela. He has two children with his late wife. Paweł’s religion is Catholic.

Paweł’s paternal grandmother was Jewish, and died in Auschwitz.

Source: Interview with Paweł Pawlikowski – https://filmmakermagazine.com

Birth Name: Stella Maeve Corman-Johnston

Place of Birth: Nyack, New York, U.S.

Date of Birth: November 14, 1989

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish, possibly other

Stella Maeve is an American actress.

Stella is the daughter of Polly Jo. She has stated that she has Cherokee and Blackfoot Native American ancestry. It is not clear whether this Native American ancestry has been verified/documented.

Stella’s maternal grandmother is Doris L. Greifer (the daughter of Samuel Greifer and Fannie G. Levenson/Leveson). Doris was born in New York, into a Jewish family. Samuel was born in Russia. Fannie was born in New York, to parents from Russia, Joseph Levenson and Anna.

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