Birth Name: Akiva J. Goldsman
Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.
Date of Birth: July 7, 1962
Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish
Akiva Goldsman is an American film and television writer, director, and producer.
Akiva was previously married to film producer Rebecca Spikings-Goldsman, the daughter of British film producer Barry Spikings, until her death in 2010. Akiva is now married to Joann Richter, with whom he has two children.
Akiva is the son of Mira (Kowarski/Kowarsky) Rothenberg and Teveyeh Y. “Tev” Goldsman. Akiva’s parents were Jewish. Akiva’s father was born in Washington, D.C. Akiva’s mother was born in Vilnius, Lithuania, and moved to the U.S. in 1939.
Akiva’s paternal grandfather was Akiva Moshe Holtzman, later known as Maurice C. Goldsman (the son of Yankev Osher Goldsman and Sorah Raizel Pomerantz). Maurice was born in Luninets, Russia (now Belarus). Yankev was the son of Teveyeh Yitzhak Holtzman and Rachel. Sorah was the daughter of Yekusiel Pomerantz and Baileh Sirota.
Akiva’s paternal grandmother was Bluma Mazier (the daughter of Nathan Naach Mazier and Chaya Sora Holtzman). Bluma was also born in Luninets, Russia (now Belarus).
Akiva’s maternal grandparents were Jacob Kowarski and Rose Joffe.
Sources: Genealogy of Akiva Goldsman (focusing on his father’s side) – http://www.geni.com
Obituary of Akiva’s father – http://www.thegardenisland.com
Obituary of Akiva’s mother – http://www.nytimes.com
Immigration record of Akiva’s father – http://www.familysearch.org
Photo by Joe Seer/www.bigstockphoto.com/