Joel Grey – 65th Annual Tony Awards – Arrivals – Beacon Theatre – New York City, NY, USA – Photo Credit: Wild1 / PR Photos
Birth Name: Joel David Katz
Place of Birth: Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
Date of Birth: April 11, 1932
Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish
Joel Grey is an American actor, singer, dancer, and photographer. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Cabaret (1972).
Joel is the son of Goldie “Grace/Grayce” (Epstein) and Mickey Katz (Meir/Meyer Myron Katz), an actor, comedian, and musician. He has two children, including actress Jennifer Grey, with his former wife, Jo Wilder.
Joel’s paternal grandfather was Menachem/Max Mandel Katz. Menachem was born in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Joel’s paternal grandmother was Johanna/Anna Sarah Herzberg (the daughter of Joseph/Josel Herzberg and Yetta L. Josephson). Johanna was born in Courland, Latvia. Joseph was the son of Jacob Herzberg and Tillie.
Joel’s maternal grandfather was Morris Epstein (the son of Louis Epstein and Hinda Howitz). Morris was born in Russia.
Joel’s maternal grandmother was Fanny Bordovsky/Bodofsky/Vorodosky (the daughter of Gedelia Bordovsky/Bodofsky and Buly Korloitsky). Fanny was born in Russia.
Sources: Genealogy of Joel Grey – https://www.geni.com
Marriage record of Joel’s parents – https://www.familysearch.org