“Finding Your Roots” has found another celebrity connection.
Michael Douglas discovered on a recent episode of the PBS series that he is the “DNA cousin” of actress Scarlett Johansson.
When host Henry Louis Gates Jr. revealed the connection, Douglas couldn't believe it. "Are you kidding?" he exclaimed. "Oh, that's amazing. All right. This is cool. This is so cool."
Professional genealogists discovered that Douglas and Johansson "share identical stretches of DNA on four different chromosomes." These genetic links can be traced back to Scarlett's maternal lines, which have roots in Jewish communities in Eastern Europe.
Douglas went on to say, “That’s incredible.”
He added: “I look forward to seeing Scarlett next time.”
"Finding Your Roots" has been uncovering fascinating connections since 2012. For example, Julia Roberts and Edward Norton discovered they were genetic cousins in one episode. Kerry Washington also found out life-altering information that she was conceived through a sperm donor.
You can catch "Finding Your Roots" with Henry Louis Gates Jr. on PBS every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET.
Editor's P/S:
The revelation of a DNA connection between Michael Douglas and Scarlett Johansson on "Finding Your Roots" is a testament to the power of genetic testing. The discovery that two seemingly unrelated celebrities share genetic ancestry highlights the interconnectedness of humanity. It also serves as a reminder that our genetic heritage is often more complex and surprising than we might imagine.
The show's ability to uncover these connections through meticulous research is a testament to the advancements in genetic science. By analyzing DNA, genealogists can trace genetic lineages back generations, shedding light on our family history and revealing unexpected relationships. The insights gained from such discoveries can have a profound impact on our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.