Rising From the Ashes
Henry Louis Gates traces the roots of actors Brian Cox and Viola Davis—two people who overcame traumatic childhoods, revealing that they aren’t the first in their families to face enormous odds. From workhouses in Scotland to slave plantations in South Carolina, long-lost records reveal the stories of ancestors who laid the groundwork for Brian and Viola’s success by fighting so hard to survive.
Previews + Extras
Rising From the Ashes Preview
S9 E5 - 32s
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. traces the roots of actors Brian Cox and Viola Davis, uncovering records from workhouses in Scotland and slave plantations in South Carolina that reveal individuals who battled to build a better life for their families.
The Hidden Truth in Viola Davis' Family Tree
S9 E5 - 10m 16s
Viola Davis and Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. dive into her family's past, and with the help of DNA and local records, discover a surprising secret her grandfather kept to himself. Viola Davis is a critically-revered, award-winning actress, producer, and New York Times Best-Selling Author. She is the first black actress to win two Tony Awards, an Oscar an Emmy and a Grammy.
Brian Cox's Grandfather Was Exposed to Poison Gas in WWI
S9 E5 - 4m 25s
Brian Cox learns that his grandfather was likely exposed to poison gas while fighting as a Scottish highlander in the 9th Battalion of the Black Watch while fighting on the Western Front during WWI.
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