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Finding Your Roots

Cyndi Lauper's Ancestors Played a Part in a Swiss Rebellion

Season 9 Episode 4 | 4m 04s

Singer Cyndi Lauper, who has devoted her life to an array of social causes, had a great-grandfather who, as a "general agitator," helped organize a rebellion against unfair monetary policies in Switzerland in the early 1650s.

Corporate support for Season 11 of FINDING YOUR ROOTS WITH HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR. is provided by Gilead Sciences, Inc., Ancestry® and Johnson & Johnson. Major support is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Support is also provided by Ford Foundation; Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation; Candace King Weir; by the Inkwell Society together with many of its members; and by public television viewers.
Extras
Watch • 4:13
Finding Your Roots
The Hardships in Sharon Stone's Ancestry
Sharon learns about the hardships endured by her mother and her paternal ancestors.
Clip: S11 E4 | 4:13
Watch • 4:07
Finding Your Roots
Chrissy Teigen Discovers Very Unique Lost Family History
Chrissy learns the true roots of her grandmother Ruth, and details of her great grandparents lives.
Clip: S11 E4 | 4:07
Watch • 4:19
Finding Your Roots
Rita Dove's Ancestor Had Run-Ins With the Law
Rita learns about her grandfather's criminal charges and trying adulthood.
Clip: S11 E3 | 4:19
Watch • 4:11
Finding Your Roots
Amy Tan Learns About Her Father's Past in China
Amy discovers records of her father's immigration from China and his many accomplishments.
Clip: S11 E3 | 4:11
Watch • 0:30
Finding Your Roots
Stranger Than Fiction Preview
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. reveals inspiring ancestors of novelist Amy Tan & poet Rita Dove.
Preview: S11 E3 | 0:30
Watch • 0:30
Finding Your Roots
La Famiglia Preview
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the Italian roots of Joy Behar & Michael Imperioli.
Preview: S11 E2 | 0:30
Watch • 4:02
Finding Your Roots
The Train Accident in Michael Imperioli's Family History
Michael Imperioli learns about his maternal great grandfather's death as a train worker in New York.
Clip: S11 E2 | 4:02
Watch • 4:03
Finding Your Roots
Joy Behar Discovers Her Grandfather's Immigrant Story
Joy Behar's grandparents move to America and forge a new life.
Clip: S11 E2 | 4:03
Watch • 0:30
Finding Your Roots
Larger Than Life Preview
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. connects Lea Salonga & Amanda Seyfried to their dramatic ancestors.
Preview: S11 E1 | 0:30
Watch • 3:47
Finding Your Roots
Lea Salonga Uncovers Her German Ancestry
Lea Salonga discovers the roots of her maternal great great grandfather, Pedro Malhabor.
Clip: S11 E1 | 3:47
All
  • All
  • Finding Your Roots Season 11
  • Finding Your Roots Season 10
  • Finding Your Roots Season 9
  • Finding Your Roots Season 8
  • Finding Your Roots Season 7
  • Finding Your Roots Season 6
  • Finding Your Roots Season 5
  • Finding Your Roots Season 4
  • Finding Your Roots Season 3
  • Finding Your Roots Season 2
  • Finding Your Roots Season 1
Watch • 49:55
Finding Your Roots
Dreamers One And All
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. traces the ancestry of actor Sharon Stone & model Chrissy Teigen.
Episode: S11 E4 | 49:55
Watch • 52:10
Finding Your Roots
Stranger Than Fiction
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. reveals inspiring ancestors of novelist Amy Tan & poet Rita Dove.
Episode: S11 E3 | 52:10
Watch • 52:10
Finding Your Roots
La Famiglia
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the Italian roots of Joy Behar & Michael Imperioli.
Episode: S11 E2 | 52:10
Watch • 52:10
Finding Your Roots
Larger Than Life
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. connects Lea Salonga & Amanda Seyfried to their dramatic ancestors.
Episode: S11 E1 | 52:10
Watch • 52:09
Finding Your Roots
Viewers Like You
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. solves mysteries for 3 everyday Americans chosen to be guests.
Episode: S10 E10 | 52:09
Watch • 52:09
Finding Your Roots
In the Blood
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. uncovers the surprising roots of Michael Douglas & Lena Dunham.
Episode: S10 E9 | 52:09
Watch • 52:09
Finding Your Roots
Mean Streets
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. maps family trees of comedian Tracy Morgan & actor Anthony Ramos.
Episode: S10 E8 | 52:09
Watch • 52:09
Finding Your Roots
The Brick Wall Falls
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. shares ancestry with actor Danielle Brooks & singer Dionne Warwick.
Episode: S10 E7 | 52:09
Watch • 52:09
Finding Your Roots
Far and Away
Sunny Hostin and Jesse Williams discover ancestors from very diverse places.
Episode: S10 E6 | 52:09
Watch • 52:09
Finding Your Roots
Hold the Laughter
Bob Odenkirk and Iliza Shlesinger—two very funny people whose family trees brim with drama
Episode: S10 E5 | 52:09