Christopher Walken Uncovers His Grandfather's Criminal History | Finding Your Roots | Ancestry®

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  • čas přidán 15. 06. 2024
  • Actor Christopher Walken learns the incredible story behind his mother’s immigration from Scotland to the United States and uncovers a never before seen mugshot of his biological grandfather in this week’s episode of PBS’s Finding Your Roots.
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    00:00 Introduction
    0:21 Christopher Walken wants to know about his mother’s family
    1:03 Who is Christopher Walken’s grandfather?
    2:44 Christopher Walken meets his biological grandfather
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Komentáře • 1,5K

  • @AncestryUS
    @AncestryUS  Před rokem +489

    Christopher seeing his grandfather for the first time is pretty powerful! Do you have a relative that you’ve always wanted to learn more about?

    • @jonirnmomba4130
      @jonirnmomba4130 Před rokem +12

      My father. He was a beautiful man, and died at 63. I took advantage of his stories and now I wish I would have asked more. I think that my son is the 5th generation with his name but that is just speculation based on family lore.

    • @cjanderson768
      @cjanderson768 Před rokem +9

      My great great grandfather. I don’t even know his name. He was never discussed. My mom had met her great grandmother a few times but he was never there. I’ve searched for his name or information about him for almost 40 years now.

    • @patriciaredmond3996
      @patriciaredmond3996 Před rokem +6

      My great grandfather, Patrick McCudden, from Co. Monaghan, it's always been a mystery what happened to him after my great grandmother kicked him out , it's telling in my family that she's described as well a hard women to get along with, he was a lovable rogue who might of been a bit of a lady's man

    • @theresamay9481
      @theresamay9481 Před rokem +5

      My sister belongs to Ancestry and has done extensive research to find out who our Grandfather was. She walked streets and found the places where our Grandmother lived, went through microfiche at the city library and talked to all relatives she could find. The name on our Father's birth certificate was made up. We still don't know who he was.

    • @bettyeclay5917
      @bettyeclay5917 Před rokem +13

      I would like to know who my biological father was. I lived 50 years as a black woman and I then find out my biological father is white with Appalachian roots.

  • @jimjam51075
    @jimjam51075 Před 11 měsíci +952

    My favorite part of the episode is where the host gives him a gold watch and tells him where his grandfather had to hide it.

  • @danielhickmott5800
    @danielhickmott5800 Před 11 měsíci +1932

    His mother is what I call a “cycle breaker”. She knew she wanted a better life for herself and future children and did it!

  • @immortanjoe9362
    @immortanjoe9362 Před 3 měsíci +13

    I'm a simple man. I see Christopher Walken, I click it.

    • @AncestryUS
      @AncestryUS  Před 3 měsíci +2

      Thanks for stopping by Immortan Joe! We hope you enjoyed this segment with Christopher Walken!

  • @nosol
    @nosol Před rokem +797

    Mom was a pretty tough and proud figure to have ultimately still put her real father's name on the birth certificate. Never be ashamed of where you come from.

    • @phyllisjohnson6442
      @phyllisjohnson6442 Před rokem +36

      That’s so right. What is is. Whatever was was.👍🏾

    • @shannonmcelyea4631
      @shannonmcelyea4631 Před rokem +48

      Back then I think her being “illegitimate” on the birth certificate may have effected her immigration??

    • @AncestryUS
      @AncestryUS  Před rokem +36

      Great to remember, Olga!

    • @Mybpeterson
      @Mybpeterson Před 11 měsíci +42

      In her home country she had reason to be ashamed of her criminal father. In America no one knew the man. But in those times, she had A LOT to be ashamed of for being illegitimate. By getting a new birth certificate she wasn't so much as claiming her father, she was proving her legitimacy in a different society. Getting it done just before she married showed she didn't want to bring shame to her husband, his family, and any family they may create. She never spoke her father's name for a reason. She never even alluded to him.

    • @josebotello928
      @josebotello928 Před 10 měsíci +2

      Thanks I need to her that. 👍

  • @guns4toilets
    @guns4toilets Před 11 měsíci +249

    "He looks like a tough customer."
    Excellent reaction and another quote to add to his many already legendary ones.

    • @yeebby1
      @yeebby1 Před 11 měsíci +7

      Christopher Walken is one of the greats. ❤

    • @thehighpriestess8431
      @thehighpriestess8431 Před 11 měsíci +7

      Christopher Walken is one smart cookie. I love to see him in movies because he is such a fine 🎭 actor.

    • @jason-hy8ci
      @jason-hy8ci Před 9 měsíci +9

      Please take no offense, but "Tough Customer" isn't really new or Never heard.

    • @jamesjameson4566
      @jamesjameson4566 Před 8 měsíci +3

      ​@@jason-hy8cistrange seeing the things people have no idea of 😂

    • @flywhereangelsfell3172
      @flywhereangelsfell3172 Před 7 měsíci +1

      And he can sure play the h... out of a cowbell!

  • @laurencaulton103
    @laurencaulton103 Před rokem +1121

    Ironic that Mr. Walken is famous for his tough-guy roles, and his grandfather lived that life.

    • @ForTheMonolith
      @ForTheMonolith Před rokem +52

      Art imitates life

    • @jesseberry5500
      @jesseberry5500 Před rokem +7

      It wasn’t like he was of Marvin force or he got busted receiving and selling stolen goods that’s far from a tough guy Prasada I never know if I’ve been a sissy just saying, I don’t see the report certainly didn’t say he was a tough guy

    • @BroodallyHonest
      @BroodallyHonest Před rokem +28

      You're thinking about Robert DeNiro. Christopher Walken is famous for being an amazing character actor. He does all kinds of roles.

    • @David-ol3it
      @David-ol3it Před 11 měsíci +8

      Pentonvile prison is in London. Not just outside london

    • @selmahare
      @selmahare Před 11 měsíci +5

      @@David-ol3it Yes! I made that correction as well watching the video. I lived in Pentonvile road, which not only bares the same name but is also close enough, in North London. Have walked by that prison a couple of times. It looks just as sombre as its History. Don't like that part of town at all, it has this dense vibe.

  • @vXIR0NMANXv
    @vXIR0NMANXv Před 9 měsíci +352

    His mothers resolve to get on a boat and go to a completely different world is incredibly inspiring. I hope I can find that resolve myself some day.

    • @taylor3014
      @taylor3014 Před 9 měsíci +12

      Though getting on a boat with Christopher Walken may not end up working out quite so well

    • @___HH___
      @___HH___ Před 9 měsíci +3

      At least she wasn't walkin'.

    • @PeterRabbit70
      @PeterRabbit70 Před 8 měsíci +1

      @@taylor3014 Do you think Walken had a role in that?

    • @lIllIIIllIl
      @lIllIIIllIl Před 8 měsíci

      Selfish*

    • @miamijefe7793
      @miamijefe7793 Před 8 měsíci +4

      It's easier for women. They can leave everything behind and find another man to shack up with and be taken care of., especially in those days. Women were all housewives

  • @kcuzz4091
    @kcuzz4091 Před rokem +241

    Think how strong Mr. Walker’s mother was to have the courage at the age of 22 to get on a ship to America.

    • @debradevonne3225
      @debradevonne3225 Před rokem +7

      Courage...or fear, shame, regret 😢

    • @lindacourtice7960
      @lindacourtice7960 Před rokem +16

      I go with description "courage." Women didnt have alot of options then, and illegal things happened to women then that were permitted, winked at, women yook the full brunt of.
      We dont know what transpired, or even why that guy was led to selling stolen goods. Maybe he was desperate.
      So I say, rest in peace.
      PS Illegitimacy means "illegitimate heir," and some countries viewed heirs via birth, not marraige, so children of royalty qualified to rule via "partners," "concubines," "mistresses," "consorts," culturally acceptable or unacceptable rapes and later "marraige."
      Genealogy is eye opening.

    • @katesleuth1156
      @katesleuth1156 Před rokem +4

      @@lindacourtice7960llegitimate also meant that the child was not conceived within the law, which was, after marriage. We’re not talking about royalty here. It wasn’t just about heirs as many were poor & had nothing to inherit, but the fact that the parent or parent chose to ignore the law without consideration for the child born illegitimate.

    • @chomama1628
      @chomama1628 Před rokem +8

      @@debradevonne3225courage can come from all those feelings. She couldn’t change how she came into the world but she could change the outcome. We all can if we have the courage.

    • @uwsgrrrl9981
      @uwsgrrrl9981 Před rokem +10

      My mother came to,the US when she was 19 yo from Italy.

  • @tapanisydanmetsa6714
    @tapanisydanmetsa6714 Před 7 měsíci +80

    Cristopher Walken is absolutely one of my favorite Hollywood actors if not the most favorite. His voice is Magic.

    • @AncestryUS
      @AncestryUS  Před 7 měsíci +2

      Thanks for taking part in the discussion and sharing your thoughts, tapani sydänmetsä! We hope you've enjoyed learning more about Christopher's own family history within another incredible episode of PBS’s Finding Your Roots. He certainly has a unique voice that is recognisable instantly! Thanks again and enjoy the rest of your weekend! 🎃

    • @poppawheelie5666
      @poppawheelie5666 Před 3 měsíci +1

      You're talking to my boy all wrong, it's the tone

  • @kerrypickens8594
    @kerrypickens8594 Před rokem +180

    Christopher Walken is such a great actor, but he has such a great sense of humor

    • @infinitejest441
      @infinitejest441 Před 11 měsíci +8

      Awesome dancer as well

    • @808ghostMiller
      @808ghostMiller Před 11 měsíci +7

      “But” ? Lol

    • @ryandavids1129
      @ryandavids1129 Před 11 měsíci +7

      He also covered up a murder. He's sure a great guy!

    • @lordshaxx667
      @lordshaxx667 Před 11 měsíci +8

      ​@@ryandavids1129yea very creepy guy also

    • @aboutface7961
      @aboutface7961 Před 9 měsíci

      or at the very least, an unlawful death. @@ryandavids1129

  • @michaelwilson2340
    @michaelwilson2340 Před rokem +83

    His role in The Deer Hunter alone should put him in cinematic history.

    • @infinitejest441
      @infinitejest441 Před 11 měsíci +6

      He was chilling

    • @slimzimm1031
      @slimzimm1031 Před 4 měsíci

      Can't argue that@@infinitejest441

    • @sasskvetch8617
      @sasskvetch8617 Před 4 měsíci +3

      How is he not in cinematic history? LOL. He won an Oscar for The Deer Hunter and was nominated for Catch Me If You Can. He has had a ton of other great parts and cameos as well.

    • @Nichilistaiconoclasta
      @Nichilistaiconoclasta Před 2 měsíci +2

      "The dead zone" was also a masterpiece

  • @lizevans4534
    @lizevans4534 Před 9 měsíci +64

    Glasgow Scotland here , we take great Pride that his mother was one of us 😍

    • @SpiderPigggg
      @SpiderPigggg Před 2 měsíci +1

      BENNY HARVEY RIP

    • @kitano47
      @kitano47 Před 2 měsíci +1

      RIP BIG MAN

    • @liamg1706
      @liamg1706 Před 2 měsíci

      Hi glasgow Scotland

    • @ptommo1543
      @ptommo1543 Před 3 dny

      Neat. Tough stock, he should be proud 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

  • @hugs_nicolle7263
    @hugs_nicolle7263 Před 10 měsíci +31

    “Well…what did he do?” He cracks me up… a tough customer…love this guy❤ his Ma sounds like a wonderful person.

  • @user-pb2kg1ng4g
    @user-pb2kg1ng4g Před 11 měsíci +173

    Egan is a surname that comes from the Irish Gaelic name Mac Aodhagáin. It is derived from the root 'aedh' meaning little fire and the diminutive 'an' hence 'the little bright-eyed one'. Variations include: Egan, Eagan, Keegan, McKeegan, MacEgan, Kegan, Keagan and Egen. The name originates from County Tipperary (north).

    • @hannahoconnell7324
      @hannahoconnell7324 Před 9 měsíci +17

      Wow, thanks for sharing. So interesting to know that. I’m Irish myself and had no idea

    • @pinecone9045
      @pinecone9045 Před 9 měsíci +3

      What hannahoconnell said thanks *edit I meant @jason-hy8ci but anyways

    • @jason-hy8ci
      @jason-hy8ci Před 9 měsíci +7

      Tough language, I know their are still some Towns and small pockets of Ireland that speak it. I also know they still teach it in some places. I'd like to see the Irish Republic PAY the youth of Ireland to learn their language, nothing like a little Golden incentive. Anything would be worth keeping Gaelic alive, and never mind..... well?

    • @tjokoloko6159
      @tjokoloko6159 Před 9 měsíci +2

      and what about Vegan?

    • @maryconway4728
      @maryconway4728 Před 4 měsíci +4

      Yeah. This show is for an American audience who don’t understand that it was common for Irish people to go to places like Glasgow for work. And it probably was another reason that his mother immigrated to New York alone - she probably had some Irish relatives already there. That section of Queens, New York had a huge Irish community at that time.

  • @phyllisjohnson6442
    @phyllisjohnson6442 Před rokem +271

    He’s a great actor, and he is brave enough to face whatever he had to face. I admire that. 🍎

    • @ChiggidyChuck
      @ChiggidyChuck Před 11 měsíci +16

      Google Natalie Wood.

    • @uncletony6210
      @uncletony6210 Před 11 měsíci +4

      @@ChiggidyChuck exactly.

    • @SR-iy4gg
      @SR-iy4gg Před 9 měsíci +4

      I've been researching my family tree for almost 30 years. It's fascinating to me, but it's not brave at all.

    • @Aham-Na
      @Aham-Na Před 9 měsíci

      @@SR-iy4ggwhat do you mean?

    • @NotableSavage2
      @NotableSavage2 Před 9 měsíci

      @@SR-iy4gg I guess, but Ben Affleck famously cowered away from his family’s history as slave owners on this exact platform.

  • @MrCabimero
    @MrCabimero Před 11 měsíci +30

    Chris's father ran Walken's Bakery on Broadway in Astoria, NY. We bought cake there. Never met Chris there but his father was a great baker!

    • @gmann6269
      @gmann6269 Před 11 měsíci

      When did you visit the bakery?

    • @MrCabimero
      @MrCabimero Před 11 měsíci +2

      @@gmann6269 1960’s to about the 70’s

    • @charleshammer2928
      @charleshammer2928 Před 11 měsíci +3

      Christopher's dad was German and his Mom was from Scotland and he grew up in Queens. Donald J Trump"s father was German and his mom was from Scotland and he grew up in Queens. Hmmmmm

    • @SY-ok2dq
      @SY-ok2dq Před 4 měsíci +1

      Chris talked about working in the bakery as a boy. He described having to fill donuts with jam using this contraption.
      Chris (then known as Ronnie) and his brothers were also actors as children, playing small roles as children in family scenes etc. for the emerging TV show industry in N.Y.C.
      You can see in the family photo that the Walken boys were very attractive.

  • @mikedavis9244
    @mikedavis9244 Před 11 měsíci +92

    Interesting that we hear Walken's real speech pattern here without any of the affectations that are famously imitated. I didn't realize how significantly he puts that on

    • @indianajim
      @indianajim Před 9 měsíci +11

      When he’s performing he certainly has a specific rhythm of speech.

    • @pinecone9045
      @pinecone9045 Před 9 měsíci +3

      It's called acting, I had to say that no demeaning intended, I could almost hear myself say it in his voice.

    • @coma_TOES
      @coma_TOES Před 9 měsíci +1

      SNL episode classics whenever he hosts..
      More Cowbell
      Colonel Angus
      One favorite of mine every single cast member did an impression of his speech pattern ~ I believe they were playing various relatives at Walken family reunion!

    • @markant9534
      @markant9534 Před 6 měsíci +4

      He just exaggerates his voice, his speech pattern is still a little strange.

    • @gardensofthegods
      @gardensofthegods Před 5 měsíci +1

      Call someone saying they grew up speaking Yiddish in his house because his father was Jewish so imagine also a Scottish accent in the house wow what a combination of accents for a kid to be dealing with from day one

  • @macpduff2119
    @macpduff2119 Před rokem +362

    Ive always been a fan of Christopher Walkin. A great actor. My grandparents also left Glasgow and resettled in NYC. So my favorite actor and I share Scottish grandparents. Scotland and England were rough places to survive late Victorian/early 20th C.

  • @shoelessjoe428
    @shoelessjoe428 Před 11 měsíci +48

    Christopher Walken will always be a legend. A man who clearly loves what he does. Great to learn a bit about his background.

    • @ChiggidyChuck
      @ChiggidyChuck Před 11 měsíci +4

      Want to learn about his background? Google Natalie Wood.

  • @danielamicallef9592
    @danielamicallef9592 Před rokem +53

    I am a researcher myself, therefore am in awe of your work. Rendering results, unearthing truths.

    • @AncestryUS
      @AncestryUS  Před rokem +7

      Research is tough work, but is often so rewarding!

    • @bjornyesterday2562
      @bjornyesterday2562 Před 11 měsíci

      ​@@AncestryUSresearch is maybe the only worthwhile task

    • @___HH___
      @___HH___ Před 9 měsíci +1

      @@bjornyesterday2562 Even above procreation? Wow. You sure think a lot of research!

    • @bjornyesterday2562
      @bjornyesterday2562 Před 9 měsíci

      @@___HH___ I'm sorry you feel procreation is a task

  • @johnwright291
    @johnwright291 Před 9 měsíci +25

    This really resonates with me. I have a cousin who is a well known geologist in salt lake city and I just reconnected with him after 50 years. Through him I found out that my maternal great grandfather was a horse rustler who bought horses he knew were stolen. What makes it very interesting is that he was in the Wyoming state penitentiary at the very same time that Butch Cassidy was there. He said I hope your not disappointed. I said are you kidding. I love it.

  • @seferinorino6951
    @seferinorino6951 Před 11 měsíci +17

    I absolutely love Christopher Walken. Every time he’s on the screen he just lights it up. I couldn’t pinpoint what it is but he’s my favourite actor.

  • @Mountainsnlilacs
    @Mountainsnlilacs Před 9 měsíci +12

    And that right there, is how he understood his Grandmother's reasons for leaving. She needed to find a better life outside of where she was, and when opportunity presented itself, she took it.

  • @JosephDredd31
    @JosephDredd31 Před 9 měsíci +43

    I haven't even seen this episode yet but wanted to say what an unbelievable talent Christopher Walking is. Simply one of my favorites of all time. Thank you for your gift of making me believe that you are each and every character you have played.

  • @TomMunsell-ln6mg
    @TomMunsell-ln6mg Před rokem +148

    It is such an informative show and should never be taken off the air for anything that may seem to embracing. History is history and life marches on. I proud of the way Mr. Gates shows empecable informative vision of what life was once like. It is just like a scavenger hunt about your search for your family history and historical events. I hope no one tries to remove this show.

    • @AncestryUS
      @AncestryUS  Před rokem +17

      We're glad you enjoy Henry Louis Gates Jr. and his shows!

    • @gardensofthegods
      @gardensofthegods Před 5 měsíci +1

      Really ashamed the full episodes aren't free here on CZcams as a lot of people would gladly watch the show and deal with the commercials and they would still make their money through the monetization of the commercials

  • @luciaennocenti9710
    @luciaennocenti9710 Před rokem +28

    Love Mr. Walken

  • @Chew.bubblegumandkickass
    @Chew.bubblegumandkickass Před 11 měsíci +5

    "Look at his hands" Chris Walken being Chris Walken. Love it 😁🙌🏼

  • @cmomofilm
    @cmomofilm Před 11 měsíci +32

    What they didn't mention, or probably weren't aware of, is the scar on the side of his grandfather's mouth is known here (in Scotland) as a "Glasgow smile" (a cut violently imposed at 1, or both sides of the mouth, extending towards the ear, creating a macabre "smile"). So his maternal grandfather was almost definitely in a gang, and by the looks of him, a proper "hard man" (very tough gentleman, with an enthusiasm for violence). (Translations for any non-scots who are interested in lesser known Scottish colloquialisms).

    • @ChiggidyChuck
      @ChiggidyChuck Před 11 měsíci +5

      What they didn't mention was his direct involvement in the murder of Natalie Wood

    • @Leo-sd3jt
      @Leo-sd3jt Před 11 měsíci +4

      ​@@ChiggidyChuckhe wasn't involved though. None of the witnesses say he was involved and, as far as I'm aware, it's agreed that he was asleep below deck whereas people reported seeing Natalie Wood and Robert Wagner having an argument above deck.

    • @ChiggidyChuck
      @ChiggidyChuck Před 11 měsíci

      @@Leo-sd3jt hahah ok dude

    • @olly8
      @olly8 Před 11 měsíci +3

      ​​​​​@@ChiggidyChuckThe fight that 'supposedly took place' was over Natalie. I don't believe Chris was involved with her death, but possibly a catalyst for R.W's jealously. Only those on that boat know the whole story.
      I have been a fan of his since the movie At Close Range -with Sean Penn. He played Big Brad so convincingly. Gives me the chills!!! So many good movie roles, and quite the dancer 🕺

    • @dawnrobbins5877
      @dawnrobbins5877 Před 10 měsíci +4

      Constantly using the word 'gentleman' to describe a criminal seems to be a thing nowadays. Stop it. They're literally the exact opposite.

  • @hatednyc
    @hatednyc Před 9 měsíci +13

    I’ll never forget the day I met Mr Walken and his wife at Lincoln Center. Absolute class act. Always loved him and always will.

    • @slowery43
      @slowery43 Před měsícem

      nobody cares in the least.. you think that is entertaining or interesting to anyone but you? wow

  • @thesavagebeast3994
    @thesavagebeast3994 Před 2 měsíci +2

    This guy together with Al Pacino have the coolest most Badass Speech Patterns let alone voices!

  • @heatherwhite2788
    @heatherwhite2788 Před rokem +43

    Solitary confinement is no way to reform anyone. After all these years we still haven’t learned

    • @garymcatear822
      @garymcatear822 Před 11 měsíci +2

      Solitary confinement is meant to be punishment, nothing more, nothing less.

    • @heatherwhite2788
      @heatherwhite2788 Před 11 měsíci +5

      @@garymcatear822 It can induce insanity and that is not a humane punishment. Solitary should be used extremely sparingly.

    • @garymcatear822
      @garymcatear822 Před 11 měsíci

      @@heatherwhite2788 If it is not a humane punishment then it should not also be used extremely sparingly as you say. If you can't do the time, don't do the crime...it is as simple as that. They commit crime, get sent to jail, misbehave in jail, get sent to the jail inside the jail (solitary), all criminals understand this system yet they still do it lolol and you're defending them.

    • @heatherwhite2788
      @heatherwhite2788 Před 7 měsíci +1

      @@Noooodle816 yes

  • @pirobot668beta
    @pirobot668beta Před 8 měsíci +12

    Ancestry testing told me I was swapped at birth.
    My own parents had no idea that I wasn't theirs.
    Other than being taller than my brothers and having different hair-growth patterns, nobody ever batted an eye.
    Some of the stories that DNA testing tells can be pretty amazing!

    • @joekulik999
      @joekulik999 Před 8 měsíci +3

      Yes, and companies like Ancestry are more than happy to share those "pretty amazing" family stories with The Cops and any Fed Agcy that wants them.

    • @AncestryUS
      @AncestryUS  Před 8 měsíci +7

      Hi Joseph, thank you for the opportunity to clarify some misconceptions that are out there. While we can’t speak about the practices of other companies. To date, Ancestry has not released any customers’ DNA information to law enforcement agencies. Protecting our customers’ privacy and being good stewards of their data is Ancestry’s highest priority. We will not voluntarily cooperate with law enforcement unless compelled to by legal process. You can learn more about law enforcement requests we have received and what we have responded here: support.ancestry.com/s/article/Transparency-Report?language=en_US

    • @wyp8098
      @wyp8098 Před 3 měsíci

      You want to reply to that Joe.....? Thought not.​@@joekulik999

  • @evypeace03
    @evypeace03 Před rokem +14

    Such a wonderful actor and his SNL skits are legendary... I need more cowbell, baby. 🎭

  • @lgwappo
    @lgwappo Před 11 měsíci +12

    My dad never spoke of his dad. My mom said his dad committed suicide in the 60s but said never ask dad about it. We weren't supposed to know. Decades later I also learned that my grandfather divorced my grandmother, married another woman, killed her with a .22 pistol, killed her father then himself. She filed for divorce because he had anger issues & she feared him. Strange to learn these secrets in my 60s. I have no memory of that grandfather.

    • @johngalvin3124
      @johngalvin3124 Před 5 měsíci

      All families have secrets, you're not alone. 😊

  • @Evan-lr8nq
    @Evan-lr8nq Před 11 měsíci +3

    Christopher gets that smile from him mother for sure.

  • @buckiesmalls
    @buckiesmalls Před 7 měsíci +3

    1:20 such a genuine laugh.

  • @jonibarger3147
    @jonibarger3147 Před rokem +44

    I adore Christopher Walken, always have. He's a great actor and he's a funny guy.

  • @garymcatear822
    @garymcatear822 Před 11 měsíci +2

    When i was in primary school (junior school) in Tollcross Glasgow, Scotland i would come home at dinner time to get my dinner because i didn't get free meals at school back then because one parent was in employement. Every day for 4 years or so i would do this old ladies shopping (she was in her 90's or something and housebound), i later found out that this old lady was Christopher Walkens grannie lol...back then in the late 70's i had no idea who Christopher walken was. She lived about 30-40 meters from my house. She would get the same thing everyday...newspapers and bread rolls. I hope Christopher gets to read this because no doubt his gran would have spoken to him about me. She lived in the left middle flat on the corner close of Easterhill place Tollcross.

  • @NomadicCreator
    @NomadicCreator Před rokem +22

    So glad he was able to do that! I did Ancestry for that same reason.
    My German oma had a fling during WW2 that resulted with my mother. Oma never told my mother who the dad was so I did a DNA test to try and get a clue. With Ancestry's feature of being able to distinguish between parents I thought it would be easier. I was able to find my entire paternal line, my oma's line, and the blood of mixtures of the maternal grandfather, but that was as far as I could get. I wasn't able to find any names sadly. I mean whole family's were wiped out in the war (any war) right, so that is a possibility. I am grateful that we scraped through. So it's always a happy thing to find ancestors, ❤️.

    • @AncestryUS
      @AncestryUS  Před rokem +4

      Wow! So glad Ancestry was able to help you discover new information on your family.

  • @AIvey-qs1so
    @AIvey-qs1so Před rokem +30

    ❤ Mr. Walken so much, this is great thank you!

  • @turfsniffer
    @turfsniffer Před 11 měsíci +14

    My 2x Great Grandmother was Egen born in Glasgow - she had a brother called Joseph, and he definitely looks like her in the mug shot. I also have his birth record but it doesn't match the date on the picture - odd thing is on the birth record his mother listed is actually his grandmother who would have been over 60 when he was born, but the accidental listing of the grandmother proves it's the same family. The Egans were originally from Ireland, and went over to Scotland during the famine. My 2x Great Grandmother came back to Ireland and settled here.

    • @jpi28602
      @jpi28602 Před 9 měsíci +1

      The date on the picture may be the arrest or conviction date and not DOB?

  • @zorromaskedman8220
    @zorromaskedman8220 Před rokem +47

    Very interesting. In manufacturing we're told "if it is not documented, it did not happen". But we know in life there are numerous things that happen that are not documented. I've always been puzzled as I grew up, when I first heard the term "illegitimate". It doesn't apply to me, I just wondered why they use the term. I have since gained the understanding, that by Law, if the parents are not married, then any offspring are illegitimate. It always has had a Very negative tone to it, like "somehow" it's the child's fault. My mother's father ran away from his responsibilities after having two girls, back in 1937, when all you had to do is jump on a train, leave town, and never look back, except for the guilt. You can learn so much by a single document.

    • @mtngrl5859
      @mtngrl5859 Před 9 měsíci

      in earlier times marriages were arranged for alliances, so it was important that any issue (children) be legal. Even today if a child is not born from the legal wife, the child can not assume any titles. So, if one is a Baron ( for example), any children can not inherit the title unless they are legitimate and born from his wife. Thus, surrogates or adopted children don't qualify.

    • @gingerhiser7312
      @gingerhiser7312 Před 9 měsíci

      My birth certificate has a check box for legitimate/illegitimate. It had to do with rights of inheritance.

  • @mrmoran0077
    @mrmoran0077 Před 11 měsíci +4

    Wonderful, and equally wonderful to hear an American pronouncing Glasgow properly 😊

  • @peggygibbons479
    @peggygibbons479 Před rokem +20

    Oh Man I can't WAIT to see this one!! I love Chris, I love this show and I love you Skip!! Your famous geneologist Cece should get a Nobel Prize! She is amazing!!

  • @aliceydu
    @aliceydu Před rokem +157

    Back then, having a father who received and sold stolen property was such a shame that she never mentioned or saw him again. Yet today, many people steal and rob with no consequences at all.

    • @mikemccool7575
      @mikemccool7575 Před rokem +10

      But hard labor and solitary confinement?

    • @bjornyesterday2562
      @bjornyesterday2562 Před 11 měsíci +7

      They are called police

    • @bobdavidsonm.d.7214
      @bobdavidsonm.d.7214 Před 11 měsíci +2

      ​@@bjornyesterday2562
      Girlfriend, run off with a cop huh.

    • @micomator
      @micomator Před 11 měsíci +7

      I think there's likely more to the story. Not all children are the product of love or romance. The man who got her pregnant, she never spoke of until her daughter needed his name to emmigrate.

    • @garylefevers
      @garylefevers Před 11 měsíci

      Babdavidsonm, you must be related to a cop. I noticed how you didn't disagree with the fact that cops are thieves. The rich are themselves thieves as well.

  • @ThaRealBummyDavis
    @ThaRealBummyDavis Před 9 měsíci +1

    My man is 80 still full of energy

  • @jstone247
    @jstone247 Před rokem +6

    Glasgow was a pretty rough place back then.

  • @Mark-Vincent-yk8wj
    @Mark-Vincent-yk8wj Před 9 měsíci +5

    That picture of his grandfather is truly awesome...!!! Truly amazing...because his grandfather looks like a time traveler...!!! Once again...AMAZING...!!! 😱🤔✌️

  • @victoriaolson8985
    @victoriaolson8985 Před 11 měsíci +5

    My mother was illegitimate, too, as was her older sister. They were also the offspring of an incestual relationship. My grandmother and her uncle hooked up for years in 1920s Vienna. He was the youngest of her mother’s brothers. I know his name but nothing about him, beyond he kept a tarantula as a pet. She left him after 10 years together, paid an American of Italian heritage to marry her and bring her and her two kids to the States.

  • @niciangel
    @niciangel Před 9 měsíci +19

    Love him ❤️ Such a great actor and man. Like his way of talking and his reaction about the news of his grandfather. He's a legend. One of the best. Wish him a long and healthy life.

  • @codelessunlimited7701
    @codelessunlimited7701 Před 4 měsíci +1

    Chris grandma is very beautiful, no wonder he leaves him for a better future for his grandchildren named Christopher.

  • @Truebritify
    @Truebritify Před 11 měsíci +14

    The prison in Dorset was most likely the one in Portland. Portland stone is used throughout the UK and the convicts were used to break up the stone. I was told when I lived in Weymouth that in Victorian times there was a tea room overlooking it that the gentry used to sit in and watch them working. You can just imagine it.

    • @finnmcginn9931
      @finnmcginn9931 Před 9 měsíci

      Same Portland that brought the world Portland cement? Down the rabbit hole I go, cheers.

  • @cynthiamclellan6745
    @cynthiamclellan6745 Před 10 měsíci +3

    Will he ever say what Robert did that night on the boat?

  • @ncooty
    @ncooty Před 7 měsíci +1

    His grandmother sounds like an admirable woman. She could've let the truth fade away, but she put it in writing at the same time she left it behind. She wasn't afraid of it or beholden to it. Good for her.

  • @JackFisherTrio
    @JackFisherTrio Před 11 měsíci +5

    She would have had to survive and such a young women alone...brave and smart.

  • @jeannemoore6610
    @jeannemoore6610 Před 9 měsíci +4

    As someone who has delved into my own genealogy, I really enjoy these episodes.

  • @zovalentine7305
    @zovalentine7305 Před rokem +12

    Christopher Walken ❤
    🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

  • @ThehulkGreen
    @ThehulkGreen Před 5 měsíci +1

    My grandad was a wonderful man, as tough as they come. A proper londoner and a kind man. He and my grandmother earned an award for fostering over 200 children. I speak to some of them to this day. My grandparents are not with me anymore but I think of them all the time, they died over 30yrs ago.

  • @marcvskulper2874
    @marcvskulper2874 Před 11 měsíci +2

    Getting on a boat in her 20's by her self and coming to America. Bless the brave.

  • @TheEVGuy-rx9ju
    @TheEVGuy-rx9ju Před 10 měsíci +3

    What a top Actor ! His mum was from Tolcross in Glasgow as far as I know. Their is always a bit of Scotland in most people.

    • @AncestryUS
      @AncestryUS  Před 10 měsíci

      Hi, EV Guy! We're so glad you enjoyed our clip from Finding Your Roots, featuring Christopher Walken. Have you made any fascinating family history discoveries lately in your own research you'd like to share?

  • @beachrose88
    @beachrose88 Před rokem +17

    Chris is amazing. Started in business as a DANCER..AND A GOOD ONE

  • @susannah1948
    @susannah1948 Před rokem +3

    Fascinating and touching.

  • @hestergreen2031
    @hestergreen2031 Před 9 měsíci +3

    Amazing story.. it’s always good to learn of our distant ancestors.

  • @UnderestimatedA1
    @UnderestimatedA1 Před rokem +4

    One of my all time favorite actor's I could watch this man eat a sandwich and be impressed.

    • @AncestryUS
      @AncestryUS  Před rokem +1

      We're glad you enjoyed this episode, Shay! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

    • @joycampi7233
      @joycampi7233 Před rokem +1

      I totally agree!!!

  • @jenniferrussell6977
    @jenniferrussell6977 Před rokem +13

    I'm a Russell who's ancestors came from Glasgow and migrated to America in the 18somethings. I wonder if we're related, I do see some similar features in his family and mine. That be cool 😁
    I'd love to know my family history.
    ☮️♥️☺️ From Michigan USA

    • @AncestryUS
      @AncestryUS  Před rokem +1

      You never know, Jennifer! You can get started with AncestryDNA here www.ancestry.com/dna/.

  • @toi_techno
    @toi_techno Před 17 dny

    The bravery of young people during hard times is incredible

  • @francerichard801
    @francerichard801 Před 9 měsíci +2

    I’m so jealous!!!
    I would love to know about my ancestors!!!!

  • @chickengenius4202
    @chickengenius4202 Před 11 měsíci +3

    What about that lady they threw off the boat?

  • @DETROIT1948
    @DETROIT1948 Před rokem +5

    History Priceless!

  • @ecamp6360
    @ecamp6360 Před 11 měsíci +1

    We know his family from the reunion they had on SNL. It was brilliant!

  • @nigelbagguley7410
    @nigelbagguley7410 Před 9 měsíci +2

    Christopher Walken my all time favourite actor

  • @FreeSpirit47
    @FreeSpirit47 Před 9 měsíci +13

    Every family has skeletons in the closet, 8 in mine! It's important for those who will break the cycles of abuse, neglect, criminal behavior, to leave the house where the skeletons are & try your hardest to live differently.
    I was the third child in a family of six.
    There were several generations of abuse on both sides.
    Although I had 2 siblings older than me, I was the first one to get out on my own & stay out on my own. Way out. I moved, as a teenager, from Michigan to Hawai'i.
    A couple years later, I got my parents to give me guardianship of my younger sister. She was really messed up, I did my very best to help her.
    Of six children, there's only 3 of us left. My parents & siblings died at young ages. I'm still here, I broke the cycle.

    • @slowery43
      @slowery43 Před měsícem

      not a sole cares... this has nothing to do with you no one came here hoping to hear alla bot you get over yourself

    • @FreeSpirit47
      @FreeSpirit47 Před měsícem

      @@slowery43 I pity those who make comments such as yours. It reveals a very angry person who is too fearful to say what they want. Instead, hiding behind a keyboard, believing you're anonymous. Your negativity is all on you.. Also, your grammar & spelling reveal an uneducated mind.

  • @JML6988
    @JML6988 Před 11 měsíci +3

    Mr. Walken is definitely on a short list of my favorite actors.

    • @AncestryUS
      @AncestryUS  Před 11 měsíci

      He's definitely amazing at what he does, John!

    • @roadkillgravy5168
      @roadkillgravy5168 Před 11 měsíci +1

      ​@@AncestryUSyeah he is good at pushing females off boats. Natalie wood in particular.

  • @boathousejoed1126
    @boathousejoed1126 Před 11 měsíci

    Thank you Ronny for sharing that with us.Always been a fan always will be!

  • @teresavale2517
    @teresavale2517 Před 11 měsíci +1

    CW is soooo MYSTERIOUS !!!!!

  • @Johnc259
    @Johnc259 Před 9 měsíci +9

    To me, this gentleman is just a “down to earth” human being. He has a great sense of humor and seems to be kind to others. I always enjoy his acting abilities. Peace 🎉🎉🎉

    • @edithbannerman4
      @edithbannerman4 Před 9 měsíci

      @Hello there, how are you doing this blessed day?

  • @Minnesota.Highlander
    @Minnesota.Highlander Před 11 měsíci +5

    Did you ask him about Natalie Wood?

  • @davidravenscroft1641
    @davidravenscroft1641 Před 11 měsíci

    Walkin is such a charismatic actor...one of a kind.

  • @jackiedavis8218
    @jackiedavis8218 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Many may not know that he played in a film from a children’s book, ‘ Sarah,Plain and Tall ‘. I read the paperback to my fourth graders . It was in the time when if a man lost his wife, many times an advert would be put in a paper back east.
    The story begins there and became a lovely movie. And, of course his acting skills were superb!

  • @hafizsirajkumar7927
    @hafizsirajkumar7927 Před rokem +10

    nice story .... it so sad and everyone deserved to know dad if they are good or bad ... important is discipline so not follow bad behavior

  • @martinconnors5195
    @martinconnors5195 Před 11 měsíci +3

    I once asked my Grandmother, who this slightly older man in a grainy photo. But she closed the album, and said that "we're going to speak about it another time". Turns out that her older brother (it's too sad to say)

  • @presidentpotato222
    @presidentpotato222 Před 9 měsíci +1

    Mr Walken is a Living Legend .. cooking chicken with him and his SNL Continental Sketches .. and his bringing of Characters to Life .. that will BE REMEMBERED for far far into the future .. I CAN ONLY HOPE

  • @johnmyers-ep8uk
    @johnmyers-ep8uk Před 9 měsíci +1

    Wow thankyou Mr.Walken for sharing this with us all!

  • @ladydeerheart1
    @ladydeerheart1 Před rokem +26

    Five years for selling stolen goods seems ridiculous. It doesn't necessarily mean he knew the stuff was stolen but either way he was a tough guy and his daughter moving, by herself, across the ocean means she was tough too. It looks like Christopher comes from good stock.

    • @garymcatear822
      @garymcatear822 Před 11 měsíci +2

      They used to send their prisoners to Britains prison colony Australia....why can't they do that these days, i would be out breaking the law right now and intentionally get caught.

    • @librarianlovesrick
      @librarianlovesrick Před 11 měsíci +2

      Maybe that is just what they got him for. Someone else mentions the scar going up his jaw as a "Glasgow smile" and something related to violent gangs

    • @garymcatear822
      @garymcatear822 Před 11 měsíci +2

      @@librarianlovesrick I used to get his grannies shopping for her when i was a kid at primary school, i'd come home for my lunch and get this old womans shopping for her every day for a few years, turns out it was Christopher Walkens granny (not that i had any idea who Christopher Walken was back in the mid-late and early 80's as a kid)

    • @librarianlovesrick
      @librarianlovesrick Před 11 měsíci

      ​@@garymcatear822 I have a few interesting "star-related" stories. One is when my Mom would call the "Conway Twitty residence" (that is how they'd answer the phone) to send someone home sick from school.

    • @Crayfordceltic
      @Crayfordceltic Před 9 měsíci +2

      Reset is an old Scottish offence and essentially means handling stolen goods. I believe that there was no requirement for the state to prove that the person had knowledge or belief that the goods were stolen. Simple possession was enough.

  • @AJ1990.
    @AJ1990. Před 11 měsíci +14

    Mr. Walken seems like such a charming charismatic kind of guy.
    Strange to me that Mel Gibson said he reminded him of the devil when he first met him. When Mel recounts meeting Mr. Walken it actually gives you the creeps the way he tells the story. It's wild.

    • @infinitejest441
      @infinitejest441 Před 11 měsíci

      Perhaps Mel was jealous of Chris and his acting abilities.

    • @___HH___
      @___HH___ Před 9 měsíci +1

      @@infinitejest441 Surely you infinite jest.

    • @playedout148
      @playedout148 Před 6 měsíci +2

      Now that is irony. Mel gibson, horrible bigot, says Walken reminded him of the devil. Beside the fact the devil and leprechauns don't exist.

  • @JulesVega419TheSecond
    @JulesVega419TheSecond Před 4 měsíci

    My grandfather was a great man and could never be replaced. My fathers father was a traveling jazz musician and nobody will say more about him. Like Mr. Walken I often think to myself; what did he do?

  • @user-re8ly5dr6p
    @user-re8ly5dr6p Před 11 měsíci

    I love Christopher Walken, I look like him and can do excellent impressions of him. One of the best actors of all time.

  • @sparkysmom7149
    @sparkysmom7149 Před 4 měsíci +3

    I love christopher walken. No matter what, he is a genuine and good person. Never be ashamed of your roots. We're all here for a reason

  • @OceanBaby813
    @OceanBaby813 Před 11 měsíci +4

    Just love him and his unique personality ❤

  • @judy-uv1bk
    @judy-uv1bk Před 11 měsíci

    I remember Chris' parents bakery in Long Island City, Queens, NYC. I was very young then. I am amazed by Chris' and Chris' work and finding out he is a local boy that made it! Much love Chris!❤

  • @alexb141
    @alexb141 Před 9 měsíci +1

    i luv the intro 'he looks like a tough customer..,what hed do?' rofl

  • @dnealgail8244
    @dnealgail8244 Před rokem +6

    Wasn't Walken in the boat the night Natalie Wood died? You gotta wonder what that night, alot if unanswered questions.

    • @lindac6416
      @lindac6416 Před rokem

      He said he passed out saw nothing !

  • @tigere1111
    @tigere1111 Před 9 měsíci +1

    Thank you! Hello from 🇵🇷 and 🇩🇴

  • @jimblack5153
    @jimblack5153 Před 9 měsíci

    My grandmother did the exact same thing...got on a ship from Scotland, by herself when she was 19, and came to America.

  • @anitajinfla9762
    @anitajinfla9762 Před rokem +3

    Amazing actor. Such a humble guy really.
    It's surprising things you find looking into ancestry.

    • @AncestryUS
      @AncestryUS  Před rokem

      Learning about lineage is truly a remarkable discovery!

    • @AncestryUS
      @AncestryUS  Před rokem

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, Anita! What has been one of your favorite discoveries through Ancestry?

  • @alexns
    @alexns Před 11 měsíci +3

    I’m sure his grandfather is very proud of what he became =)

  • @Milestonemonger
    @Milestonemonger Před 11 měsíci +2

    I love Christopher Walkens ❤

  • @user-ik8uh6jr9q
    @user-ik8uh6jr9q Před 8 měsíci +1

    Every normal family has members that Think Outside the Box. Well done for him .

  • @veronicaferguson8548
    @veronicaferguson8548 Před rokem +11

    What a brave woman his Mum was! Being Scottish myself ,im not suprised! We are survivors

    • @michaeldougherty8344
      @michaeldougherty8344 Před rokem +1

      Yep

    • @catherinewilson1079
      @catherinewilson1079 Před rokem +1

      I agree! Survivors and Tough!

    • @francmittelo6731
      @francmittelo6731 Před rokem +2

      "What a brave woman his Mum was!"
      She did the easiest thing for her, and that was to hide the truth.
      If she had told the truth, then somebody else would have said, "she was brave for telling the truth."
      I would have replied with, "she did the thing that the easiest for her, and that is to tell truth."
      The point is "bravery" is often very subjective.
      In any given situation, whatever action you take, that was the easiest thing to do.