Many western celebrities have taken the advantage of science to confirm their genealogies. Here is a list of western celebrities with Nigerian roots.
1. Meghan Markle
Megan Markle, the American member of the British royal family and Duchess of Sussex has disclosed that she is 43% Nigerian.
“I just had my genealogy done a couple years ago.”
The former actress said this on the latest episode of her podcast, Archetype, as she discussed with her guests Issa Rae, Ziwe Fumudoh, and Emily Bernards. She noted that she is interested in learning more about her roots.
2. Forest Steven Whitaker
Forest Steven Whitaker is an American actor, producer, director, and activist. He was born in Texas. His genealogy has been traced back to Nigeria. A DNA test shows that his mother is from the Akan ancestry, while his father is from Igbo descent. Whitaker’s genealogy is traced down to Nkwerre in Imo State.
“I am proud of my Nigerian Igbo Land lineage. I have Nigerian blood flowing in my veins. I am from the Nkwerre community in Imo State, this is why I visit Nigeria three times every year. Nigeria is my home, Africa is my root.”
3. Danny Lebern Glover
Danny Lebern Glover was born to parents with Nigerian ancestors. Glover is an American actor, director, and film activist. He has played lead roles in the Lethal Weapon series, The Color Purple, To Sleep with Anger, etc. Glover tries to visit Nigeria every year.
- Bishop T.D Jakes
Bishop T.D Jakes of the Potter’s House has revealed that he is from the Igbo descent after taking a DNA test.
“It gave me an understanding of my roots. It was interesting to see how similar my personality is to how Igbo people are described. They’re described as hardworking, industrious and innovative.
They have strong business acumen. I deeply relate to that. It explained to me; it’s odd that I was never born there, yet, see so many traces. I’ve always had strong business acumen.
- LeVar Burton
LeVar Burton does a lot in the American entertainment industry. He is an actor, director, and producer. He is also a presenter and author. Burton is famous for playing Kunta Kinte in Roots and Geordi La Forge in Star Trek. He traced his genealogy and realized that he is from the Hausa descent.
- Glenda Hatchett
She is an American judge who featured in the Judge Hatchett court show. She currently presides on cases in The Verdict with Judge Hatchett. Her DNA test showed that she has the Yoruba and Hausa ancestry.
- Hill Harper
He is an American actor and author. Harper has played major roles in CSI:NY, Limitless, and The Good Doctor. His lineage is traced back to Yoruba and Igbo.