Celebrities Debra Messing and Melanie Lynskey Discover Surprising Family Connections

NEW YORK, NY — Actresses Debra Messing and Melanie Lynskey were surprised to uncover unexpected familial ties to prominent figures during the February 25 episode of PBS’s “Finding Your Roots” hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr.

During the episode, Gates informed Lynskey that she has a distant cousin in musician and filmmaker Questlove. “He’s your DNA cousin,” Gates stated, explaining that both she and Questlove share a significant identical segment of DNA on their 15th chromosome. Lynskey expressed her excitement, saying, “I am very excited… That’s incredible.”

Praising Questlove, Lynskey remarked, “He’s such a sweet guy” and inquired how surprised Gates was by the discovery. Gates admitted he was “couldn’t believe it,” to which Lynskey responded, “So amazing.”

Messing also experienced a moment of astonishment when Gates revealed her DNA connection to Vermont politician Bernie Sanders. “What! Are you kidding me? Bernie Sanders?! No way! Oh my gosh… That is mind-blowing,” she exclaimed.

Gates, who has a long-standing reputation as a historian, educator, and filmmaker, highlighted that both Sanders and Questlove have previously appeared on earlier episodes of the show, which explores the ancestry of notable individuals.

The discoveries for Messing and Lynskey follow a pattern seen in previous episodes, where numerous celebrities were equally astonished by their ancestral revelations. The series, which has captivated audiences since its debut, dives into the complex family histories of its guests, often uncovering unexpected and fascinating connections.

Finding Your Roots airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on PBS. The show continues to intrigue viewers, showcasing how even the most renowned figures often share surprising lineage.