Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

- Season 7

(2021)

Actress Glenn Close and film director John Waters learn about their brave ancestors who fought to live their lives the way they saw fit for better or worse, but also those who vehemently fought against the notions of freedom and equality.

Talk show host and TV producer Andy Cohen and journalist Nina Totenberg learn about their Jewish ancestors who fought to survive and prosper against all odds.

Actress Jane Lynch and comedian Jim Gaffigan learn about their strong-willed Irish ancestors, the extreme poverty that made them leave Ireland, and the horrific prejudice, persecution and exploitation they faced in 19th century America.

Actors Christopher Meloni and Tony Shalhoub learn about their ancestors who triumphed in America despite the horrific traumas they suffered in their youth in Italy, French Canada and the Otoman Empire.

Award-winning music star Pharrell Williams and Hollywood film director and actress Kasi Lemmons learn about their ancestors who suffered during slavery as well as those who had to live with its consequences after it was finally abolished.

Country stars Clint Black and Johnny Cash's daughter Rosanne Cash learn about their Italian roots as well as their ancestors' surprising experiences during the slavery era.

The ancestors of actor John Lithgow and journalist María Hinojosa thrive in North America long before the birth of the U.S.

Comedians Lewis Black and Roy Wood Jr. learn about their ancestors' struggle to survive the racism, violence and injustice of 19th century Europe and America. The Blacks survived the pogroms in Europe, and The Woods slavery in America.

Broadway superstar Audra McDonald learns about her proud ancestors who excelled at their line of work despite racism. The star of film, television and Broadway Mandy Patinkin learns about his Jewish ancestors who perished in Europe.

CNN journalist Don Lemon learns about his ancestors' role in the civil rights movement and the mark the slavery era left on them. Former Fox News journalist Gretchen Carlson learns about her go-getting Swedish ancestors.