Edward Norton in Los Angeles, January 25, 2015.
Photo: FilmMagic, Axelle/Bauer-Griffin. All rights reserved.
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Edward Norton is said to be related to Pocahontas. This alleged finding was presented to Norton during an issue of Finding Your Roots. For the TV show, a team of professional genealogists carries out genealogical research on prominent guests. Host Henry Louis Gates Jr. then presents the results in interview format. “There’s a well-documented direct connection,” he told the actor. It leads to the marriage certificate between John Rolfes and Pocahontas from 1614.
Through a direct paper trail leading to Pocahontas and John Rolfes’ 1614 marriage certificate, @EdwardNorton learns that his family lore appears to be true. His 12th great grandmother is Pocohantas!
Tune in TOMORROW night on @PBS at 8/7c for the Finding Your Roots premiere!! pic.twitter.com/54sTTt2YKY
— Henry Louis Gates Jr (@HenryLouisGates) January 2, 2023
John Rolfes was a co-founder of Jamestown and one of the first nobles of the developing European colony in what is now Virginia. Born in 1595, Matoaka or Amounte was a daughter of Wahunsonacock, a chief of the so-called Virginia-Algonquin. She has entered the cultural memory of the United States under her nickname Pocahontas. It plays a central role in the legends about the first contacts between colonists and indigenous people.
With the founding of Jamestown in 1607, fragile relationships began, which were repeatedly interrupted by violence. The marriage was preceded by the capture of Pocahontas in 1613. During her captivity, she converted to Christianity and was baptized Rebecca. The voluntariness of both decisions is not proven. The wedding was political in nature. It should guarantee peace between indigenous people and Europeans. In 1615 she gave birth to her son Thomas Rolfes. Rebecca Rolfes died in 1617 after a trip to the English royal court, where she was received because of her position in indigenous society.
Norton commented on the results of the research by “Finding Your Roots” with amazement: “It doesn’t go back much further. Unless you’re a Viking,” he said.
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