10 famous people in the diaspora with African ancestors

Fascination with ancestry has grown, particularly since the early 2000s, thanks to advances in DNA testing. Many black celebrities have embraced this technology, driven by a deep curiosity to connect with their African roots. What often begins as a search for identity can lead to surprising discoveries about one's origins. These tests have uncovered unexpected connections and enriched many people's understanding of their ancestry, providing a meaningful way to explore and understand their historical backgrounds.

Isaiah Washington

Actor Isaiah Washington, known for his role in “Grey's Anatomy,” discovered his Sierra Leonean roots through a DNA test with African Ancestry DNA. The results confirmed his connection to the Mende people of Sierra Leone. Washington, who wrote a book about his origins called “A Man from Another Land,” is the first African American to receive Sierra Leonean citizenship.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg, born Caryn Elaine Johnson, is an American actress, comedian, and television host, best known for her role in the 1990 film Ghost, which made her internationally famous. In 2007, Goldberg embarked on a journey to discover her ancestry through a DNA test, joining many other prominent Americans researching their ancestry. Initially, she believed she had Native American ancestry, but the test results told a different story. The test revealed that she was 92% Sub-Saharan African and 8% European, with direct lineages from the Papel and Bayote tribes of Guinea-Bissau. This discovery so excited Guinea-Bissau officials that they sent her a letter expressing their joy and pride in the connection. Despite this newfound knowledge about her ancestry, Goldberg has not yet visited her old home due to her fear of flying.

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Oprah Winfrey

A DNA test revealed that her ancestry is 89% Sub-Saharan African, 8% Native American and 3% East Asian. Her African roots can be traced back to three tribes: the Bamileke people of Cameroon, the Kpelle people of Liberia and the Bantu people of Zambia.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba didn't need a DNA test to determine his African roots. His father, Winston Elba, is from Sierra Leone, while his mother, Eve, is from Ghana. Born in England, Idris first made a name for himself as an actor in 1997 with a role in the soap opera Family Affairs. He was granted citizenship on his first visit to Sierra Leone in 2019.

Anthony Anderson

DNA tests show that actor Anthony Anderson has a rich African heritage and his ancestry is linked to several groups. His results show that he is descended from the Bubi people of Bioko Island in Equatorial Guinea, as well as the Tikar, Hausa and Fulani peoples of Cameroon.

Bishop TD Jakes

In an exclusive interview with CNN's Stephanie Busari, Bishop TD Jakes revealed that his DNA test revealed he is 97% Nigerian and traces his roots to the Igbo tribe. Bishop TD Jakes, a well-known minister, author and filmmaker who runs The Potter's House in Dallas, has since embraced his African heritage. This discovery inspired him to visit Nigeria.

Samuel L. Jackson

Through a DNA test, Samuel L. Jackson discovered his ancestry from the Benga people of Gabon. His search for his roots was featured in Finding Your Roots. In 2019, he visited Gabon, where he met President Ali Bongo Ondimba and obtained citizenship and a Gabonese passport.

Megan Markle

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, recently revealed that she has Nigerian ancestry. In an episode of her podcast Archetypes, she shared that a genealogy test she took revealed that she is 43% Nigerian.

Christopher Tucker

Actor and comedian Chris Tucker, known for his roles in Friday and Rush Hour, learned more about his roots through a DNA test. The results showed that he is 83% Sub-Saharan African, 10% Native American and 7% European. His test revealed that his maternal ancestors were from the Bamileke tribe in Cameroon and his paternal ancestors were from the Ambundu people in Angola. When Tucker discovered this, he traced his family history back to the 1830s and even visited Angola to connect with his heritage.

Erykah Badu

Singer-songwriter Erykah Badu, known for her blend of R&B, soul and hip-hop, has explored her heritage and discovered her roots in Cameroon. In 2015, Badu, whose ancestors are linked to the Bamileke tribe, traveled to Cameroon to research her heritage. During her visit, she connected with local chiefs and residents, deepening her understanding of her Cameroonian heritage. This trip was closely followed by Okay Africa.