D’Amico in 2015, photo by kathclick/Bigstock.com

Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, U.S.

Date of Birth: September 28, 2000

Ethnicity:
*37.5% Polish
*25% Mexican
*18.75% British Isles [English, Irish]
*18.75% Italian, including Sicilian

Brenna D’Amico is an American actress.

Brenna’s paternal grandfather is Ronald A. D’Amico (the son of Anthony D’Amico and Evelyn Flisiak). Brenna’s great-grandfather Anthony was born in Illinois, to Italian parents, August D’Amico and Josephine LoCoco, who was from Palermo, Sicily. Evelyn was also born in Illinois, to parents from Poland, John Flisiak and Maryanna/Mary Morkzycka/Morkzycki.

Brenna’s paternal grandmother is Dianne Zawadzki (the daughter of Walter S. Zawadzki and Lillian M. Dziwik). Walter was born in Illinois, to Polish parents, who likely were named Stanley Zawadzki and Mary. Lillian was born in Illinois, also to parents from Poland, Walter Dziwik and Victoria M. Kotowicz.

Brenna’s maternal grandfather is Roy D. DeLaGarza (the son of Eulalio Sandoval DeLaGarza and Maria DeJesus Villarreal). Eulalio and Maria were born in Texas, and likely were of Mexican descent.

Brenna’s maternal grandmother is Kathleen McEmery (the daughter of Albert W. McEmery and Edith Maxine Collard). Albert was born in Illinois, the son of James Ira McEmery and Nella Mae Embree. Edith was born in Illinois, the daughter of Ora Marion Collard and Louisa Katrina Coloni, whose own parents were from Lombardy, Italy.

Sources: Obituary of Brenna’s paternal great-grandfather, Anthony D’Amico – http://legacy.suntimes.com

Obituary of Brenna’s paternal great-grandmother, Evelyn (Flisiak) D’Amico – http://legacy.suntimes.com

Obituary of Brenna’s paternal great-grandmother, Lillian M. (Dziwik) Zawadzki – http://www.legacy.com

Obituary of Brenna’s maternal great-grandmother, Edith Maxine (Collard) McEmery – http://sealscampbell.com

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Centineo in 2016; photo by kathclick/www.bigstockphoto.com

Birth Name: Noah Gregory Centineo

Place of Birth: Miami, Florida, U.S.

Date of Birth: May 9, 1996

Ethnicity:
*50% Italian
*50% German

Noah Centineo is an American actor. He is known for starring in several romantic comedy films, especially as Peter Kavinsky in To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and Brooks Rattigan in The Perfect Date.

Noah is the son of Kellee and Gregory Centineo, a former pastor. His father is of Italian ancestry, including Sicilian and Calabrian. His mother is of German descent, from Pennsylvania.

Noah has said:

I’m Italian, Native American. I believe I have a bit of Puerto Rican in me, and I’m Dutch.

It is not clear where Noah’s family tree might contain Native American and/or Puerto Rican ancestry. His recent, documented ancestors appear to only be Italian or of German descent. His reference to Dutch ancestry may be about his mother’s Pennsylvania German antecedents, as ethnic Germans in Pennsylvania are often called “Pennsylvania Dutch.”

Noah’s paternal grandfather was Joseph D. Centineo (the son of Ignacio Centineo and Rose Marie Natalizzio). Joseph was born in New York, with roots in Palermo, Sicily. Ignacio was Italian, and was the son of Giuseppe Centineo and Giuseppa Parisi. Rose was born in New York, the daughter of Italian parents, Emanuel Natalizzio and Jennie DeChiara.

Noah’s paternal grandmother was Louise Frances Falcone (the daughter of Antonio/Anthony Falcone and Concetta Sarde/Sardo). Louise was born in New York, to Italian parents. Concetta was born in Calabria.

Noah’s maternal grandfather was Ernest Richard Andes (the son of Ernest/Earnest M. Andes and Sarah/Sara H. Miller). Noah’s grandfather Ernest was born in Pennsylvania. Noah’s great-grandfather Earnest was the son of William M. Andes and Anna/Annie A. Markley. Sarah was the daughter of Clayton Frederick Miller and Sara Elst Hauseman.

Noah’s maternal grandmother is Anna Marie Kriebel (the daughter of Reuben Lester Kriebel and Laura May/Mae Wanner). Anna was born in Pennsylvania. Reuben was the son of Jacob A. Kriebel and Amanda A. Heebner. Laura was the daughter of Irwin Garfield Wanner and Maggie K. Landis; Maggie was the daughter of Levi K. Landis and Sophia Rebecca Kooker.

Sources: Noah mentions being of half Italian descent – https://mobile.twitter.com

Noah’s paternal grandfather, Joseph D. Centineo, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Obituary of Noah’s paternal great-grandfather, Antonio/Anthony Falcone – https://www.newspapers.com

Noah’s maternal grandfather, Ernest Richard Andes, on the 1940 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Death record of Noah’s maternal grandfather, Ernest Richard Andes – https://www.findagrave.com

Genealogy of Noah’s maternal great-grandfather, Ernest/Earnest M. Andes – https://wc.rootsweb.com

Noah’s maternal great-grandfather, Ernest/Earnest M. Andes, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Noah’s maternal great-great-grandparents, William M. Andes and Anna/Annie A. Markley, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Noah’s maternal grandmother, Anna Marie Kriebel, on the 1940 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Marriage record of Noah’s maternal great-great-grandparents, Jacob A. Kriebel and Amanda A. Heebner – https://www.familysearch.org

Genealogy of Noah’s maternal great-grandmother, Laura May/Mae Wanner – https://wc.rootsweb.com

Noah’s maternal great-grandmother, Laura May/Mae Wanner, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Marriage record of Noah’s maternal great-great-grandparents, Irwin Garfield Wanner and Maggie K. Landis – https://www.familysearch.org

Noah’s maternal great-great-grandfather, Irwin Garfield Wanner, on the 1880 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Genealogy of Noah’s maternal great-great-grandmother, Maggie K. Landis (focusing on her father’s side) – https://wc.rootsweb.com

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Gorga in 2019, photo by Debby Wong/Bigstock.com

Birth Name: Melissa Ann Marco

Date of Birth: March 21, 1979

Ethnicity: Italian [including Sicilian]

Melissa Gorga is an American television personality, author, singer, designer, and businessperson.

She grew up in Toms River, New Jersey, and Boca Raton, Florida. Melissa is married to businessperson Giuseppe “Joe” Gorga, with whom she has three children. Giuseppe is the brother of television personality and fitness competitor Teresa Giudice.

Melissa has roots in Minturno in Lazio, Campania, and Sicily.

Melissa’s paternal grandfather was named Carmen N. Marco (the son of Anthony Marco and Louise). Carmen was born in New Jersey, to Italian parents.

Melissa’s paternal grandmother was Jennie Tamburello (the daughter of Antonio Tamburello and Maria/Marie Guarisco). Jennie was born in New York, to parents from Palermo, Sicily. Antonio was the son of Margaret.

Melissa’s maternal grandfather was the son of Frank Ceravolo and Anna Creo. Anna was from Naples.

Sources: Family history of Melissa Gorga – https://www.myfamilygenie.com

Melissa’s paternal grandfather, Carmen N. Marco, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Melissa’s paternal grandmother, Jennie Tamburello, on the 1940 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Melissa’s maternal great-grandmother, Anna (Creo) Ceravolo, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

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Place of Birth: Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.

Date of Birth: May 24, 1955

Ethnicity: Italian/Sicilian (maternal grandfather), English, smaller amounts of Scots-Irish/Northern Irish, Scottish, Irish, German, around 1/32 African-American

Rosanne Cash is an American singer, songwriter, and author. She is the daughter of author Vivian Cash (born Vivian Dorraine Liberto) and singer, songwriter, musician, and actor Johnny Cash.

Rosanne is married to musician, producer, and songwriter John Leventhal. She has three children with her former husband, country music singer and songwriter Rodney Crowell; and a son with John.

A DNA test whose results were displayed on the show Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (2021) stated that Rosanne’s genetic ancestry is:

*92.3% European
*3.8% Western Asian
*3.3% Sub-Saharan African
*0.6% Unassigned

During their marriage, Rosanne’s parents were often the subject of racist attacks by people who believed that Rosanne’s mother Vivian was a black woman. Genealogical researchers for the show discovered that Rosanne’s mother was of approximately 1/32 African descent, unbeknownst to the family, with DNA research indicating that Rosanne’s father Johnny likely had a similar percentage of African ancestry.

Genetically, Rosanne was found to have a common ancestor with actress Angela Bassett.

Rosanne’s paternal grandfather was Raymond Cash (the son of The Rev. William Henry Cash and Rebecca Sara/Sarah Jane Overton). Raymond was born in Arkansas. The Rev. William was the son of Moses Reuben/Ruben Cash and Pheletia/Philisia/Phelitia White Taylor. Rebecca was the daughter of John Hubbard Woodson Overton and Susan Wilkinson Whorton.

Rosanne’s paternal grandmother was Carrie Cloveree Rivers (the daughter of John Lewis Rivers and Rosanna Lee Hurst). Carrie was born in Arkansas. John was the son of William Jasper Rivers and Lydia Jane Massey. Rosanne’s great-grandmother Rosanna was the daughter of Philip James Hurst and Mary Ann Gainey.

Rosanne’s maternal grandfather was Thomas Peter Liberto (the son of Rosario “Frank” Liberto and Angelina Rinaudo). Thomas was born in Texas, to Italian parents, from Cefalù, Palermo, Sicily. Rosario was the son of Salvatore Liberto and Venera Sesio/Serio. Angelina was the daughter of Salvatore Rinando and Rose Valenziana.

Rosanne’s maternal grandmother was Irene Robinson (the daughter of George Edgar Robinson and Dora Minnie Robinson). Irene was born in Texas. George was the son of Benjamin Franklin Robinson and Mattie E. Haynes. Dora was the daughter of Lafayette Carberson Robinson and Zereldia/Zeralda/Zerilda Ann Ewers.

Lafayette’s mother, Rosanne’s great-great-great-grandmother Sarah A. Shields, was born a slave, the daughter of William Bryant Shields, a white slave owner, and of his black slave. William freed Sarah in 1848, along with his eight other children, who were also born into slavery. Sarah married a white man, Anderson Robinson, in 1838, while she was still legally a slave.

Sources: Genealogy of Rosanne Cash – http://www.geni.com

Genealogy of Rosanne Cash (focusing on her father’s side) – https://worldconnect.rootsweb.com

Genealogy of Rosanne’s father – http://www.wikitree.com

Genealogy of Rosanne’s mother – https://www.wikitree.com

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Place of Birth: Thornhill, Ontario, Canada

Date of Birth: June 6, 1989

Ethnicity: Italian/Sicilian

Paula Brancati is a Canadian actress. She is known for her roles in the series Slasher and Degrassi: The Next Generation.

She has said that her first language was Italian.

Sources: https://www.shedoesthecity.com
https://accenti.ca

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Condal in 2016, photo by kathclick/Bigstock.com

Birth Name: Ryan James Condal

Place of Birth: Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, U.S.

Date of Birth: August 5, 1979

Ethnicity:
*25% Polish
*25% Italian/Sicilian
*50% Dutch

Ryan J. Condal is an American screenwriter and producer. He co-created television series Colony (2016).

His father is of Polish and Italian/Sicilian descent. His mother is of Dutch ancestry.

Ryan’s paternal grandfather was Stanley Richard Condal (the son of Stanislaw R. “Stanley” Condal and Wanda Angela Kienitz). Ryan’s grandfather Stanley was born in New York, to ethnic Polish parents. Ryan’s great-grandfather Stanislaw was born in Galicia, Austria, the son of Charles Condal and Mulvina Mielnik. Wanda was born in New York, to parents from either Germany or Russia, Carl/Karl “Charles” Kienitz and Elizabeth/Bessie.

Ryan’s paternal grandmother was Marion/Marian/Marianna Orlando (the daughter of Samuel/Rosario “Sam” Orlando and Theresa/Teresa Gagliardotto). Marion was born in New York. Samuel was born in New York, to Italian parents from Sicily, Gandolfo Orlando and Marianna Gagliardotto. Theresa was born in New York, also to Italian parents, Vincenzo “Vincent” Gagliardotto and Francesca Paola “Frances” Dimartino/Dimartini, who were likely also from Sicily.

Ryan’s maternal grandfather was Bert G. Boer (the son of John H. Boer and Neeltje/Neltje Bos). Bert was born in New Jersey. John was born in New Jersey, the son of George Boer, whose parents were Dutch, and of Theodora “Dorothy” de Bree, who was from Utrecht, Netherlands. Neeltje was born in New Jersey, to Dutch parents, Gerhardus Bos and Pietronella “Nellie” Van Vlaanderen.

Ryan’s maternal grandmother was named Pat Bosland (the daughter of Irving Bosland and Anna). Pat was born in New Jersey. Irving was born in New Jersey, the son of Frans “Frank” Bosland, who was Dutch, and of Lena “Ellen” Venneman, whose parents were also Dutch. Anna was born in New Jersey, to parents from the Netherlands.

Sources: Obituary of Ryan’s paternal grandfather, Stanley Richard Condal – http://www.familysearch.org

Immigration card of Ryan’s paternal great-great-grandfather, Gandolfo Orlando – http://familysearch.org

Obituary of Ryan’s maternal grandmother, Pat (Bosland) Boer – http://costamemorialhome.com

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Birth Name: Catherine Marie Cortez

Place of Birth: Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.

Date of Birth: March 29, 1964

Ethnicity:
*Mexican (father)
*Italian/Sicilian (mother)

Catherine Cortez Masto is an American attorney and politician. A member of the Democratic Party, she has served as a U.S. Senator from Nevada, since January 3, 2017, and Chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, since January 3, 2019. She was previously Attorney General of Nevada, from January 1, 2007 to January 5, 2015.

Catherine is the daughter of Joanna and Manny Cortez. Her father was born in Las Cruces, Doña Ana County, New Mexico, and was head of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, as well as a Clark County Commissioner, and attorney for the county. Catherine is married to Paul Masto, who was in the Secret Service.

Catherine’s paternal grandfather was named Eduardo/Edward Cortez. Eduardo emigrated to Nevada from Chihuahua, Mexico.

Catherine’s paternal grandmother was named Mary Tapia.

Catherine’s maternal grandfather was named Lawrence J. Musso (the son of Luciano Musso and Jennie). Lawrence was born in Missouri. Luciano was born in Trapani, Sicily, the son of Ignazio/John Musso and Francesca.

Catherine’s maternal grandmother was Katherine M. Balestrere (the daughter of James/Giralomo Balestrere and Josephine Falcone). James Balestrere was born in Palermo, Province of Palermo, Sicily, Italy, and was considered to be a gang boss and powerful member of the Kansas City crime family, one of the town’s “Five Iron Men.” He was the son of Frank Balestrere and Caterina Brunetta. Josephine was born in Missouri, the daughter of Italian parents, Angelo Falcone and Maria.

Source: Genealogy of Catherine Cortez Masto – https://www.geni.com

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Birth Name: Thomas Noel Rettig

Date of Birth: December 10, 1941

Place of Birth: Queens, New York City, New York, U.S.

Date of Death: February 15, 1996

Place of Death: Marina del Rey, California, U.S.

Ethnicity:
*Ashkenazi Jewish (father)
*Italian, including Sicilian (mother)

Tommy Rettig was an American actor, computer software engineer, and author. He starred as Jeff Miller in the 1950s series Lassie, and as Bart Collins in the film The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T., among others.

Tommy was the son of Rosemary and Elias Rettig. His father was born in New York, to Russian Jewish parents. His mother was also born in New York, to Italian (Catholic) immigrants. He had two children with his former wife Darlene Portwood.

Tommy’s paternal grandfather was named Isaac Rettig (the son of Lazarus Rettig and Sarah).

Tommy’s paternal grandmother was named Ida Eisenberg/Cantor.

Tommy’s maternal grandfather was Gaetano Tom Nibali (the son of Signorino Conti Nibali and Rosaria Bevacqua). Gaetano was born in Tuscany, Italy. Signorino was the son of Vincenzo Nibali and Rosina Calabrezi. Rosaria was the daughter of Gaetano Franchina and Francesca Calameri.

Tommy’s maternal grandmother was Francesca Triscari “Frances” Benemavo (the daughter of Friscari Benemavo and Rosaria Continglio). Francesca was born in Tortorici, Messina, Sicily, Italy. Rosaria was the daughter of Antonio Benemavo and Francesca Fiumari.

Sources: Genealogies of Tommy Rettig (focusing on his father’s side) – https://www.geni.com
https://www.findagrave.com

Tommy’s father on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Death record of Tommy’s paternal grandfather, Isaac Rettig – https://www.familysearch.org

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Gorga in 2019, photo by Debby Wong/Bigstock.com

Birth Name: Melissa Ann Marco

Place of Birth: Montville, New Jersey, U.S.

Date of Birth: March 21, 1979

Ethnicity: Italian [including Sicilian]

Melissa Gorga is an American television personality, author, singer, designer, and businessperson.

She grew up in Toms River, New Jersey, and Boca Raton, Florida, the daughter of Donna and Anthony Marco. Melissa is married to businessperson Giuseppe “Joe” Gorga, with whom she has three children. Giuseppe is the brother of television personality and fitness competitor Teresa Giudice.

Pictures of Melissa’s father can be seen here and here. A picture of Melissa with her mother can be seen here.

Melissa has roots in Minturno in Lazio, Campania, and Sicily.

Melissa’s paternal grandfather was named Carmen N. Marco (the son of Anthony Marco and Louise). Carmen was born in New Jersey, to Italian parents.

Melissa’s paternal grandmother was Jennie Tamburello (the daughter of Antonio Tamburello and Maria/Marie Guarisco). Jennie was born in New York, to parents from Palermo, Sicily. Antonio was the son of Margaret.

Melissa’s maternal grandfather was the son of Frank Ceravolo and Anna Creo. Anna was from Naples.

Sources: Family history of Melissa Gorga – https://www.myfamilygenie.com

Melissa’s paternal grandfather, Carmen N. Marco, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Melissa’s paternal grandmother, Jennie Tamburello, on the 1940 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Melissa’s maternal great-grandmother, Anna (Creo) Ceravolo, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

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Date of Birth: December 7, 1910

Place of Birth: New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.

Date of Death: August 24, 1978

Place of Death: New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.

Ethnicity: Italian/Sicilian

Louis Prima was an American singer, songwriter, bandleader, and trumpeter. He was nicknamed “The King of Swing.” He performed New Orleans jazz, swing music, jump blues, and later with a big band group and as a Vegas lounge act.

He was the son of Angelina (Caravella) and Anthony Prima. His father was born in New Orleans, to Italian parents. His mother was born on Ustica, a small Italian island in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Louis was married to singer Gia Maione, until his death. He had a daughter with his former wife Louise Polizzi; a daughter with his former wife Tracelene Barrett; two children with his former wife, jazz and popular music singer Keely Smith; and two children, singer and songwriter Lena Prima, and jazz singer Louis Prima, Jr., with Gia.

Louis’s paternal grandfather was Leonardo/Leonard Di Prima/Prima (the son of Francesco Prima and Francesca Nastaci). Leonardo was a Sicilian emigrant, from Salaparuta, Trapani.

Louis’s paternal grandmother was named Elisabetta/Elizabetta/Elisabeth Antiochia.

Louis’s maternal grandparents were named Luigi Caravella and Margherita Valente/Valenti. Margherita was born in Palermo, Sicily.

Sources: Genealogies of Louis Prima – https://www.wikitree.com
https://www.geni.com

Genealogy of Louis Prima (focusing on his father’s side) – https://www.findagrave.com

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Cera in 2010, photo Featureflash / Shutterstock.com

Birth Name: Michael Austin Cera

Place of Birth: Brampton, Ontario, Canada

Date of Birth: June 7, 1988

Ethnicity:
*Sicilian-Italian (father)
*English, Irish, Scottish, Dutch (mother)

Michael Cera is a Canadian actor, comedian, producer, singer, and songwriter. He has starred in the films Superbad, Juno, Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, and Youth in Revolt, and the television series Arrested Development, among many other roles. Michael also voiced Brother Bear on the series The Berenstain Bears.

Michael’s father, Luigi Cera, is Sicilian (Italian). Michael’s mother, Linda (whose maiden name is Cockman), is from Montréal, Québec, and has English, Irish, Scottish, and Dutch ancestry.

Michael’s maternal grandfather was James Robert “Bob” Cockman (the son of Thomas Edward Cockman and Ada Isabella/J. Sims). Michael’s grandfather James was born in Montréal, Québec. Thomas was born in Wellesley Township, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, the son of Thomas Cockman, who was born in Bethnal Green, London, England, and of Agnes Theresa/Teresa/Theresia “Tessie” Farrell, whose parents were Irish. Ada was the daughter of Thomas Mortimer Rennie Sim/Sims, who was born in Birsay, Orkney, Scotland, and of Ada/Ida Janet/Jane/Jennie Dean.

Michael’s mother’s Cockman line can be traced to Richard Cockman, who was born, c. 1520, in Aylesbury, England.

Michael’s maternal grandmother was Caryl Bramley (the daughter of Archie Van Arnam Bramley and Katherine Mildred Elliott/Elliot). Caryl was born in Montréal, Québec. Archie was the son of Henry/Harry Edward Bramley and Margaret Lawarenan. Katherine was the daughter of James Creighton Elliott/Elliot and Jessie May Jacob/Jacobs.

Sources: Genealogy of Michael’s maternal grandfather, James Robert “Bob” Cockman (focusing on his own father’s side) – http://www.exciting.org.uk

Marriage record of Michael’s maternal great-grandparents, Thomas Edward Cockman and Ada Isabella/J. Sims – https://familysearch.org

Marriage record of Michael’s maternal great-great-grandparents, Thomas Cockman and Agnes Theresa/Teresa “Tessie” Farrell – https://familysearch.org

Genealogy of Michael’s maternal great-great-grandmother, Ada/Ida Janet/Jane/Jennie Dean – http://worldconnect.rootsweb.ancestry.com

Marriage record of Michael’s maternal great-great-grandparents, James Creighton Elliott/Elliot and Jessie May Jacob/Jacobs – https://www.familysearch.org

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Birth Name: James Anthony Traficant, Jr.

Date of Birth: May 8, 1941

Place of Birth: Youngstown, Ohio, U.S.

Date of Death: September 27, 2014

Place of Death: Poland, Ohio, U.S.

Ethnicity:
*Italian, including Sicilian (father)
*Slovak (mother)

James Traficant was an American politician and convicted felon. He was a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Ohio, from January 3, 1985 to July 24, 2002, and Sheriff of Mahoning County, Ohio, from 1981 to 1984. He was a Democrat from 1981 to 2002, then becoming an Independent.

He was a candidate for the Democratic Party’s nomination for President of the United States in 1988.

James was the son of Agnes Louise (Farkas), from Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, and James Anthony Traficant, from Youngstown, Ohio.

James’ patrilineal line can be traced to his great-great-great-great-grandfather, Calogero Traficante, who was born, c. 1761, in Caltabellotta, Sicily, Italy.

James’ paternal grandfather was Salvatore/Sam Traficante/Traficant (the son of Vincenzo Traficante/Traficanti and Maria Grisafi). Salvatore was born in Sulmona, Abruzzo, Italy, to parents from Caltabellotta, Sicily. Vincenzo was the son of Calogero Traficante/Traficanti and Antonia Maricante/Maricanti. Maria was the daughter of Vincenzo Grisafi and Giuseppa Marsala.

James’ paternal grandmother was Francesca/Francis Mangie Mancini (the daughter of Vincenzo/James Mancini and Maria Grazia Baldassare). Francesca was born in Aquila, Abruzzo, Italy. James’ great-grandfather James was born in Pietrabbondante, Molise, the son of Celestino Mancini and Natalizia Ionna. Maria was the daughter of Michelangelo Baldassare and Alba Maria Lombardi.

James’ maternal grandfather was Stephen John/Vincent “Steve” Farkasovsky/Farkas (the son of Stefan/Stephen “Steve” Farkasovsky and Mary Flack). James’ grandfather Steve was born in Pennsylvania, to Slovak parents.

James’ maternal grandmother was Helen E. Kish (the daughter of Vincent M. Kish and Catherine E. Rebovitz/Ribovitoh). Helen was born in Pennsylvania. Vincent was born in Foro-encs, Abaúj, Austria-Hungary, the son of John Kish and Catherine Onda. James’ great-grandmother Catherine was born in Ohio, the daughter of Slovak parents, from Jakubany, Prešov, Joseph Ribovics and Catharina Bucsko-Skolyár.

James’ matrilineal line can be traced to his great-great-great-grandmother, Maria Kopcsak, who was born, c. 1832, in Sambron, Prešov, Slovakia.

James was one of several people of significant Italian heritage to run a plausible or semi-plausible campaign for a major political party’s nomination for President of the United States. Of these candidates, the ones who have won a major party’s caucus, primary, and/or nominating ballot are:
*Al Smith (who was the Democratic Party’s nominee for President of the United States in 1928, and was also a candidate for the 1920, 1924, and 1932 Democratic nominations for President: in 1928, he won 12 contests; in 1932, he won 4 contests; Smith’s paternal grandfather was Italian)
*Michael DiSalle (1960; Democratic; won 1 state, Ohio)
*Rick Santorum (Republican; ran in 2012 and 2016: in 2012, he won 11 contests; Santorum is of three quarters Italian descent)

Ted Cruz, whose maternal great-grandfather was Italian, won 11 contests in the 2016 Republican Party primaries.

Other people of significant Italian heritage who have mounted plausible or semi-plausible campaigns for a major party’s nomination for President of the United States are:
*John A. Volpe (who sought the 1968 Republican nomination)
*Rudy Giuliani (who sought the 2008 Republican nomination)
*Tom Tancredo (who sought the 2008 Republican nomination)
*Chris Christie (who sought the 2016 Republican nomination; Christie’s mother was of Italian descent)
*George Pataki (who sought the 2016 Republican nomination; Pataki’s maternal grandfather was Italian)
*Richard Ojeda (who sought the 2020 Democratic nomination; Ojeda’s mother is of at least three quarters Italian descent)
*Tim Ryan (who sought the 2020 Democratic nomination; Ryan’s mother is of Italian descent)
*Bill de Blasio (who sought the 2020 Democratic nomination; de Blasio’s mother was of Italian descent)

Geraldine Ferraro, who was of Italian descent, was the Democratic nominee for Vice President of the United States in 1984.

James was one of several people of significant Slavic ancestry to run a plausible or semi-plausible campaign for a major political party’s nomination for President of the United States. Of these candidates, four have won a major party’s caucus and/or primary. The four are:
*Harold Stassen (Republican; in 1944, he won 1 state, Nebraska; in 1948, he won 4 states; in 1952, he won 1 state, Minnesota; Stassen also sought the 1964, 1968, 1976, 1980, 1984, 1988, and 1992 Republican nominations; Stassen’s paternal grandmother was Czech)
*Edmund Muskie (1972; Democratic; won 4 states; Muskie was previously the 1968 Democratic nominee for Vice President of the United States; he was of Polish descent)
*Tom Harkin (1992; Democratic; won 1 state, Iowa; Harkin’s mother was of Slovene descent)
*John Kasich (Republican; ran in 2000 and 2016: in 2016, he won 1 state, Ohio; Kasich is of Czech or Rusyn, and Croatian descent)

Other people of significant Slavic ancestry who have mounted plausible or semi-plausible campaigns for a major party’s nomination for President of the United States are:
*George H. Bender (who sought the 1960 Republican nomination; Bender was of Czech descent)
*Dennis Kucinich (who sought the 2004 and 2008 Democratic nominations; Kucinich’s father was of Croatian descent)
*Gary Johnson (who sought the 2012 Republican nomination, and was the Libertarian Party’s 2012 and 2016 nominee for President of the United States; Johnson’s mother was of Ukrainian descent)
*Tim Pawlenty (who sought the 2012 Republican nomination; Pawlenty’s father was of Polish descent)
*Amy Klobuchar (who sought the 2020 Democratic nomination; Klobuchar’s father is of Slovenian descent)
*Joe Sestak (who sought the 2020 Democratic nomination; Sestak’s father was of Slovak descent)

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Place of Birth: Thornhill, Ontario, Canada

Date of Birth: June 6, 1989

Ethnicity: Italian/Sicilian

Paula Brancati is a Canadian actress. She is known for her roles in the series Slasher and Degrassi: The Next Generation.

She has said that her first language was Italian.

Sources: https://www.shedoesthecity.com
https://accenti.ca

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McGraw in 2019, photo by kathclick/www.bigstockphoto.com

Birth name: Violet Elizabeth McGraw

Place of Birth: California, U.S.

Date of Birth: April 22, 2011

Ethnicity: Italian, Irish, Ashkenazi Jewish, Polish, possibly German and other

Violet McGraw is an American actress. She is the sister of actors Jack McGraw, Aidan McGraw, and Madeleine McGraw.

Violet’s paternal grandfather is Dennis Michael Mcgraw (the son of William H. McGraw and Jeanne P. Bunny). William was the son of Edward Joseph McGraw and Emma Caroline McGill, and was likely of mostly Irish descent. Jeanne was the daughter of Edwin J. Bunny, whose grandparents were all Irish, and of Camille/Camilla/Karmila P. Mack/Miller/MacMkiewicz/Mazikiawicz, whose parents were Polish.

Violet’s paternal grandmother is Merilla Rizza (the daughter of Salvo/Salvio/Solvo Rizza and Evelyn Callie Lotito). Merilla was born in Berlin, Germany, to American parents. Salvo was the son of Italian parents, Paul Rizza, who was born in Syracuse, Sicily, and Concetta Patula. Evelyn was the daughter of Anthony H. Lotito, who was Italian, the son of parents from Teano, Caserta, Campania; and of Angela/Angelina Sylvester, whose parents were also Italian.

Violet’s maternal grandparents or great-grandparents were likely Jack Silverstein and Violet Louise Caruso. Jack was born in Michigan, the son of Russian Jewish parents, Nathan Silverstein and Celia Kravitz. Violet was born in California, the daughter of Italian parents, John/Giovanni Pasquale Caruso and Clorinda Molino.

Source: Obituary of Violet’s paternal great-grandmother, Jeanne P. (Bunny) McGraw – https://www.legacy.com

Violet’s paternal great-great-grandmother, Camille P. Mack/Miller/MacMkiewicz, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org
Camille P. Mack/Miller/MacMkiewicz on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Marriage record of Violet’s paternal great-grandparents, Salvo/Salvio/Solvo Rizza and Evelyn Callie Lotito – https://www.familysearch.org

Genealogy of Violet Louise Caruso – https://www.findagrave.com

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Turturro in 2008, photo by Prphotos

Birth Name: John Michael Turturro

Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.

Date of Birth: February 28, 1957

Ethnicity: Italian

John Turturro is an American actor, writer, director, and filmmaker. He is known for his roles in O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Clockers, the Transformers franchise, and Secret Window, among many other films.

His father, Nicola/Nicholas Turturro, was from Giovinazzo, Apulia, Italy. His mother, Katherine/Catherine Florence “Kate” (Incerella), was born in the U.S., to Italian parents, from Campania and Sicily. His father was with the D-Day fleet supporting the landing operations of Allied troops in Normandy in 1944.

His brother is actor Nicholas Turturro and his cousin is actress Aida Turturro. John is married to actress Katherine Borowitz, with whom he has two children.

John’s maternal grandfather, an Italian immigrant, re-married to a black woman, John’s step-grandmother Deborah M. L. Eld, in 1937. John did not know this until his appearance on the show Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (2017).

John’s paternal grandfather was Raffaelle/Ralph Turturro (the son of Nicola Turturro and Teresa Rutigliano). Raffaelle was born in Giovinazzo. Nicola was the son of Michele Turturro and Anna Stufano. Teresa was the daughter of Raffaele Rutigliano and Maria Trapani.

John’s paternal grandmother was Angela/Angelina Michela Cortese (the daughter of Antonio Cortese and Vincenza Decicco). Angela was born in Giovinazzo. Antonio was the son of Giuseppe Cortese and Serafina Piscitelli. Vincenza was the daughter of Domenico Decicco and Angela D’Agostino.

John’s maternal grandfather was Giovanni/John Incerella/Inzerillo/Inzirillo/Inserillo (the son of Antonio Incerella and Margareta Lafala). Giovanni was born in Naples, Campania, Italy.

John’s maternal grandmother was named Rosa/Rosina/Rose Terrasi. Rosa was from Aragona, Province of Agrigento, Sicily. John is an honorary citizen of Aragona.

Sources: http://www.starpulse.com

Genealogy of John Turturro (focusing on his father’s side) – http://geneasud.20minutes-blogs.fr

Marriage record of John’s maternal grandfather, Giovanni/John Incerella/Inzerillo/Inzirillo/Inserillo, to Deborah M. L. Eld – https://www.familysearch.org

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photo by Prphotos.com

Birth Name: Jean-Paul Charles Belmondo

Date of Birth: 9 April, 1933

Place of Birth: Neuilly-sur-Seine, France

Date of Death: 6 September, 2021

Place of Death: Paris, France

Ethnicity:
*Italian (father)
*French (mother)

Jean-Paul Belmondo was a French actor. He is associated with the French New Wave of cinema in the 1950s and 1960s. His films include Breathless (1959), That Man from Rio (1964), and Animal (1977), among many others. He was also known as Bébel.

His father, renowned sculptor Paul Belmondo, was born in Algiers, French Algeria, of Italian [Sicilian and Piedmontese] descent. His mother, Sarah Madeleine Rainaud-Richard, was born in Paris, France. Jean-Paul had three children, including racing driver Paul Belmondo, with his former wife Élodie Constantin; and a daughter with his former wife, dancer Natty Tardivel.

Jean-Paul was said to have been related to Italian ballet dancer and choreographer Fanny Cerrito. This does not appear to be accurate.

Jean-Paul’s paternal grandfather was named Paul Belmondo (the son of Paolo Belmondo and Madalena). Paul was born in Borgo San Dalmazzo, Piedmont, Italy.

Jean-Paul’s paternal grandmother was Rose/Rosine Cerrito (the son of Antoine Cerrito and Anne La Nasa). Rose was born in Cefalù, Sicily, Italy. Antoine was the son of Raphaël Cerrito and Marianne Dalifa.

Jean-Paul’s maternal grandfather was named François Julien Thomas Rainaud-Richard. François was born in Paris.

Jean-Paul’s maternal grandmother was Angèle Rachel Raphaël (the daughter of Claude Raphaël and Antoinette Vanieux). Angèle was born in Paris. Claude was the son of Claude Raphaël and Caroline Collard.

Sources: Genealogies of Jean-Paul Belmondo – http://gw.geneanet.org
https://www.geni.com

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Scherer in 2015, photo by kathclick/Bigstock.com

Birth Name: Christina Taylor Scherer

Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, United States

Date of Birth: May 28, 1993

Ethnicity:
*mother – German, one quarter Italian/Sicilian, small amounts of English and Scottish

Christina Scherer is an American actress.

Christina’s maternal grandfather was Robert R. Scherer (the son of John Raymond Scherer and Theresa Marie “Tess” Glass). Robert was born in Kentucky. John was born in Kentucky, the son of Frank Joseph Scherer, whose father was German, and of Lillian/Lilian Mary Breining, whose grandparents were all German. Theresa was born in Kentucky, the daughter of Irvin/Irwin Edward Glass and Theresa/Therese Beatrice Herdt.

Christina’s maternal grandmother was Jo Ann Hellmann (the daughter of Anthony Romanus Hellmann and Frances C. Pinto). Anthony was born in Kentucky, the son of Michael Aloysious F. Hellmann, who was German, and of Louise “Lula” Geppert/Goeppert, whose parents were also German. Christina’s great-grandmother Frances was born in Kentucky, to Italian parents, George S. Pinto and Josephine Passantino, who were from Caccamo, Palermo, Sicily.

Source: Obituary of Christina’s maternal grandmother, Jo Ann (Hellmann) Scherer – https://www.legacy.com

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Date of Birth: December 7, 1910

Place of Birth: New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.

Date of Death: August 24, 1978

Place of Death: New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.

Ethnicity: Italian/Sicilian

Louis Prima was an American singer, songwriter, bandleader, and trumpeter. He was nicknamed “The King of Swing.” He performed New Orleans jazz, swing music, jump blues, and later with a big band group and as a Vegas lounge act.

He was the son of Angelina (Caravella) and Anthony Prima. His father was born in New Orleans, to Italian parents. His mother was born on Ustica, a small Italian island in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Louis was married to singer Gia Maione, until his death. He had a daughter with his former wife Louise Polizzi; a daughter with his former wife Tracelene Barrett; two children with his former wife, jazz and popular music singer Keely Smith; and two children, singer and songwriter Lena Prima, and jazz singer Louis Prima, Jr., with Gia.

Louis’s paternal grandfather was Leonardo/Leonard Di Prima/Prima (the son of Francesco Prima and Francesca Nastaci). Leonardo was a Sicilian emigrant, from Salaparuta, Trapani.

Louis’s paternal grandmother was named Elisabetta/Elizabetta/Elisabeth Antiochia.

Louis’s maternal grandparents were named Luigi Caravella and Margherita Valente/Valenti. Margherita was born in Palermo, Sicily.

Sources: Genealogies of Louis Prima – https://www.wikitree.com
https://www.geni.com

Genealogy of Louis Prima (focusing on his father’s side) – https://www.findagrave.com

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Birth Name: Thomas Noel Rettig

Date of Birth: December 10, 1941

Place of Birth: Queens, New York City, New York, U.S.

Date of Death: February 15, 1996

Place of Death: Marina del Rey, California, U.S.

Ethnicity:
*Ashkenazi Jewish (father)
*Italian/Sicilian (mother)

Tommy Rettig was an American actor, computer software engineer, and author. He starred as Jeff Miller in the 1950s series Lassie, and as Bart Collins in the film The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T., among others.

Tommy was the son of Rosemary and Elias Rettig. His father was born in New York, to Russian Jewish parents. His mother was also born in New York, to Italian (Catholic) immigrants. He had two children with his former wife Darlene Portwood.

Tommy’s paternal grandfather was named Isaac Rettig (the son of Lazarus Rettig and Sarah).

Tommy’s paternal grandmother was named Ida Eisenberg/Cantor.

Tommy’s maternal grandfather was Gaetano Tom Nibali (the son of Signorino Conti Nibali and Rosaria Bevacqua). Gaetano was born in Tuscany, Italy. Signorino was the son of Vincenzo Nibali and Rosina Calabrezi. Rosaria was the daughter of Gaetano Franchina and Francesca Calameri.

Tommy’s maternal grandmother was Francesca Triscari “Frances” Benemavo (the daughter of Friscari Benemavo and Rosaria Continglio). Francesca was born in Tortorici, Messina, Sicily, Italy. Rosaria was the daughter of Antonio Benemavo and Francesca Fiumari.

Sources: Genealogies of Tommy Rettig (focusing on his father’s side) – https://www.geni.com
https://www.findagrave.com

Tommy’s father on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Death record of Tommy’s paternal grandfather, Isaac Rettig – https://www.familysearch.org

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Birth Name: Richard Vincent Segreto Macaraeg

Date of Birth: September 27, 1952

Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.

Date of Death: September 6, 1998

Place of Death: Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Ethnicity:
*Filipino [Pangasinan] (father)
*Italian [Sicilian] (mother)

Ric Segreto was a Filipino-American singer, songwriter, actor, journalist, and historian.

His father, Goforedo Gomez Macaraeg, was a Filipino World War II veteran, from Malasiqui, Pangasinan. His mother, Bridget Dolores (Segreto), was American, also from Brooklyn, and was of Italian descent.

Ric’s paternal grandfather was Julián Macaraeg y Sison (or Julián Sison Macaraeg in Filipino, the son of Rafael Macaraeg y Cayabyab, or Rafael Cayabyab Macaraeg in Filipino, and of Joaquina Sison y de Guzmán, or Joaquina de Guzmán Sison in Filipino). Rafael was the son of Vicente Macaraeg and Macaria Cayabyab y Valdés (or Macaria Valdés Cayabyab in Filipino). Joaquina was the daughter of Vicente Sison and Antonina de Guzmán.

Ric’s paternal grandmother was Carmen Gómez y de Vera (or Carmen de Vera Gómez in Filipino, the daughter of Alejo Gómez and María de Vera y de Guzmán, or María de Guzmán de Vera in Filipino). María was the daughter of Alejandro de Vera and Engracia de Guzmán y Andaya (or Engracia Andaya de Guzmán in Filipino).

Ric’s maternal grandfather was Serafino “Sam” Segreto (the son of Vincenzo Segreto and Brigita Ferrante). Sam was an Italian emigrant, from Valguarnera Caropepe, Enna. Brigita was the daughter of Martino Ferrante.

Ric’s maternal grandmother was Francesca Nastasi (the daughter of Vincenzo Nastasi and Francesca Orbello). Francesca was an Italian emigrant, from Messina. Vincenzo was the son of Pasquale Nastasi and Francesca Caravella. Ric’s great-grandmother Francesca was the daughter of Vincenzo Orbello and Maria Scibona.

Sources: U.S. Social Security application records of Ric Segreto – https://aad.archives.gov
https://aad.archives.gov

U.S. Social Security application records of Ric’s paternal aunt, Luz Macaraeg Torio (born Luz Gomez Macaraeg) – https://aad.archives.gov
https://aad.archives.gov

U.S. Social Security application records of Ric’s mother – https://aad.archives.gov
https://aad.archives.gov

Ric’s mother on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Baptismal record of Ric’s paternal grandfather, Serafino Segreto – https://www.familysearch.org

U.S. naturalization record of Ric’s paternal grandfather, Serafino Segreto – https://www.familysearch.org

Death record of Ric’s paternal great-grandmother, Brigita (Ferrante) Segreto – https://www.familysearch.org

Death record of Ric’s paternal great-grandfather, Vincenzo Nastasi – https://www.familysearch.org

Death record of Ric’s paternal great-grandmother, Francesca (Orbello) Nastasi – https://www.familysearch.org

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