Christopher Walken Uncovers His Grandfather's Criminal History | Finding Your Roots | Ancestry®

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  • Опубліковано 6 лют 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,7 тис.

  • @AncestryUS
    @AncestryUS  Рік тому +576

    Christopher seeing his grandfather for the first time is pretty powerful! Do you have a relative that you’ve always wanted to learn more about?

    • @jonirnmomba4130
      @jonirnmomba4130 Рік тому +18

      My father. He was a beautiful man, and died at 63. I took advantage of his stories and now I wish I would have asked more. I think that my son is the 5th generation with his name but that is just speculation based on family lore.

    • @cjanderson768
      @cjanderson768 Рік тому +12

      My great great grandfather. I don’t even know his name. He was never discussed. My mom had met her great grandmother a few times but he was never there. I’ve searched for his name or information about him for almost 40 years now.

    • @patriciaredmond3996
      @patriciaredmond3996 Рік тому +7

      My great grandfather, Patrick McCudden, from Co. Monaghan, it's always been a mystery what happened to him after my great grandmother kicked him out , it's telling in my family that she's described as well a hard women to get along with, he was a lovable rogue who might of been a bit of a lady's man

    • @theresamay9481
      @theresamay9481 Рік тому +6

      My sister belongs to Ancestry and has done extensive research to find out who our Grandfather was. She walked streets and found the places where our Grandmother lived, went through microfiche at the city library and talked to all relatives she could find. The name on our Father's birth certificate was made up. We still don't know who he was.

    • @bettyeclay5917
      @bettyeclay5917 Рік тому +14

      I would like to know who my biological father was. I lived 50 years as a black woman and I then find out my biological father is white with Appalachian roots.

  • @danielhickmott5800
    @danielhickmott5800 Рік тому +2351

    His mother is what I call a “cycle breaker”. She knew she wanted a better life for herself and future children and did it!

  • @jimjam51075
    @jimjam51075 Рік тому +1391

    My favorite part of the episode is where the host gives him a gold watch and tells him where his grandfather had to hide it.

  • @tapanisydanmetsa6714
    @tapanisydanmetsa6714 Рік тому +192

    Cristopher Walken is absolutely one of my favorite Hollywood actors if not the most favorite. His voice is Magic.

    • @AncestryUS
      @AncestryUS  Рік тому +7

      Thanks for taking part in the discussion and sharing your thoughts, tapani sydänmetsä! We hope you've enjoyed learning more about Christopher's own family history within another incredible episode of PBS’s Finding Your Roots. He certainly has a unique voice that is recognisable instantly! Thanks again and enjoy the rest of your weekend! 🎃

    • @poppawheelie5666
      @poppawheelie5666 10 місяців тому +5

      You're talking to my boy all wrong, it's the tone

    • @spudspuddy
      @spudspuddy Місяць тому +1

      his hair is criminal

  • @thesavagebeast3994
    @thesavagebeast3994 10 місяців тому +38

    This guy together with Al Pacino have the coolest most Badass Speech Patterns let alone voices!

    • @abdulazizalzut8963
      @abdulazizalzut8963 Місяць тому +2

      l bet his grandfather stole a cow bell

    • @benvoeller8946
      @benvoeller8946 Місяць тому +1

      I noticed his speech pattern is pretty "normal" in this interview as opposed to his acting speech pattern.

    • @cecileroy557
      @cecileroy557 22 дні тому

      ⁠@@abdulazizalzut8963😂😂😂😂

  • @nosol
    @nosol Рік тому +915

    Mom was a pretty tough and proud figure to have ultimately still put her real father's name on the birth certificate. Never be ashamed of where you come from.

    • @phyllisjohnson6442
      @phyllisjohnson6442 Рік тому +40

      That’s so right. What is is. Whatever was was.👍🏾

    • @shannonmcelyea4631
      @shannonmcelyea4631 Рік тому +52

      Back then I think her being “illegitimate” on the birth certificate may have effected her immigration??

    • @AncestryUS
      @AncestryUS  Рік тому +43

      Great to remember, Olga!

    • @Mybpeterson
      @Mybpeterson Рік тому +48

      In her home country she had reason to be ashamed of her criminal father. In America no one knew the man. But in those times, she had A LOT to be ashamed of for being illegitimate. By getting a new birth certificate she wasn't so much as claiming her father, she was proving her legitimacy in a different society. Getting it done just before she married showed she didn't want to bring shame to her husband, his family, and any family they may create. She never spoke her father's name for a reason. She never even alluded to him.

    • @josebotello928
      @josebotello928 Рік тому +2

      Thanks I need to her that. 👍

  • @hugs_nicolle7263
    @hugs_nicolle7263 Рік тому +55

    “Well…what did he do?” He cracks me up… a tough customer…love this guy❤ his Ma sounds like a wonderful person.

  • @vXIR0NMANXv
    @vXIR0NMANXv Рік тому +416

    His mothers resolve to get on a boat and go to a completely different world is incredibly inspiring. I hope I can find that resolve myself some day.

    • @taylor3014
      @taylor3014 Рік тому +13

      Though getting on a boat with Christopher Walken may not end up working out quite so well

    • @___HH___
      @___HH___ Рік тому +3

      At least she wasn't walkin'.

    • @PeterRabbit70
      @PeterRabbit70 Рік тому +1

      @@taylor3014 Do you think Walken had a role in that?

    • @lIllIIIllIl
      @lIllIIIllIl Рік тому

      Selfish*

    • @miamijefe7793
      @miamijefe7793 Рік тому +4

      It's easier for women. They can leave everything behind and find another man to shack up with and be taken care of., especially in those days. Women were all housewives

  • @immortanjoe9362
    @immortanjoe9362 11 місяців тому +180

    I'm a simple man. I see Christopher Walken, I click it.

    • @AncestryUS
      @AncestryUS  11 місяців тому +12

      Thanks for stopping by Immortan Joe! We hope you enjoyed this segment with Christopher Walken!

    • @surfer-lc3nz
      @surfer-lc3nz 6 місяців тому +2

      Christopher Wawken!

    • @BRAVO_FOUR_06-13
      @BRAVO_FOUR_06-13 Місяць тому

      Yeah. This is a pretty basic comment. I bet you're boringly simple.

    • @LookingForIt-bw8ur
      @LookingForIt-bw8ur Місяць тому +4

      @@BRAVO_FOUR_06-13 Are you okay? ...Like in life?

    • @BRAVO_FOUR_06-13
      @BRAVO_FOUR_06-13 Місяць тому

      @@LookingForIt-bw8ur boring

  • @lizevans4534
    @lizevans4534 Рік тому +128

    Glasgow Scotland here , we take great Pride that his mother was one of us 😍

    • @SpiderPigggg
      @SpiderPigggg 10 місяців тому +3

      BENNY HARVEY RIP

    • @kitano47
      @kitano47 10 місяців тому +2

      RIP BIG MAN

    • @liamg1706
      @liamg1706 10 місяців тому +2

      Hi glasgow Scotland

    • @ptommo1543
      @ptommo1543 7 місяців тому +1

      Neat. Tough stock, he should be proud 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

    • @devinthierault
      @devinthierault 5 місяців тому

      ​@@SpiderPiggggI'll never see your face again

  • @garymcatear822
    @garymcatear822 Рік тому +33

    When i was in primary school (junior school) in Tollcross Glasgow, Scotland i would come home at dinner time to get my dinner because i didn't get free meals at school back then because one parent was in employement. Every day for 4 years or so i would do this old ladies shopping (she was in her 90's or something and housebound), i later found out that this old lady was Christopher Walkens grannie lol...back then in the late 70's i had no idea who Christopher walken was. She lived about 30-40 meters from my house. She would get the same thing everyday...newspapers and bread rolls. I hope Christopher gets to read this because no doubt his gran would have spoken to him about me. She lived in the left middle flat on the corner close of Easterhill place Tollcross.

    • @gazmad
      @gazmad 2 дні тому +1

      Amazing little story that is Gary and thanks for sharing❤😂🎉

  • @seferinorino6951
    @seferinorino6951 Рік тому +26

    I absolutely love Christopher Walken. Every time he’s on the screen he just lights it up. I couldn’t pinpoint what it is but he’s my favourite actor.

  • @user-pb2kg1ng4g
    @user-pb2kg1ng4g Рік тому +221

    Egan is a surname that comes from the Irish Gaelic name Mac Aodhagáin. It is derived from the root 'aedh' meaning little fire and the diminutive 'an' hence 'the little bright-eyed one'. Variations include: Egan, Eagan, Keegan, McKeegan, MacEgan, Kegan, Keagan and Egen. The name originates from County Tipperary (north).

    • @hannahoconnell7324
      @hannahoconnell7324 Рік тому +19

      Wow, thanks for sharing. So interesting to know that. I’m Irish myself and had no idea

    • @pinecone9045
      @pinecone9045 Рік тому +3

      What hannahoconnell said thanks *edit I meant @jason-hy8ci but anyways

    • @jason-hy8ci
      @jason-hy8ci Рік тому +10

      Tough language, I know their are still some Towns and small pockets of Ireland that speak it. I also know they still teach it in some places. I'd like to see the Irish Republic PAY the youth of Ireland to learn their language, nothing like a little Golden incentive. Anything would be worth keeping Gaelic alive, and never mind..... well?

    • @tjokoloko6159
      @tjokoloko6159 Рік тому +2

      and what about Vegan?

    • @maryconway4728
      @maryconway4728 Рік тому +6

      Yeah. This show is for an American audience who don’t understand that it was common for Irish people to go to places like Glasgow for work. And it probably was another reason that his mother immigrated to New York alone - she probably had some Irish relatives already there. That section of Queens, New York had a huge Irish community at that time.

  • @johnwright291
    @johnwright291 Рік тому +30

    This really resonates with me. I have a cousin who is a well known geologist in salt lake city and I just reconnected with him after 50 years. Through him I found out that my maternal great grandfather was a horse rustler who bought horses he knew were stolen. What makes it very interesting is that he was in the Wyoming state penitentiary at the very same time that Butch Cassidy was there. He said I hope your not disappointed. I said are you kidding. I love it.

  • @JosephDredd31
    @JosephDredd31 Рік тому +49

    I haven't even seen this episode yet but wanted to say what an unbelievable talent Christopher Walking is. Simply one of my favorites of all time. Thank you for your gift of making me believe that you are each and every character you have played.

  • @spitfiremac
    @spitfiremac 28 днів тому +3

    I love that this is the most normal we've ever seen Walken. He actually seems like sny other guy and not the impossibly original, cool, snd unpredictable star we've come to know.

  • @MrCabimero
    @MrCabimero Рік тому +73

    Chris's father ran Walken's Bakery on Broadway in Astoria, NY. We bought cake there. Never met Chris there but his father was a great baker!

    • @gmann6269
      @gmann6269 Рік тому

      When did you visit the bakery?

    • @MrCabimero
      @MrCabimero Рік тому +2

      @@gmann6269 1960’s to about the 70’s

    • @charleshammer2928
      @charleshammer2928 Рік тому +8

      Christopher's dad was German and his Mom was from Scotland and he grew up in Queens. Donald J Trump"s father was German and his mom was from Scotland and he grew up in Queens. Hmmmmm

    • @SY-ok2dq
      @SY-ok2dq Рік тому +8

      Chris talked about working in the bakery as a boy. He described having to fill donuts with jam using this contraption.
      Chris (then known as Ronnie) and his brothers were also actors as children, playing small roles as children in family scenes etc. for the emerging TV show industry in N.Y.C.
      You can see in the family photo that the Walken boys were very attractive.

    • @ritajohansson582
      @ritajohansson582 5 місяців тому +6

      In the 1980's, the Walken Bakery was still there. I lived across the street.

  • @danielamicallef9592
    @danielamicallef9592 Рік тому +60

    I am a researcher myself, therefore am in awe of your work. Rendering results, unearthing truths.

    • @AncestryUS
      @AncestryUS  Рік тому +12

      Research is tough work, but is often so rewarding!

    • @bjornyesterday2562
      @bjornyesterday2562 Рік тому +1

      ​@@AncestryUSresearch is maybe the only worthwhile task

    • @___HH___
      @___HH___ Рік тому +1

      @@bjornyesterday2562 Even above procreation? Wow. You sure think a lot of research!

    • @bjornyesterday2562
      @bjornyesterday2562 Рік тому

      @@___HH___ I'm sorry you feel procreation is a task

    • @VictorLugosi
      @VictorLugosi Місяць тому

      You’re not tho.. this guy also isn’t, they hired him because he’s black.

  • @ThehulkGreen
    @ThehulkGreen Рік тому +6

    My grandad was a wonderful man, as tough as they come. A proper londoner and a kind man. He and my grandmother earned an award for fostering over 200 children. I speak to some of them to this day. My grandparents are not with me anymore but I think of them all the time, they died over 30yrs ago.

  • @kerrypickens8594
    @kerrypickens8594 Рік тому +215

    Christopher Walken is such a great actor, but he has such a great sense of humor

  • @kirkmanning6232
    @kirkmanning6232 Місяць тому +25

    Walken is a treasure!

  • @macpduff2119
    @macpduff2119 Рік тому +373

    Ive always been a fan of Christopher Walkin. A great actor. My grandparents also left Glasgow and resettled in NYC. So my favorite actor and I share Scottish grandparents. Scotland and England were rough places to survive late Victorian/early 20th C.

  • @Mountainsnlilacs
    @Mountainsnlilacs Рік тому +14

    And that right there, is how he understood his Grandmother's reasons for leaving. She needed to find a better life outside of where she was, and when opportunity presented itself, she took it.

  • @TomMunsell-ln6mg
    @TomMunsell-ln6mg Рік тому +153

    It is such an informative show and should never be taken off the air for anything that may seem to embracing. History is history and life marches on. I proud of the way Mr. Gates shows empecable informative vision of what life was once like. It is just like a scavenger hunt about your search for your family history and historical events. I hope no one tries to remove this show.

    • @AncestryUS
      @AncestryUS  Рік тому +17

      We're glad you enjoy Henry Louis Gates Jr. and his shows!

    • @gardensofthegods
      @gardensofthegods Рік тому +1

      Really ashamed the full episodes aren't free here on UA-cam as a lot of people would gladly watch the show and deal with the commercials and they would still make their money through the monetization of the commercials

  • @hatednyc
    @hatednyc Рік тому +24

    I’ll never forget the day I met Mr Walken and his wife at Lincoln Center. Absolute class act. Always loved him and always will.

    • @slowery43
      @slowery43 9 місяців тому

      nobody cares in the least.. you think that is entertaining or interesting to anyone but you? wow

    • @forgetfulstranger
      @forgetfulstranger Місяць тому +1

      ​@@slowery43 I bet you don't go out much, eh?

  • @laurencaulton103
    @laurencaulton103 Рік тому +1226

    Ironic that Mr. Walken is famous for his tough-guy roles, and his grandfather lived that life.

    • @ForTheMonolith
      @ForTheMonolith Рік тому +56

      Art imitates life

    • @jesseberry5500
      @jesseberry5500 Рік тому +8

      It wasn’t like he was of Marvin force or he got busted receiving and selling stolen goods that’s far from a tough guy Prasada I never know if I’ve been a sissy just saying, I don’t see the report certainly didn’t say he was a tough guy

    • @BroodallyHonest
      @BroodallyHonest Рік тому +30

      You're thinking about Robert DeNiro. Christopher Walken is famous for being an amazing character actor. He does all kinds of roles.

    • @David-ol3it
      @David-ol3it Рік тому +8

      Pentonvile prison is in London. Not just outside london

    • @selmahare
      @selmahare Рік тому +5

      @@David-ol3it Yes! I made that correction as well watching the video. I lived in Pentonvile road, which not only bares the same name but is also close enough, in North London. Have walked by that prison a couple of times. It looks just as sombre as its History. Don't like that part of town at all, it has this dense vibe.

  • @lgwappo
    @lgwappo Рік тому +19

    My dad never spoke of his dad. My mom said his dad committed suicide in the 60s but said never ask dad about it. We weren't supposed to know. Decades later I also learned that my grandfather divorced my grandmother, married another woman, killed her with a .22 pistol, killed her father then himself. She filed for divorce because he had anger issues & she feared him. Strange to learn these secrets in my 60s. I have no memory of that grandfather.

    • @johngalvin3124
      @johngalvin3124 Рік тому +2

      All families have secrets, you're not alone. 😊

  • @pirobot668beta
    @pirobot668beta Рік тому +16

    Ancestry testing told me I was swapped at birth.
    My own parents had no idea that I wasn't theirs.
    Other than being taller than my brothers and having different hair-growth patterns, nobody ever batted an eye.
    Some of the stories that DNA testing tells can be pretty amazing!

    • @joekulik999
      @joekulik999 Рік тому +3

      Yes, and companies like Ancestry are more than happy to share those "pretty amazing" family stories with The Cops and any Fed Agcy that wants them.

    • @AncestryUS
      @AncestryUS  Рік тому +7

      Hi Joseph, thank you for the opportunity to clarify some misconceptions that are out there. While we can’t speak about the practices of other companies. To date, Ancestry has not released any customers’ DNA information to law enforcement agencies. Protecting our customers’ privacy and being good stewards of their data is Ancestry’s highest priority. We will not voluntarily cooperate with law enforcement unless compelled to by legal process. You can learn more about law enforcement requests we have received and what we have responded here: support.ancestry.com/s/article/Transparency-Report?language=en_US

    • @wyp8098
      @wyp8098 11 місяців тому

      You want to reply to that Joe.....? Thought not.​@@joekulik999

    • @SMGAPR8
      @SMGAPR8 7 місяців тому

      So true, she much was hidden by our own ancestors, so much written was lost or destroyed, my ancestry is a little like Pandora's box, none of us can know what we are going to find, or who? It truly is another journey.

    • @paul.-jj6yh
      @paul.-jj6yh 5 місяців тому

      ​@@joekulik999 it's worth it... bcoz of the info share , killers were brought to justice... read about the golden gate killer. The law found him thru genealogy databases.

  • @phyllisjohnson6442
    @phyllisjohnson6442 Рік тому +281

    He’s a great actor, and he is brave enough to face whatever he had to face. I admire that. 🍎

    • @ChiggidyChuck
      @ChiggidyChuck Рік тому +16

      Google Natalie Wood.

    • @uncletony6210
      @uncletony6210 Рік тому +4

      @@ChiggidyChuck exactly.

    • @SR-iy4gg
      @SR-iy4gg Рік тому +4

      I've been researching my family tree for almost 30 years. It's fascinating to me, but it's not brave at all.

    • @Aham-Na
      @Aham-Na Рік тому

      @@SR-iy4ggwhat do you mean?

    • @NotableSavage2
      @NotableSavage2 Рік тому

      @@SR-iy4gg I guess, but Ben Affleck famously cowered away from his family’s history as slave owners on this exact platform.

  • @dubski_01
    @dubski_01 Місяць тому +3

    I'm actually watching from Glasgow, Scotland in the UK...with a rye smile.
    My grandfather's name was Joe Egan.

  • @kcuzz4091
    @kcuzz4091 Рік тому +324

    Think how strong Mr. Walker’s mother was to have the courage at the age of 22 to get on a ship to America.

    • @debradevonne3225
      @debradevonne3225 Рік тому +9

      Courage...or fear, shame, regret 😢

    • @lindacourtice7960
      @lindacourtice7960 Рік тому +22

      I go with description "courage." Women didnt have alot of options then, and illegal things happened to women then that were permitted, winked at, women yook the full brunt of.
      We dont know what transpired, or even why that guy was led to selling stolen goods. Maybe he was desperate.
      So I say, rest in peace.
      PS Illegitimacy means "illegitimate heir," and some countries viewed heirs via birth, not marraige, so children of royalty qualified to rule via "partners," "concubines," "mistresses," "consorts," culturally acceptable or unacceptable rapes and later "marraige."
      Genealogy is eye opening.

    • @katesleuth1156
      @katesleuth1156 Рік тому +4

      @@lindacourtice7960llegitimate also meant that the child was not conceived within the law, which was, after marriage. We’re not talking about royalty here. It wasn’t just about heirs as many were poor & had nothing to inherit, but the fact that the parent or parent chose to ignore the law without consideration for the child born illegitimate.

    • @chomama1628
      @chomama1628 Рік тому +11

      @@debradevonne3225courage can come from all those feelings. She couldn’t change how she came into the world but she could change the outcome. We all can if we have the courage.

    • @uwsgrrrl9981
      @uwsgrrrl9981 Рік тому +15

      My mother came to,the US when she was 19 yo from Italy.

  • @mikedavis9244
    @mikedavis9244 Рік тому +103

    Interesting that we hear Walken's real speech pattern here without any of the affectations that are famously imitated. I didn't realize how significantly he puts that on

    • @indianajim
      @indianajim Рік тому +11

      When he’s performing he certainly has a specific rhythm of speech.

    • @pinecone9045
      @pinecone9045 Рік тому +3

      It's called acting, I had to say that no demeaning intended, I could almost hear myself say it in his voice.

    • @coma_TOES
      @coma_TOES Рік тому +1

      SNL episode classics whenever he hosts..
      More Cowbell
      Colonel Angus
      One favorite of mine every single cast member did an impression of his speech pattern ~ I believe they were playing various relatives at Walken family reunion!

    • @markant9534
      @markant9534 Рік тому +5

      He just exaggerates his voice, his speech pattern is still a little strange.

    • @gardensofthegods
      @gardensofthegods Рік тому +3

      Call someone saying they grew up speaking Yiddish in his house because his father was Jewish so imagine also a Scottish accent in the house wow what a combination of accents for a kid to be dealing with from day one

  • @evypeace03
    @evypeace03 Рік тому +16

    Such a wonderful actor and his SNL skits are legendary... I need more cowbell, baby. 🎭

  • @ncooty
    @ncooty Рік тому +2

    His grandmother sounds like an admirable woman. She could've let the truth fade away, but she put it in writing at the same time she left it behind. She wasn't afraid of it or beholden to it. Good for her.

  • @AIvey-qs1so
    @AIvey-qs1so Рік тому +31

    ❤ Mr. Walken so much, this is great thank you!

  • @PSA3377
    @PSA3377 Місяць тому +2

    Thank you to Christopher's mom for coming to America and ultimately bringing us Chris !!❤❤❤

  • @TheEVGuy-rx9ju
    @TheEVGuy-rx9ju Рік тому +3

    What a top Actor ! His mum was from Tolcross in Glasgow as far as I know. Their is always a bit of Scotland in most people.

    • @AncestryUS
      @AncestryUS  Рік тому

      Hi, EV Guy! We're so glad you enjoyed our clip from Finding Your Roots, featuring Christopher Walken. Have you made any fascinating family history discoveries lately in your own research you'd like to share?

  • @markorollo.
    @markorollo. Рік тому +1

    just bought the DNA test and 3 months membership, already got back 3 more generations than i knew yesterday, 7 in total. that is if im going down the right path, searched back from my Grandad so i think i am lol. slightly disappointed that there are so few generations born where i'm from (Oldham). i knew were connected to Gainsborough but found us in a village a few miles from Gainsborough, Sturton Le Steeple, a bit different from Oldham lol.

    • @AncestryUS
      @AncestryUS  Рік тому +1

      Hi, MarkoRollo. We're so excited to hear that you've been so successful already. We understand how important it is to have all of the information correct. We recommend verifying the information by using records. It sounds like you're really making great progress. We wish you the best in your research. Please don't hesitate to reach out at any time.

  • @YDuskyCricket
    @YDuskyCricket Рік тому +24

    So glad he was able to do that! I did Ancestry for that same reason.
    My German oma had a fling during WW2 that resulted with my mother. Oma never told my mother who the dad was so I did a DNA test to try and get a clue. With Ancestry's feature of being able to distinguish between parents I thought it would be easier. I was able to find my entire paternal line, my oma's line, and the blood of mixtures of the maternal grandfather, but that was as far as I could get. I wasn't able to find any names sadly. I mean whole family's were wiped out in the war (any war) right, so that is a possibility. I am grateful that we scraped through. So it's always a happy thing to find ancestors, ❤️.

    • @AncestryUS
      @AncestryUS  Рік тому +4

      Wow! So glad Ancestry was able to help you discover new information on your family.

  • @Mark-Vincent-yk8wj
    @Mark-Vincent-yk8wj Рік тому +5

    That picture of his grandfather is truly awesome...!!! Truly amazing...because his grandfather looks like a time traveler...!!! Once again...AMAZING...!!! 😱🤔✌️

  • @allthingsfrench1391
    @allthingsfrench1391 Місяць тому +1

    I've adored Christopher Walken forever.
    What a dancer too.
    Both my paternal grandparents went to prison. My father passed away last year without knowing his own mother whom he adored was put in a women's prison at 18 for smoking.
    His father was an alcoholic who ran into a woman while driving.
    My dad used to have to visit him at a prison as a child of 5.
    Both my parents hid any and all past to try and raise us as good kids from a middle class upbringing traveling the world.
    My parents looked like the Kennedys.
    Nothing to be ashamed of at all.
    Sentences of old were way too harsh as in this case.

  • @luciaennocenti9710
    @luciaennocenti9710 Рік тому +28

    Love Mr. Walken

  • @toi_techno
    @toi_techno 8 місяців тому +4

    The bravery of young people during hard times is incredible

  • @turfsniffer
    @turfsniffer Рік тому +18

    My 2x Great Grandmother was Egen born in Glasgow - she had a brother called Joseph, and he definitely looks like her in the mug shot. I also have his birth record but it doesn't match the date on the picture - odd thing is on the birth record his mother listed is actually his grandmother who would have been over 60 when he was born, but the accidental listing of the grandmother proves it's the same family. The Egans were originally from Ireland, and went over to Scotland during the famine. My 2x Great Grandmother came back to Ireland and settled here.

    • @jpi28602
      @jpi28602 Рік тому +1

      The date on the picture may be the arrest or conviction date and not DOB?

  • @lancethrust9488
    @lancethrust9488 Рік тому +1

    REMINDS ME OF MY GREAT GREAT GREAT GRANDAD 1860S THERE WAS A MUG SHOT OF HIM IMPRISONED IN IRELAND AND THE BIZARE THING OF THE PICTURE I WAS THE IMAGINE OF HIM CANT BELIEVE I LOOK SO ALIKE TO SOMEBODY IN MY FAMILY FROM THE 1860S

  • @marcvskulper2874
    @marcvskulper2874 Рік тому +4

    Getting on a boat in her 20's by her self and coming to America. Bless the brave.

  • @garypedigogaeu5787
    @garypedigogaeu5787 25 днів тому +1

    So when Mr Walken wants to speak with a normal cadence and behave like a typical person he absolutely can. That’s interesting. Makes me appreciate his skills as an actor even more than I originally did. Go Robbie.

  • @victoriaolson8985
    @victoriaolson8985 Рік тому +6

    My mother was illegitimate, too, as was her older sister. They were also the offspring of an incestual relationship. My grandmother and her uncle hooked up for years in 1920s Vienna. He was the youngest of her mother’s brothers. I know his name but nothing about him, beyond he kept a tarantula as a pet. She left him after 10 years together, paid an American of Italian heritage to marry her and bring her and her two kids to the States.

  • @JulesVega419TheSecond
    @JulesVega419TheSecond Рік тому

    My grandfather was a great man and could never be replaced. My fathers father was a traveling jazz musician and nobody will say more about him. Like Mr. Walken I often think to myself; what did he do?

  • @michaelwilson2340
    @michaelwilson2340 Рік тому +90

    His role in The Deer Hunter alone should put him in cinematic history.

    • @infinitejest441
      @infinitejest441 Рік тому +7

      He was chilling

    • @slimzimm1031
      @slimzimm1031 Рік тому

      Can't argue that@@infinitejest441

    • @sasskvetch8617
      @sasskvetch8617 Рік тому +4

      How is he not in cinematic history? LOL. He won an Oscar for The Deer Hunter and was nominated for Catch Me If You Can. He has had a ton of other great parts and cameos as well.

    • @SneakyKestrel
      @SneakyKestrel 10 місяців тому +3

      "The dead zone" was also a masterpiece

  • @jackiedavis8218
    @jackiedavis8218 Рік тому +1

    Many may not know that he played in a film from a children’s book, ‘ Sarah,Plain and Tall ‘. I read the paperback to my fourth graders . It was in the time when if a man lost his wife, many times an advert would be put in a paper back east.
    The story begins there and became a lovely movie. And, of course his acting skills were superb!

  • @peggygibbons479
    @peggygibbons479 Рік тому +20

    Oh Man I can't WAIT to see this one!! I love Chris, I love this show and I love you Skip!! Your famous geneologist Cece should get a Nobel Prize! She is amazing!!

  • @judy-uv1bk
    @judy-uv1bk Рік тому +1

    I remember Chris' parents bakery in Long Island City, Queens, NYC. I was very young then. I am amazed by Chris' and Chris' work and finding out he is a local boy that made it! Much love Chris!❤

  • @jeannemoore6610
    @jeannemoore6610 Рік тому +5

    As someone who has delved into my own genealogy, I really enjoy these episodes.

  • @gerondajenkins6947
    @gerondajenkins6947 Рік тому +1

    I LOVE CHRISTOPHER WALKEN ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

  • @niciangel
    @niciangel Рік тому +19

    Love him ❤️ Such a great actor and man. Like his way of talking and his reaction about the news of his grandfather. He's a legend. One of the best. Wish him a long and healthy life.

  • @Goldaction0
    @Goldaction0 11 місяців тому +1

    Life was hard for everyone those days. I feel sad for his great great grandfather. 🕯️

    • @AncestryUS
      @AncestryUS  11 місяців тому +1

      Thanks for dropping by and watching this clip from our episode with Christopher Walken. We hope you enjoyed this insight into his family history.

  • @sparkysmom7149
    @sparkysmom7149 Рік тому +4

    I love christopher walken. No matter what, he is a genuine and good person. Never be ashamed of your roots. We're all here for a reason

  • @SimonMcGrath-x2x
    @SimonMcGrath-x2x Місяць тому +1

    This was originally an English programme that was a fantastic show and it's good to see its translated well and the stories they uncover are beyond belief. Pentonville is still a prison today. The word Penitentiary comes from the word doing Penance in prison.

  • @Truebritify
    @Truebritify Рік тому +16

    The prison in Dorset was most likely the one in Portland. Portland stone is used throughout the UK and the convicts were used to break up the stone. I was told when I lived in Weymouth that in Victorian times there was a tea room overlooking it that the gentry used to sit in and watch them working. You can just imagine it.

    • @finnmcginn9931
      @finnmcginn9931 Рік тому

      Same Portland that brought the world Portland cement? Down the rabbit hole I go, cheers.

  • @gaylesherrod5984
    @gaylesherrod5984 Рік тому +1

    I absolutely love Christopher walken! Fell in love with him in 1983 after seeing the dead zone! Have loved him dearly ever since!❤❤❤❤❤

    • @AncestryUS
      @AncestryUS  Рік тому

      Hi Gayle, thanks for watching! We are glad to hear that you are such a big fan of Christopher Walken.

  • @mrmoran0077
    @mrmoran0077 Рік тому +4

    Wonderful, and equally wonderful to hear an American pronouncing Glasgow properly 😊

  • @kimquinn7728
    @kimquinn7728 Місяць тому +1

    Is there a full length episode available? he is a fantastic actor and seems like a genuine and kind man.

  • @jonibarger3147
    @jonibarger3147 Рік тому +45

    I adore Christopher Walken, always have. He's a great actor and he's a funny guy.

  • @ritamarie4453
    @ritamarie4453 Рік тому +1

    All of our closets r full . Just different reasons for whatever time ,that u were living in. Mom knew best Chris. Mom's can b awesomely powerful in our lives.

  • @Evan-lr8nq
    @Evan-lr8nq Рік тому +3

    Christopher gets that smile from him mother for sure.

  • @phillipdavidhaskett7513
    @phillipdavidhaskett7513 День тому

    Just knowing the names of our ancestors bestows a respect for the mere fact that they both survived and passed along to me the gift of life. I've managed to take my own surname back 14 generations, but at that point I have over 4,000 equally relevant ancestors, each of whom lived a life I can only imagine without any real idea what it might have been like.

  • @cmomofilm
    @cmomofilm Рік тому +35

    What they didn't mention, or probably weren't aware of, is the scar on the side of his grandfather's mouth is known here (in Scotland) as a "Glasgow smile" (a cut violently imposed at 1, or both sides of the mouth, extending towards the ear, creating a macabre "smile"). So his maternal grandfather was almost definitely in a gang, and by the looks of him, a proper "hard man" (very tough gentleman, with an enthusiasm for violence). (Translations for any non-scots who are interested in lesser known Scottish colloquialisms).

    • @ChiggidyChuck
      @ChiggidyChuck Рік тому +5

      What they didn't mention was his direct involvement in the murder of Natalie Wood

    • @Leo-sd3jt
      @Leo-sd3jt Рік тому +6

      ​@@ChiggidyChuckhe wasn't involved though. None of the witnesses say he was involved and, as far as I'm aware, it's agreed that he was asleep below deck whereas people reported seeing Natalie Wood and Robert Wagner having an argument above deck.

    • @ChiggidyChuck
      @ChiggidyChuck Рік тому

      @@Leo-sd3jt hahah ok dude

    • @olly8
      @olly8 Рік тому +3

      ​​​​​@@ChiggidyChuckThe fight that 'supposedly took place' was over Natalie. I don't believe Chris was involved with her death, but possibly a catalyst for R.W's jealously. Only those on that boat know the whole story.
      I have been a fan of his since the movie At Close Range -with Sean Penn. He played Big Brad so convincingly. Gives me the chills!!! So many good movie roles, and quite the dancer 🕺

    • @dawnrobbins5877
      @dawnrobbins5877 Рік тому +4

      Constantly using the word 'gentleman' to describe a criminal seems to be a thing nowadays. Stop it. They're literally the exact opposite.

  • @OsbornTramain
    @OsbornTramain Рік тому +1

    What's really amazing is how old his grandfather "Egen" was, what year he was born.....my gosh..he was going to prison in 1883, He must have been born during the civil war at a minimum....and then fathered a child when he was 40 or 50. And his own mother must have been pretty old when she gave birth to him, about 40 something, if she was born at the turn of the century.

  • @FreeSpirit47
    @FreeSpirit47 Рік тому +15

    Every family has skeletons in the closet, 8 in mine! It's important for those who will break the cycles of abuse, neglect, criminal behavior, to leave the house where the skeletons are & try your hardest to live differently.
    I was the third child in a family of six.
    There were several generations of abuse on both sides.
    Although I had 2 siblings older than me, I was the first one to get out on my own & stay out on my own. Way out. I moved, as a teenager, from Michigan to Hawai'i.
    A couple years later, I got my parents to give me guardianship of my younger sister. She was really messed up, I did my very best to help her.
    Of six children, there's only 3 of us left. My parents & siblings died at young ages. I'm still here, I broke the cycle.

    • @slowery43
      @slowery43 9 місяців тому

      not a sole cares... this has nothing to do with you no one came here hoping to hear alla bot you get over yourself

    • @FreeSpirit47
      @FreeSpirit47 9 місяців тому

      @@slowery43 I pity those who make comments such as yours. It reveals a very angry person who is too fearful to say what they want. Instead, hiding behind a keyboard, believing you're anonymous. Your negativity is all on you.. Also, your grammar & spelling reveal an uneducated mind.

  • @connie9492
    @connie9492 Місяць тому

    Wonderful Christopher Walken so kind, so gifted

  • @zorromaskedman8220
    @zorromaskedman8220 Рік тому +46

    Very interesting. In manufacturing we're told "if it is not documented, it did not happen". But we know in life there are numerous things that happen that are not documented. I've always been puzzled as I grew up, when I first heard the term "illegitimate". It doesn't apply to me, I just wondered why they use the term. I have since gained the understanding, that by Law, if the parents are not married, then any offspring are illegitimate. It always has had a Very negative tone to it, like "somehow" it's the child's fault. My mother's father ran away from his responsibilities after having two girls, back in 1937, when all you had to do is jump on a train, leave town, and never look back, except for the guilt. You can learn so much by a single document.

    • @mtngrl5859
      @mtngrl5859 Рік тому

      in earlier times marriages were arranged for alliances, so it was important that any issue (children) be legal. Even today if a child is not born from the legal wife, the child can not assume any titles. So, if one is a Baron ( for example), any children can not inherit the title unless they are legitimate and born from his wife. Thus, surrogates or adopted children don't qualify.

    • @gingerhiser7312
      @gingerhiser7312 Рік тому

      My birth certificate has a check box for legitimate/illegitimate. It had to do with rights of inheritance.

  • @wRAAh
    @wRAAh Рік тому +1

    My dad died before I was four years old. Lineage was of no interest to me for many decades. As it seems, none of my uncles and nephews were interested either. But recently, I dove in the records, tracing my lineage, trough my dad, his dad etcetera all the way down to around 1635, where the recorded trail ends. It turns out that my forefathers were one of the three important 'dynasties' in a town not far from where I live now. They were in the textile industry, but also active as 'church fathers', mayors, notaries and in other positions. Shortly after the Napoleontic occupation and with the rise of industrialization in textile, the dynasty crumbled and withered away. Meanwhile, I find fascinating stories and discover paintings and maps that are mesmerizing. I urge all to delve down into what you can find out about your lineage. Enjoy!

    • @AncestryUS
      @AncestryUS  Рік тому

      We're delighted to hear that you've dived into your family history research with so much success, Wouter! It sounds like you've uncovered some remarkable stories from your family's past. Many thanks for taking the time to share a little of your journey with the Ancestry community! 🍃

  • @JackFisherTrio
    @JackFisherTrio Рік тому +6

    She would have had to survive and such a young women alone...brave and smart.

  • @presidentpotato222
    @presidentpotato222 Рік тому +1

    Mr Walken is a Living Legend .. cooking chicken with him and his SNL Continental Sketches .. and his bringing of Characters to Life .. that will BE REMEMBERED for far far into the future .. I CAN ONLY HOPE

  • @hafizsirajkumar7927
    @hafizsirajkumar7927 Рік тому +10

    nice story .... it so sad and everyone deserved to know dad if they are good or bad ... important is discipline so not follow bad behavior

  • @angloaust1575
    @angloaust1575 Рік тому +1

    He was with robert and natalie
    Back in 1981 on the boat!

  • @zovalentine7305
    @zovalentine7305 Рік тому +13

    Christopher Walken ❤
    🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

  • @MrMockingbird1313
    @MrMockingbird1313 9 місяців тому +1

    Hey Dr Gates, I have reseached a few histories. After a friends grandmother had been dead for at least 75 years. This lady's mother never knew who was her real mother and father. Eventually it was discovered, when she was in her 30-40s that her older sister was actually real mother. Yet no one would reveal her father's name. The lady had a birth certific that said the father was unknown. So the magistrate never learned the father's name. Except, the parish priest learned the whole truth. The priest on the baptismal and recorded it in the parish archive. The baby's father was a young neighbor, who was married to a Russian immegrant. He signed the baptismal in front of the priest. After all the parties were dead, the grand children learned the truth.

  • @hestergreen2031
    @hestergreen2031 Рік тому +3

    Amazing story.. it’s always good to learn of our distant ancestors.

  • @Charlotte-ti6oq
    @Charlotte-ti6oq Рік тому

    I've always found Christopher Walken striking and unique looking.. something about the features and character of his face that was made for television!

  • @pmwyy
    @pmwyy Рік тому +159

    Back then, having a father who received and sold stolen property was such a shame that she never mentioned or saw him again. Yet today, many people steal and rob with no consequences at all.

    • @mikemccool7575
      @mikemccool7575 Рік тому +10

      But hard labor and solitary confinement?

    • @bjornyesterday2562
      @bjornyesterday2562 Рік тому +8

      They are called police

    • @bobdavidsonm.d.7214
      @bobdavidsonm.d.7214 Рік тому +3

      ​@@bjornyesterday2562
      Girlfriend, run off with a cop huh.

    • @micomator
      @micomator Рік тому +7

      I think there's likely more to the story. Not all children are the product of love or romance. The man who got her pregnant, she never spoke of until her daughter needed his name to emmigrate.

    • @garylefevers
      @garylefevers Рік тому

      Babdavidsonm, you must be related to a cop. I noticed how you didn't disagree with the fact that cops are thieves. The rich are themselves thieves as well.

  • @JohnDrummondPhoto
    @JohnDrummondPhoto 8 місяців тому +1

    I'm convinced that my paternal grandfather, or perhaps his grandfather, changed his name to escape prosecution in Jamaica. Ancestry found me lots of cousins but none with my family name past my grandfather's generation. One distant cousin told me that there was an old family legend involving an ancestral criminal.

  • @JML6988
    @JML6988 Рік тому +4

    Mr. Walken is definitely on a short list of my favorite actors.

    • @AncestryUS
      @AncestryUS  Рік тому

      He's definitely amazing at what he does, John!

    • @roadkillgravy5168
      @roadkillgravy5168 Рік тому +1

      ​@@AncestryUSyeah he is good at pushing females off boats. Natalie wood in particular.

  • @Mascotal
    @Mascotal Місяць тому +1

    Mr. Walken is one of my favorite story tellers. Cool guy.

  • @chizmo7
    @chizmo7 Рік тому +1

    Ironically I just watched the Deerhunter last night. That scene where Nicky (Christopher Walken) takes Mike's boots (Robert DeNiro), and gives them back to Stanley (John Cazale) and then says to Mike "Whatsa matta witch yoo"? Is unbelievable. That piercing glare. Mr. Walken is one of my all-time favorite actors. So believable.

  • @jstone247
    @jstone247 Рік тому +7

    Glasgow was a pretty rough place back then.

  • @georgeedward1691
    @georgeedward1691 Рік тому +1

    Hmm Chris is a Scotty!! I had no idea. Excellent actor non the less.

  • @beachrose88
    @beachrose88 Рік тому +16

    Chris is amazing. Started in business as a DANCER..AND A GOOD ONE

  • @codelessunlimited7701
    @codelessunlimited7701 Рік тому +1

    Chris grandma is very beautiful, no wonder he leaves him for a better future for his grandchildren named Christopher.

  • @ladydeerheart1
    @ladydeerheart1 Рік тому +27

    Five years for selling stolen goods seems ridiculous. It doesn't necessarily mean he knew the stuff was stolen but either way he was a tough guy and his daughter moving, by herself, across the ocean means she was tough too. It looks like Christopher comes from good stock.

    • @garymcatear822
      @garymcatear822 Рік тому +2

      They used to send their prisoners to Britains prison colony Australia....why can't they do that these days, i would be out breaking the law right now and intentionally get caught.

    • @Tessa--LibrarianLovesRick
      @Tessa--LibrarianLovesRick Рік тому +3

      Maybe that is just what they got him for. Someone else mentions the scar going up his jaw as a "Glasgow smile" and something related to violent gangs

    • @garymcatear822
      @garymcatear822 Рік тому +2

      @@Tessa--LibrarianLovesRick I used to get his grannies shopping for her when i was a kid at primary school, i'd come home for my lunch and get this old womans shopping for her every day for a few years, turns out it was Christopher Walkens granny (not that i had any idea who Christopher Walken was back in the mid-late and early 80's as a kid)

    • @Tessa--LibrarianLovesRick
      @Tessa--LibrarianLovesRick Рік тому

      ​@@garymcatear822 I have a few interesting "star-related" stories. One is when my Mom would call the "Conway Twitty residence" (that is how they'd answer the phone) to send someone home sick from school.

    • @GlasgowCelticforever1888
      @GlasgowCelticforever1888 Рік тому +3

      Reset is an old Scottish offence and essentially means handling stolen goods. I believe that there was no requirement for the state to prove that the person had knowledge or belief that the goods were stolen. Simple possession was enough.

  • @travelbug4536
    @travelbug4536 Рік тому +1

    Look at the size of those blocks!!!

  • @UnderestimatedA1
    @UnderestimatedA1 Рік тому +4

    One of my all time favorite actor's I could watch this man eat a sandwich and be impressed.

    • @AncestryUS
      @AncestryUS  Рік тому +1

      We're glad you enjoyed this episode, Shay! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

    • @joycampi7233
      @joycampi7233 Рік тому +1

      I totally agree!!!

  • @richardsackler7627
    @richardsackler7627 Рік тому +1

    Wow , great interview I would watch Walk just for his dance moves, expressions and unique voice.

  • @OceanBaby813
    @OceanBaby813 Рік тому +4

    Just love him and his unique personality ❤

  • @user-carlthomas
    @user-carlthomas Рік тому

    Wow!
    I have a huge lack of any knowledge of great parts of my family on both sides!
    Thanks to Mr.Gates; you do brilliant things for us all !
    CTA
    NY
    12/22/23

  • @hermessantos1601
    @hermessantos1601 Рік тому +3

    His mother must have been an interesting person. She was very brave in moving to New York by herself in her twenties.

  • @Johnc259
    @Johnc259 Рік тому +10

    To me, this gentleman is just a “down to earth” human being. He has a great sense of humor and seems to be kind to others. I always enjoy his acting abilities. Peace 🎉🎉🎉

    • @edithbannerman4
      @edithbannerman4 Рік тому

      @Hello there, how are you doing this blessed day?

  • @celesra
    @celesra Рік тому +1

    He played Gabriel in that one movie which to me was the BEST ROLE ever!

  • @martinconnors5195
    @martinconnors5195 Рік тому +4

    I once asked my Grandmother, who this slightly older man in a grainy photo. But she closed the album, and said that "we're going to speak about it another time". Turns out that her older brother (it's too sad to say)