LOS ANGELES — In a jaw-dropping twist on the PBS genealogy series Finding Your Roots, Sheryl Lee Ralph, the Emmy-winning star of Abbott Elementary, discovered that she shares DNA with Hollywood legend Samuel L. Jackson. The emotional and unexpected revelation aired on April 1, 2025, and has quickly become one of the most talked-about episodes in the show’s history.

Host and historian Henry Louis Gates Jr. revealed that Ralph and Jackson are distant cousins, linked by a “long stretch of DNA on their 16th chromosomes,” which indicates they share a common ancestor. The moment Sheryl Lee Ralph turned the page of her family photo book and saw Samuel L. Jackson’s face, she burst into laughter, exclaiming:
“Are you kidding me?! And I like him so much!”

A Connection That Always Felt Real

Ralph, 68, confessed that she’s always felt a strange connection to the Pulp Fiction and Marvel star.
“He reminds me of my brother Timothy… for whatever reason, I don’t know why,” she shared, stunned by the news. Gates replied, “It’s in the DNA,” echoing what millions of viewers were thinking.

The heartfelt moment concluded with Ralph mimicking her head exploding, symbolizing her complete shock — a gesture that has now gone viral across social media.

More Than Just a Coincidence

This revelation adds to an already star-studded family tree for Samuel L. Jackson. In a previous interview, Janet Jackson revealed that through her mother’s side, she’s also cousins with Samuel — making Sheryl Lee Ralph part of a growing list of celebrity connections tied to the iconic actor.

The PBS series continues to wow audiences with surprising DNA revelations. Other recent guests include Debra Messing, who learned she is cousins with Bernie Sanders, and Melanie Lynskey, who discovered a family link to Questlove.

Why This Matters

The episode struck a chord with fans because of Ralph’s genuine, joyful reaction, and the unique bond she shares with Jackson, a figure she’s admired for years. The moment humanized two of Hollywood’s most beloved figures, reminding viewers of the power of family, heritage, and shared history.

With Ralph’s continued rise as a standout on Abbott Elementary, this heartwarming discovery only adds to her legacy as a multi-talented actress, advocate, and now, a proud cousin of Samuel L. Jackson.