Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

- Season 2

(2014)

Henry Louis Gates explores the paternal ancestry of famous horror novelist Stephen King, actress Gloria Reuben and actor Courtney B. Vance. Shocking discoveries are made.

The families of three of America's greatest athletes, former MLB star Derek Jeter, former world tennis champion Billie Jean King, and former WNBA star Rebecca Lobo, are explored by Henry Louis Gates.

Three iconic American storytellers, journalist Anderson Cooper, documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and playwright Anna Deavere Smith, learn about their southern ancestors' role in the Civil War, and in Burns' case, the Revolutionary War.

Actor Ben Affleck, NAACP president Ben Jealous and actress Khandi Alexander discover that their families' long established principles to fight for freedom and civil rights were passed down through generations of ancestors.

Tom Colicchio of "Top Chef", Ming Tsai of "Simply Ming" and Aaron Sanchez of "Chopped", three celebrity chefs who cook the food of their ancestors, discover family members who have shaped their lives - and America's cuisine.

Actress Angela Bassett, President Obama's political advisor Valerie Jarrett and hip-hop artist Nas discover that there is no singular narrative or preconception about the people who suffered through the era of slavery in America.

Playwright Tony Kushner, songwriter Carole King and lawyer Alan Dershowitz share not only a Jewish heritage but also a history of perseverance in the face of withering opposition, and as it turns out, so did their ancestors.

The ancestry of actress Sally Field, New Age guru Deepak Chopra and British rock star Sting reveals the extraordinary global influence of the British Empire during the 18th and early 19th century.

Henry Louis Gates Jr. explores the Greek ancestry of comedienne Tina Fey, comedian and radio host David Sedaris and journalist and TV host George Stephanopoulos.

Deval Patrick, the first African American Governor of Massachusetts, and actress Jessica Alba learn incredible new facts about their rich heritage. Dr. Gates and some of his previous guests also unlock the secrets of their own DNA.