Many world-famous stars, including Audrey Hepburn, Charlize Theron, and Bruce Springsteen, share Dutch heritage. Despite their varied fields and generations, these celebrities trace their roots back to the Netherlands. Their diverse ancestries reflect historical migrations and cultural intermingling, showcasing how the Dutch influence has shaped many prominent figures in today’s entertainment industry.
Picture: by obsessed
What do Leighton Meester, Wentworth Miller, Rebecca Romijn, Charlize Theron, Audrey Hepburn, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Gigi and Bella Hadid have in common? They are all superstars in their respective fields, each excelling in acting, singing, or modeling. Despite not being from the same generation, they all represent immense success.
But what else do these top stars share?
The common denominator among these famous individuals is their Dutch heritage. All these stars have Dutch roots somewhere in their ancestry, even if those connections are distant. A closer look at their family backgrounds reveals that many of these top artists have diverse origins. For example, Wentworth Miller, the British-American actor famous for his role as Michael Scofield in “Prison Break,” has a rich heritage that includes African American, Jamaican, English, German, Russian, French, Syrian, Lebanese, and Dutch ancestry. Similarly, Kim Kardashian is at least a quarter Dutch.
Why do they have such varied roots?
At first glance, the diverse backgrounds of these world stars may seem extraordinary. However, upon reflection, it makes sense. Many stars, like the rest of us, have not been spared from historical migrations. Wars, floods, and other environmental disasters have caused people to seek refuge, leading to spontaneous population movements. These migrations often resulted in people settling in foreign territories. This trend continues today with people from Poland, Ukraine, Turkey, and Morocco frequently moving to new countries. As early as the second century AD, many Scandinavians settled in Central Europe, attempting to push the Romans back to Italy.
Did they also emigrate to other parts of the world?
Migration is as old as humanity itself. In their book “The Dawn of Everything” about the origins of human society, authors David Graeber (who passed away in 2020) and David Wengrow describe how people in ancient times were much less interconnected, leading to the perception of fewer people on earth. Dense vegetation and the lack of noise meant people often did not encounter each other, even when living relatively close by.
What were people searching for?
Misha Meier’s book “A History of Europe from the Third to the Eighth Century” delves into the various migrations of the past. Meier discusses different peoples who moved through Europe due to various circumstances, including the Huns, the tensions around the Danube River, and the Battle of Adrianople. After various battles, regions often changed names or came under new leadership. Throughout history, people have sought new havens, and many succeeded in finding them.
And how did this trend continue into the twentieth century?
Many people from different parts of the world have migrated to countries where they believed they could better develop themselves and their children. Between 1850 and 1924, millions of European emigrants moved to America. Notable examples include the Kennedys and many Englishmen who later became famous in the USA. The ill-fated Titanic and the Red Star Line, which sailed from Antwerp to America, carried many of these migrants to their promised land. New large steamships facilitated these crossings, making migration more accessible.
Did all migrants achieve a better life?
Migrants often had compelling reasons for relocating. Today, we refer to these as push factors—the reasons that compel someone to move or emigrate. In the nineteenth century, many Europeans were concerned about the lack of agricultural land. Agriculture has been a fundamental way for humans to settle down since ancient times. Unfortunately, the development of new lands required more agricultural space. Others emigrated due to political, social, or religious tensions in their home countries. Just before and during World War II, many Jews fled Europe under the threat of the German Reich.
Do you also belong to a family that has moved?
Many Catholic Irish moved to the United States between 1845 and 1855 due to a devastating potato blight in their homeland. Their descendants are now a significant part of the American community and government. Religious differences can sometimes lead to tensions, prompting migrations. Throughout history, many people have moved to improve their lives. This migration has contributed to the diverse community in America and the varied roots of many well-known individuals. Bruce Springsteen, the American rocker, proudly shares his Dutch and Irish heritage with anyone who will listen.
