Danielle Brooksis learning deep history about her family.
On the latest episode ofFinding Your Roots, which also featuresDionne Warwick, theOscar-nominated actress learns that one of her ancestors, named Dolphin, enlisted in the Union army during theCivil Waron June 1, 1863.
“That is pretty cool,” says Brooks, 34, in a clip shared exclusively with PEOPLE.
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Danielle Brooks on the Feb. 13, 2024, episode ofFinding Your Roots.PBS
PBS
HostHenry Louis Gates Jr.asks Brooks, “Did it ever occur to you, when you were watchingGlory, that you might have an ancestor who fought with theU.S. Colored Troops?”
“Never. That’s empowering,” said theColor Purplestar, as Gates agreed, “That’s a big deal!”
He also said earlier in the clip while reading the official documentation, “Dolphin, listed here as ‘Dolson,’ joined the Union army to fight for the freedom of our people.”
Brooks isup for an Academy Awardnext month in the Best Supporting Actress category, for her role as Sofia in the musicalThe Color Purple.
The Oscar nod also cements Brooks' status as an EGOT nominee. She previously nabbed nominations for the other three letters in “EGOT” —Emmy Awardsin 2021 and 2023, aGrammy Awardin 2017 (which she won!) and aTony Awardin 2016.
Finding Your Rootsairs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on PBS.
source: people.com
