Ep 1. Jon Cryer

Who Do You Think You Are? is a popular genealogy documentary series that follows celebrities as they delve into their family histories, uncovering stories of hardship, triumph, and resilience. In the season 10 premiere, Jon Cryer, best known for his role as Alan Harper on Two and a Half Men, explores his roots and discovers some surprising facts about his ancestors.

The episode opens with Cryer explaining that he has always been interested in genealogy and has done some research on his own family history in the past. However, he is excited to take a more in-depth look with the help of the show's researchers and historians. His journey begins with a trip to New York City, where he meets with genealogist Janette Silverman to learn about his maternal grandfather, Edward, who he knows very little about.

Through research and archival records, Silverman is able to piece together Edward's early life. Cryer discovers that his grandfather was born in England and came to the United States when he was just a teenager. He moved around frequently and worked odd jobs before eventually settling in New York City. It turns out that Edward was a bit of a character, with a love of singing and performing.

Next, Cryer travels to Texas to investigate his paternal ancestry. He meets with genealogist Johni Cerny, who helps him trace his roots back to the earliest Cryer in America, who arrived in the colonies in the 1600s. Cryer is fascinated by the idea of being descended from such early American settlers and learns about their struggles and triumphs as they built new lives in a new world.

As Cryer delves deeper into his family history, he uncovers some surprising stories. He learns that his great-grandfather on his father's side was a prominent businessman in Texas who founded a successful chain of grocery stores. He also discovers that his great-grandmother on his mother's side was institutionalized for mental illness, a fact that had been hidden from the family for many years.

Throughout the episode, Cryer reflects on what he is learning about his ancestors and what it means for him and his family today. He is moved by the resilience and determination that his forebears showed in the face of adversity, and he marvels at the sheer variety of people who make up his family tree.

In closing, Cryer reflects on the importance of knowing one's own history and the power of genealogy to connect us with our past. He is grateful for the opportunity to learn more about his ancestors and hopes that his story will inspire others to explore their own family histories.

Overall, this episode of Who Do You Think You Are? is a fascinating glimpse into the world of genealogy, as well as a moving portrait of one man's journey of discovery. With its mix of history, personal stories, and celebrity intrigue, it's sure to appeal to viewers of all backgrounds and interests.