Who Do You Think You Are? Season 11 Episode 4 Matthew Morrison

Who Do You Think You Are? is a television show that explores the family histories of well-known celebrities and public figures. In each episode, a famous individual embarks on a journey of genealogical discovery, uncovering the stories and secrets of their ancestors.

In season 11, episode 4, we follow the journey of actor and singer Matthew Morrison. Best known for his role as Mr. Schuester on the hit musical television series Glee, Morrison sets out to uncover the truth about his family's past.

The episode begins with Morrison reflecting on his childhood and the close relationship he had with his grandmother. He describes her as a storyteller who would often share tales of their family's history and traditions. As he begins his journey into the past, Morrison hopes to uncover the stories that his grandmother never had the chance to share.

His first stop is New York City, where he meets with historian Tyler Anbinder to learn more about his family's immigration to the United States. Anbinder shows Morrison historical documents and photos that shed light on his ancestors' journey, including their arrival at Ellis Island and their experiences as Irish immigrants in the city.

From there, Morrison travels to County Sligo in Ireland, the birthplace of his great-great-grandfather. He meets with local genealogist Fiona Gallagher, who helps him explore his ancestral roots and piece together the story of his family's past.

Morrison discovers that his great-great-grandfather was a farmer who lived during the Great Famine of the mid-1800s. He learns that his ancestor faced immense hardship during this time, and that many of his family members died during the famine or emigrated to the United States in search of a better life.

As he continues his journey into the past, Morrison travels to Scotland to learn more about his distant relatives. He visits the historic castle of his ancestor Sir Alexander Morrison and learns about his family's involvement in the Scottish Enlightenment, a period of intellectual and cultural growth in Scotland during the 18th century.

Morrison also explores the darker side of his family's history, uncovering stories of violence and tragedy that occurred within his own family tree. He visits the site of a massacre that took place during the Jacobite Uprising, a violent conflict that tore Scotland apart in the 17th century. He also learns about his great-great-grandfather's involvement in the brutal suppression of a rebellion in Ireland during the 19th century.

Throughout the episode, Morrison reflects on his discoveries and what they mean for his own identity. He speaks candidly about the emotions that come with learning about the hardships and struggles of his ancestors.

In the end, Morrison comes away from his journey with a deeper understanding of his family's past. He discovers that his ancestors were complex individuals who faced immense challenges in their lives, but who also persevered and left a lasting legacy. As he reflects on his journey, Morrison realizes that he is part of something greater than himself, a rich and storied family history that stretches back generations.