Scarlett Johansson’s Emotional Discovery of Holocaust Family History on Finding Your Roots

In a poignant 2017 episode of PBS’s Finding Your Roots, actress Scarlett Johansson uncovered a deeply personal and tragic chapter of her family history: the loss of her maternal great-grandfather’s brother and extended family during the Holocaust in the Warsaw Ghetto. The revelation moved Johansson profoundly, shedding light on the painful legacy carried by many descendants of Eastern European Jewish families.

Unearthing a Family Tragedy

Hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Finding Your Roots delves into the ancestries of notable figures, often unveiling hidden stories. On the episode aired October 31, 2017, Johansson explored her Jewish heritage on her mother’s side, tracing roots back to Poland.

Johansson’s maternal great-grandfather, Saul Schlamberg (originally Schlachne), emigrated from a small Polish town to New York City in 1910. Settling on Ludlow Street, a historic hub for Jewish immigrants, Saul made a modest living selling bananas—a stark contrast to the fate awaiting relatives who remained in Poland.

The show’s research, relying on records from Yad Vashem, revealed that Saul’s brother, Moishe Schlamberg, along with his children Zlata (15) and Mandil (17), perished in the Warsaw Ghetto during the Nazi occupation. Johansson had not previously known these details, making the discovery all the more impactful.

A Heartfelt Reaction

Johansson’s response was deeply emotional. As reported by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, she struggled to hold back tears, saying, “I promised myself I wouldn’t cry. But it’s hard not to.” Reflecting on the divergent paths of her ancestors, she remarked, “It’s crazy to imagine that Saul would be on the other side selling bananas on Ludlow Street and how different it would be being in America at that time.” This contrast intensified her connection to her family’s past and identity.

Validating the History

Multiple sources confirm the accuracy of the episode’s revelations. The Times of Israel previewed the episode’s findings, while post-broadcast reports from JTA aligned closely with the documented facts. Though a PBS clip listed the episode as airing in 2020, the original broadcast date of October 31, 2017, is widely accepted based on contemporaneous coverage.

Broader Reflections on Heritage and Identity

Johansson’s experience exemplifies the profound emotional resonance that genealogical discoveries can hold, especially when intertwined with traumatic historical events. Her multicultural background—with a Jewish mother and Danish father—adds complexity to her identity, illustrating how ancestry shapes personal narratives.

From an archival and analytical perspective, the episode underscores the vital role of historical records like those maintained by Yad Vashem. It also highlights the delicate balance between uncovering truth and managing the emotional impact of such discoveries.

Conclusion

Scarlett Johansson’s Finding Your Roots episode offers a moving window into the personal toll of the Holocaust and the enduring bonds of family across generations and continents. Her tearful acknowledgment of her lost relatives honors their memory and deepens public understanding of history’s human face.