Discovering My Family Lineage: A 23-Year Journey Through History, Heritage, and Unexpected Celebrity Connections

As I enter my 23rd year researching my family lineage, I’m continually amazed by the fascinating people I discover—many of whom share common ancestors with me. My very first “famous find,” discovered quite by accident, was Frank and Charles Woolworth, the founders of the legendary F.W. Woolworth stores. That single discovery alone felt monumental—but it turned out to be just the beginning. Hidden within my extended family tree were countless other notable and even famous figures, both living and long passed.

​

A Lifelong Passion for Family History

I’ve always been passionate about history and genealogy. With each new ancestor I uncover, I gain a deeper appreciation for how my family—both directly and indirectly—has helped shape the world, for better or worse. Tracing these connections has been a personal adventure, filled with surprises, pride, and plenty of curiosity.

Like many people born and raised in North America, I’ve always been intrigued by famous public figures—not just film, television, and music stars, but also politicians, royalty, inventors, and entrepreneurs. While I wouldn’t call myself a “fanatic,” I’ve often admired the work of those whose contributions have positively influenced society.

​

My Encounters With Celebrities—Planned and Unplanned

As I prepare to celebrate my 59th trip around the sun, I realize how fortunate I’ve been to have crossed paths with more than a few well-known personalities over the years. Most of these encounters were entirely unplanned—serendipitous meetings in London hotels and restaurants, on Toronto streets, or even online through social media. A few celebrities have even reached out to me directly, often related to charitable causes I’ve supported.

One particularly memorable experience involved writing to Queen Elizabeth II. I sought her permission to access information about my cousin, Lady Augusta Bruce, who had been a close friend of Queen Victoria. After much deliberation—and several drafts—I finally sent the letter. To my astonishment, I received a gracious reply from one of Her Majesty’s personal secretaries, confirming that the Queen had read my letter. Though my request was politely declined, the thoughtful explanation and acknowledgment meant more than I could have imagined.

​

Living Next Door to a Celebrity

Of all my celebrity encounters, only one has turned into a genuine friendship—and it began when I unknowingly moved in next door to them. I didn’t realize who my neighbor was at first, but over time, we developed a close, down-to-earth friendship built on mutual respect and shared interests. Their fame has never defined our relationship; they’re simply a wonderful friend who happens to be well-known.

​

The Human Side of Fame: A Lesson in Respect

These experiences have taught me a valuable lesson: celebrities are real people. They have feelings, families, and the same need for privacy that we all do. Just because someone lives their life in the public eye doesn’t give anyone the right to invade their personal space or demand their attention.

Imagine being approached by strangers while trying to enjoy dinner with your family or walk to your car—most of us would find that intrusive, and celebrities are no different. They deserve the same respect and boundaries as anyone else.

​

A London Encounter I’ll Never Forget

During one of my stays in London, I happened to be at a hotel hosting several Hollywood A-listers. While some celebrities graciously mingled with guests, most people in the lounge refrained from snapping photos—a refreshing display of courtesy.

However, that courtesy wasn’t universal. Later that evening, as I stepped outside for a smoke, a well-known actor appeared unexpectedly. Though he’s famous for his “tough guy” roles, I could see a flash of concern in his eyes—proof that even the most confident celebrities are cautious about fan interactions. I politely nodded and said good evening to him, and he nodded back, smiled a little and quickly made his way over to his waiting car. I felt bad for him, and I also felt bad that I might have given the impression that I was one of the hundreds of crazed fans or paparazzi that were camped out at the front of the hotel. To me, no amount of fame would be worth sacrificing my ability to simply blend into the crowd and go unnoticed as I go about living my life.

The next day as I returned from a quick morning walk, I noticed a line of expensive cars and 1 very conspicuous Humvee parked along the street by the hotel. As I walked by (looking at the cars, of course!), an unmarked side door opened and out came several of the celebrities. I kept walking while catching a glimpse of who was coming out of the hotel, but my focus quickly changed when I heard hundreds of screaming fans...all charging down the sidewalk with ME in the middle of said sidewalk! I had nowhere to go but up onto a (thankfully!) half-wall between the sidewalk and the hotel, just in time to avoid being trampled by the onslaught of fans trying to meet their favourite celebrities.

That was a surreal moment for me, and once they all stormed past with no regard for anyone's safety, I got down from the wall and stared at them in disbelief. Then I got mad; not just for what had almost happened to me, but for the way they were acting toward the people that they claim to adore and respect. I don't know how people in the public eye can do it, and I think these fans and especially the paparazzi should treat celebrities with a helluva lot more respect than they do. After all, we pay these people to entertain us - and they do - but that does not mean that we own them. They deserve our respect and the right to live their lives just as we do. Period.

​

Keeping It Respectful: My Approach to Celebrity Research

Through my genealogical research, I occasionally include famous individuals connected to my family or of historical interest. On my website, I aim to share brief, respectful biographies that focus on their achievements and historical impact, not gossip or tabloid speculation. Everyone—famous or not—deserves a degree of privacy.

If you’re exploring my site hoping to find secrets or scandals, you may be disappointed. My goal is to create an uplifting, historically grounded resource that celebrates accomplishment rather than exposes flaws. The only exceptions, of course, are figures like Lizzie Borden or others whose notoriety is part of documented history.

​

Final Thoughts

After more than two decades of research, my journey through family history and celebrity connections continues to surprise and inspire me. Whether tracing royal relatives, crossing paths with stars, or simply uncovering the everyday lives of my ancestors, one truth stands out: