Since leaving "Today" in 2012, Ann Curry has embarked on a remarkable journey of self-discovery, delving deep into her family history. Recently, she revealed an emotional quest to uncover the truth about her late father's lineage at the Summer Television Critics Association conference in LA on July 31. "My dad carried this profound sadness throughout his life because he was labeled as illegitimate," she shared. "All he ever wanted was to know who his father was." Ann, now 61, felt a deep sense of loss when her father, Bob Curry, passed away from cancer in 2008 without finding the answers he longed for. "When he died, that unresolved sadness was something I couldn't let go of," she explained. Determined to honor his memory, Ann set out to uncover the truth about her father's heritage.
Ann Curry's Emotional Quest for Her Father's Roots
This heartfelt journey is documented in the upcoming season of the PBS series "Finding Your Roots With Henry Louis Gates Jr.," set to return in January. Through this exploration, Ann not only discovered the identity of her father's father but also uncovered a rich tapestry of family history. "Not only did we uncover the mystery of my father's father," she said with excitement, "but we also learned that our ancestors fled the potato famine and have been in this country since the 1600s!" For Ann, these revelations were nothing short of transformative. "It was a revelation," she explained, "because I come from a Japanese immigrant mother who came to America as a war bride after WWII." This discovery added layers to her understanding of her mixed heritage and deepened her appreciation for her family's journey.
Uncovering the Painful Questions of Identity
Like her father, Ann has faced her own struggles with identity. "All my life, being multiracial, I've been asked, 'What are you anyway?'" she revealed. But now, through her research, she has found answers that provide clarity and pride. One of the most fascinating discoveries was an ancestor named Thankful, who arrived in America in 1649. "She was named Thankful because she survived the perilous journey on the boat," Ann marveled. This newfound knowledge has given her a profound sense of connection to her past and a deeper understanding of her place in the world.
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View this post on InstagramMe, not so much. @hoomanmajd, you make me want to be a more fashionable woman.
Empathy and Understanding Through Ancestral Stories
For Ann, learning about her ancestors' stories has been a transformative experience. "Understanding your family's history informs how you think about your family and what they've gone through," she explained. "It awakens a deep well of empathy for people you don't even know." This newfound perspective has inspired her work on her PBS series "We'll Meet Again," which returns in October, where she explores other personal journeys. "Now I recognize that the things that make you different are actually the things that make you special," she said with conviction. This journey has not only enriched her life but also deepened her connection to her heritage and the world around her.
View this post on InstagramSunset New York City just now.
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