Birth Name: Michael E. Showalter
Place of Birth: Princeton, New Jersey, U.S.
Date of Birth: June 17, 1970
Ethnicity:
*English, some German, distant French (father)
*Ashkenazi Jewish (mother)
Michael Showalter is an American comedian, actor, producer, writer, and director.
Michael is the son of writer, literary critic, and professor Elaine Showalter (born Elaine Cottler) and professor English Showalter, Jr. He has a sister, Vinca.
Michael’s father has English, some German, and distant French, ancestry, and is an Episcopalian. Michael’s mother is Jewish, and was disowned by her own parents for marrying outside the Jewish faith.
Michael’s patrilineal line can be traced back to Jacob Mathias Showalter, who was born, c. 1702, in Germany.
Michael’s paternal grandfather was English Showalter, Sr. (the son of Chester David Michael Showalter and Lou Ella English). Chester was the son of Josiah Thomas Showalter and Sara Catherine Vaden. Lou was the daughter of James Lewis English and Parmelia Anne Tyree. Michael’s great-great-grandmother Sara’s patrilineal line can be traced back to Isaac Vaudin and his wife, Elizabeth LeBroc, who were likely of French descent.
Michael’s paternal grandmother was Jean Lee Staples (the daughter of Abram Penn Staples and Jean Duncan Watts). Abram was the son of Abram Penn Staples and Sallie Clement Hunt. Michael’s great-grandmother Jean was the daughter of John Allen Watts and Gertrude Lee.
Michael’s maternal grandfather was Paul Cottler. Paul was born in Kiev, Russian Empire (now Ukraine).
Michael’s maternal grandmother was Violet Rottenberg (the daughter of Nathan Rottenberg and Geneva/Jennie). Violet was born in Massachusetts, to parents from Poland.
Sources: Genealogy of Michael Showalter (focusing on his father’s side) – http://www.genealogy.com
Genealogy of Michael’s paternal grandfather, English Showalter, Sr. – http://www.geni.com
Michael’s maternal grandmother, Violet Rottenberg, on the 1930 U.S. Census – http://www.familysearch.org
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