Birth Name: Laura Ilene Vidnovic
Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.
Date of Birth: July 15, 1979
Ethnicity: Serbian, German, English, Irish
Laura Benanti is an American actress and singer.
Laura is the daughter of Linda (Wonneberger) and Martin Vidnovic. Laura was raised by her mother and stepfather, Salvatore Benanti, in Kinnelon, New Jersey.
Laura’s father has Serbian ancestry. Laura’s mother is of half German descent, and also has English and Irish ancestry. Laura is also said to have Native American ancestry. It is not clear if this Native American ancestry has been verified/documented.
Laura’s paternal grandparents were Burke Vidnovic (the son of Bozo Vidnovic and Smilyna/Cecilia) and Marge/Mary M. Bozo and Smilyna were from Ponikve, Yugoslavia (now Serbia).
Laura’s maternal grandfather was William Karl Wonneberger (the son of Oswald Wonneberger and Louise). Oswald was born in Germany. Louise was born in New York, to parents from Germany.
Laura’s maternal grandmother was Elsie Ilene Jones (the daughter of Ertie Lee “Casey” Jones and Mary Elizabeth Byrne). Ertie was the son of William Fleming “Wild Bill” Jones and Mary Jane Norris.
Sources: Obituary of Laura’s uncle (father’s brother), Nicholas Charles Vidnovic – http://www.legacy.com
Obituary os Laura’s great-uncle (paternal grandfather’s brother), Nick Vidnovic – http://www.legacy.com
Obituary of Laura’s uncle (mother’s brother), Robert Karl Wonneberger – http://www.legacy.com
Laura’s maternal grandfather, William Karl Wonneberger, on the 1930 U.S. Census – http://www.familysearch.org
Genealogy of Laura’s mother, Linda Wonneberger (focusing on her own mother’s side) – http://worldconnect.rootsweb.ancestry.com
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