Sharon Stone had a jaw-dropping revelation about her family history during a recent episode of PBS’s Finding Your Roots with host Henry Louis Gates Jr.
The 66-year-old actress, known for her roles in Basic Instinct and Casino, learned that she is directly descended from Charlemagne, one of the most influential figures in European history.
Stone, visibly shocked by the revelation, struggled to find words when Gates made the announcement.
“Charlemagne is your 38th great-grandfather. The first Holy Roman Emperor. He was a mean dude.” He continued, explaining that the former king “created modern Europe with an iron will,” Gates noted.
Stone could hardly contain her disbelief, responding: “If you want to see someone completely stunned, look at my face.”
This discovery connects her to one of history’s most significant rulers-a man who reshaped Europe through military conquests and strategic alliances. Charlemagne, who stood at an imposing 6 feet 4 inches, reigned over what is now France from AD 768 until his death in 814.
Stone’s family lineage
Beyond her connection to Charlemagne, Stone’s family tree is rich with history. Gates revealed that she is also descended from Hugh Capet, a 10th-century French ruler who helped establish Paris as the center of power in France.
Capet was a direct successor to Charlemagne and laid the foundation for the Capetian dynasty, which ruled France for centuries.
Her third great-grandfather, George Greggs, took a different path in life, emigrating from England to Pennsylvania in the 19th century, where he worked as a coal miner.
He later fought on the side of the Union Army during the American Civil War, participating in multiple major battles.
The revelations were deeply moving for Stone, who became emotional upon hearing about Greggs‘ sacrifice.
“When she learned that, she burst into tears,” Gates noted, describing her reaction to learning about her ancestor’s wartime heroics.