Minnie Driver Meets First Ever Paternal Relative | Who Do You Think You Are

Minnie visits Stockton-on-Tees in search for answers about her grandparents. She visits the family history centre at Stockton central library, where she discovers she still has a cousin who is alive. Minnie jumps at the chance to meet Jean ‘Eileen’ Wiper.

Hollywood actress Minnie Driver is on a mission to find out more about her late father, Ronnie, and his family's background. Minnie's parents were not married, and Minnie only discovered when she was older that her father had a wife and another family all the time Minnie's parents were together. Minnie knows her father was awarded a medal for his role in the battle of Heligoland Bight during World War Two, but is shocked to discover that he apparently threw it away. She sets out to investigate why her father would relinquish such an honour. The trail leads Minnie to relatives she never knew existed, and she discovers a kindred spirit in the family.

In each episode, one of Britain's best-loved celebrities traces their family tree to reveal the surprising, extraordinary and often moving stories of their ancestors. We publish new videos twice a week with the most memorable moments from the show. Subscribe now and click on the bell 🔔 to get notifications every time we upload a new video!

[yukonher]

I love that Minnie showed up with biscuits and a plant. What a sweetheart.

[dereklwashington]

I met Minnie one time. I brought her and my friend Lou light up tiaras to an event they cohosted. Minnie was so appreciative of a dollar store tiara and insisted they both put them on and immediately faced the press in them. She really made my night. Just a wonderful person.

[MS-fcbs]

Minnie is the definition of class and beauty...she is breathtaking

[leethistlethwaite]

I'm a Thistlethwaite from Middlesbrough, and I loved hearing my family name and possibly my relatives associated with Minnie, small world 🌎

[ClarkRahman]

Imagine being in your 80s living your life and a celebrity rings you up, eagerly asking to meet up. That would be something.

[martymahem]

I've always loved Minnie Driver in her performances, and she seems like a class act in her personal life as well.

[StarlahMutiny]

If I ever write a book, I would love Minnie to do the audiobook. Her voice is so soothing and lovely

[michellemunn]

Minnie is so sweet when she finds out about Eileen!

[rick]

I agree. That was very kind to show up with that bouquet of flowers in the biscuits. So proper and well mannered. So British. ❤️

[starwood]

Minnie driver seems so down to earth and her cousin is lovely.

[zoeartrc]

Minnie comes across as very genuine. And as another person commented, how kind to arrive with gifts.

[johncritch]

That is so touching. The respect Minnie shows that sweet lady.

[conmckfly]

It's always amazing when you meet someone from your family that you don't know and you end up having a connection via humor or behaviors or attitude and feel quite comfortable with them.

[austincicero]

Minnie is literally the poster child for class and purity. She really is such a sweet human being

[milliep]

Watching this makes me miss my Grandma - a sweet, warmhearted, huggable and happy woman who always had a soft spot for all of us kids.

[bertraminc]

Minnie seems to be a wonderful woman. Very beautiful and genuine. I can’t imagine a phone call from her saying she was my cousin! I would be so excited.

[Kandlelite]

Beautiful she’s met her family she never knew about

[ericchristopher]

Ah - this is so touching. It reminds me of meeting my 2nd cousin Esther when she was age 90; the two sides of our family had been out of contact since her father died in 1951. Seeing Ms. Driver meet her own 2nd cousin brings back all the joyous feelings I experienced meeting Esther and sharing stories and photos for the next 7 years until she died.

[phantomvideowatcher]

Minnie really seems like such a lovely person. I’ve been following her career for ages and sort of met her once (long story). She comes across as kind and sincere.

[SandyD]

I loved this show, and this one especially. My GG Grandmother had three kids without being married. My Mom, and Dad, were pregnant with my Brother before they were married. That same brother was pregnant with my niece before he married my Sister-in-law. That same niece was pregnant with my Great Niece before she was married. That's why I love this our history does repeat itself. My Mom being Catholics never complain about it and we wondered why, until we found out many years later when she finally told us you can't condemn someone for an act you've done.