According to Gates’ additional research, the same census and historical records used for investigation supported the findings, revealing that Mitchell resided just a few miles away from her great-great-grandmother Rhoda Suttle’s home. Mitchell had his own family with six children.
Julia expressed her astonishment and fascination, stating, “On the one hand, I — truly — my mind is blown. And it is fascinating. And on the other hand, there’s part of me that, when I’m calmer, can still wrap my arms around the idea that my family is my family. And I do prefer the name Roberts!” she emotionally shared with Gates.
Describing these unexpected revelations as a “very unexpected turn,” Julia learned that Mitchell Jr., her biological great-great-grandfather, vanished in the late 1800s in the records. She also discovered her roots tracing back to 18th-century colonial Virginia.
Fans of the beloved actress resonated with her emotions during this revelation. One fan empathetically commented, “I feel for Julia here, finding out this kind of information while you’re being filmed.
I worked on my family genealogy for 10 years, couldn’t get any further back in my father’s line because both of his grandfathers were illegitimate, so I got a DNA test done. Found out he wasn’t really MY father, and I’d grown up with the wrong name just like Julia. It’s fascinating to find out, but devastating at the same time. But it does make you realize ‘family’ has nothing to do with your DNA.”
