Famous actor Anthony Ramos reportedly discovered his royal heritage on “Finding Your Roots,” in an episode set to air on PBS April 2.
The famous actor and Broadway star appeared on “Finding Your Roots,” with Henry Louis Gates, Jr., where it was revealed that he is actually a prince, according to People. His heritage was linked back to Ramos’ 15th great grandfather, who was a Guanche enslaved man by the name of Andres de Llerena, the outlet reported. He reportedly went on to marry Maria de Lugo, whose father was the king of the Indigenous people of Tenerife. “Do you ever feel like a prince?” Gates asked the stunned actor, according to the outlet.
Ramos was beside himself with shock in the preview video. He took a moment to absorb the news that he was secretly a prince living in a normal man’s shoes.
He then pointed out an interesting coincidence that was directly correlated with the news he just received, according to People.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 07: Anthony Ramos attends the European Premiere of Paramount Pictures’ “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” at Cineworld Cinemas on June 07, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)
“Yo ma, you hear that? I’m a prince,” he reportedly said. “My dog’s name is ‘Prince.”
Gates went on to say that Tenerife was the largest of the Spanish Canary Islands, and told the famous actor a statue of Ramos’ royal ancestor remains standing on Tenerife, the outlet reported.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 05: Anthony Ramos attends Paramount’s “Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts” premiere at Kings Theatre on June 05, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)
“The man was ripped, I’m not gonna lie,” he reportedly said.
“He was in good shape. Some good genes hopefully. You know what I’m saying? Could put some pants on. Wow,” he said, according to People.
Gates reportedly told Ramos his ancestors lived in Tenerife “long before” the Spanish took it in 1496, and Ramos was stunned upon discovering this new information.
SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE – MAY 27: Anthony Ramos attends the World Premiere of Paramount Pictures’ “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” at Marina Bay Sands on May 27, 2023 in Singapore, Singapore. (Photo by Annice Lyn/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)
He commented on the dramatically different life he had personally led — one that was far from a royal lifestyle.
“That’s unbelievable. That’s so crazy. Definitely didn’t feel that way in Bushwick,” Ramos said in the video preview. (RELATED: Ciara Discovers She’s Related To Baseball Legend After DNA Test)
Later in the episode, Gates reportedly discussed de Llerena’s enslavement in greater depth and said that although researchers couldn’t determine how he became enslaved or the duration he was in bondage, they “believe it was for at least 10 years.”
“That’s a long time to be a slave, man,” Ramos said, according to People.