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Rita Wilson Discovers She Had a Secret Half Brother | Season 3 Episode 7 | Who Do You Think You Are

Who Do You Think You Are?

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Rita Wilson travels through Greece and Bulgaria to uncover her father’s hidden history, including imprisonment, devastating family loss and a daring escape from a communist labor camp.
Her emotional family journey reveals how Hassan Ibrahimov survived unimaginable hardship before reaching America and building a new life.

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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!

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20 Comments

@loveleeeventplanningl.l.c.7539 1 month ago

Her dad probably had a secret smile when she had her son on December 26th. I’m sure that was a special moment for him

@tracyleesmith781 1 month ago

Wow. When u just learned that ur dad had a first wife and a son, then they died, wow that was sad and understanding what ur dad had gone thru when he was in his early 20s. May they all rest in peace. ❤🫂🕊🕊🕊

@nab626 2 months ago

This has truly been one of the most remarkable stories I have heard. How this man kept his amazing past hidden from his family astounds me. I can only imagine the pride Rita and her family feel for this heritage,.

@melanieredfield9736 1 month ago

World War II left such deep scars on that generation. Civilians were pulled into conflict and made to fight or to work in support of political enemies. Families were separated, sent between labor camps, refugee camps, prison camps or death camps. Property was seized, names were sometimes changed, and only the most desperate or daring escaped. Imagine being forced to fight against your own country! Imagine losing a spouse and child, and being jailed, in your twenties! It's a heartbreaking but inspiring story...one that parallels my husband's Czech relatives during WWII. I'm so glad Rita and her uncle met, and that she and her brother can pass this story forward!

@soniaclarke1171 2 months ago

How moving for Rita to meet her uncle, but for him too, to connect with his brothers children. Her uncle is truely amazing to live to 96 after such cruelty hardship under Russian rule. Still working at 11.30 at night!!!!!

@swilson463 2 months ago

When Rita and her Uncle embraced it was such a beautiful moment!

@patriciamurashige6879 2 months ago

Omg… her brother looks like one of his father’s cousins. And her dad was such a handsome guy looking very determined and strong at a young age!!!!

@Carla-j5m4q 2 months ago

What an emotional story .Had some tears running down my eyes .Rita''s dad went through so by losing his first family jail and labour camp .What a history .He was a true hero .

@marinelajakasanovska4657 2 months ago

Your father was either Turkish or islamized native of Xsanti region in Greece. His relatives in Greece are allowed to speak Turkish and his brother in Smolyan speaks Bulgarian as if he is one because there are no recognized minority rights except in tide region near Turkish border.. Your father story is hard to listen without tears in the eyes. His first wife has Armenian name and was Cristian as your mom is. Love is ultimate power that brings people together so you and your brother are happy to be the result of such mighty bond.

@CreedsofYore 2 months ago

The fact that so much has changed with the "American Dream" in just the last 75 years is heartbreaking. Such a beautiful story, so glad that Rita was able to meet her uncle and learn about the difficult journey her father experienced. He now has a legacy. ❤

@Cindy1776g 1 month ago

Being in prison may of been a blessing. Fighting in an artillery unit was probably very dangerous. This could of saved his life.

@MyFocusVaries 3 weeks ago

I wonder if her uncle was familiar with her as an actor. It would have been a double whammy to meet your niece that you didn't know, but then maybe to find that someone you'd seen in movies was your niece.

@arjones0819 1 month ago

I've had a lot of trauma in my younger years. I've never spoken about it with my children because I don't want them to carry those images. Perhaps that's why some people don't disclose that's parts of themselves

@MarkR.Devereux 2 months ago (edited)

What a turbulent sad early life for the father. He couldn't even tell his history to his daughter. This destroyed me.

@PavelChaika 1 month ago (edited)

This has to be one of the more unusual histories ever done on WDYTYA. What an amazing story.

@chnalvr 1 month ago

In previous generations sometimes there were some terrible hardships that they did not want to share with their children and grandchildren but leave it all behind. I understand this desire for privacy and moving on from traumatic events.

@BTS7Plus1 2 months ago

In researching my family it truly made history come alive and allowed me to see it from a different perspective. I am less inclined to blame my ancestors or think badly about them as many things were out of their control and they were merely trying to survive and protect their families. One ancestor came on a prison transport to American because he and 2 other boys of 14 years supposedly had stolen a hat in London. He didn’t finish his indentured service because he joined Continental Army to fight against Great Britain in the American Revolution. There are many oher stories of such hardships.

@diannehernandez1450 3 days ago

So touching!! I'm crying with her.

@sherrinunya4079 2 months ago (edited)

Wow, just found out Rita Wilson is 5 days older than me. Color me surprised!!
This journey into her father's past is so emotionally draining, and I feel for her. That sweet little uncle of hers is so adorable.
🥹💙😍