Eight prominent Australian personalities delve into the mystery of their ancestral pasts when Who Do You Think You Are? returns to SBS on Tuesday, 21 June at 7.30pm.
Joining the all-star cast of season 13 is Hollywood actor and director Simon Baker (scroll down to watch episode), radio, and television broadcaster Myf Warhurst, NRL legend Justin Hodges, popular vet and television personality Dr Chris Brown, actress and philanthropist Paula Duncan, chef and restaurateur Matt Moran, 10 News First presenter Sandra Sully and netball champion Liz Ellis.
Simon Baker with his father, Barry Baker. Source: SBS
In this deeply personal experience, we see participants embark on a whirlwind journey from capital cities to the most rural parts of the Australian landscape. From discoveries of brutality and heartbreak to perseverance and strength, we catch a glimpse into the lives of our most loved celebrities as they reflect on the stories at the core of their family tree.
Simon Baker said: “When I started this journey, I looked back at my immediate family as this sort of mess. But the truth is, families have many different forms and I think if you can look at your own past and the past of your ancestors with compassion, you can carry that forward with you with a little bit more wisdom.”
Liz Ellis said: “I can’t tell you how happy I am. I feel like the hole has not only been filled but it’s been coloured in. To understand who we are and where we come from is overwhelming.”
In this season, viewers will see one participant uncover the truth surrounding the identity of her dad’s father, while another discovers his great grandfather walked from Sydney to Bathurst at just six years old, leaving behind a life of crime and turmoil. One participant discovers his three times great grandfather was an Irish orphan who, against all odds, became a pioneering eye surgeon, leaving behind an incredible legacy to this nation.
Liz Ellis in 'Who Do You Think You Are?' Source: SBS
Sandra Sully said: “I think this experience is one of the greatest gifts myself and my family could ever have. It’s given a greater understanding of why my parents are the way they are.”
While exploring his Indigenous roots, one participant discovers spirits, heroes, and long lost family, finding a sense of spirituality he never knew existed. With multiple links to the gold rush, one participant searches for the origin of a pure gold brooch owned by her great grandmother, while another is determined to learn the truth about a ‘handshake adoption’. These intimate and often surprising journeys reflect the diversity of Australia and the natural human desire to belong.
Justin Hodges said: “This is something that I needed to do to make me a better person, to make me a better father. I’m starting to feel that identity, that’s been missing for so long come together for me. I’m proud of who I am.”
Justin Hodges joins 'Who Do You Think You Are?' Source: SBS
Dr Chris Brown said: “It’s very easy to feel like a black sheep in the family until you find all the other black sheep. This journey has revealed a family history that I’m immensely proud of.
Bernadine Lim, SBS Commissioning Editor for Documentaries said: “Who Do You Think You Are? is one of SBS’s most loved series. Through the personal stories of some of Australia’s biggest names, the program explores the universal desire of wanting to understand our past and where we came from. A fascinating journey that is often described as life changing for those involved, Who Do You Think You Are? Season 13 promises to captivate and entertain. From Australia’s major cities to rural communities, stories of passion, hardship and triumph colour the history of these Australian families, provoking cause for discussion and reflection on our diverse origins.”
Who Do You Think You Are? is produced by Warner Bros. International Television Production Australia for SBS. New episodes premiere at 7:30pm Tuesdays on SBS and SBS On Demand.
Watch episode 1 of series 13
Who Do You Think You Are? Season 13 will be subtitled in Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean on SBS On Demand. Visit the to find out more about Season 13.
Head to SBS On Demand to catch up on previous episodes of (with subtitles available in Arabic and Mandarin).
