America Ferrera's experience of Finding Her Roots left her in a state of shock.
In an exclusive clip from the series' Season 12 premiere on January 6, Ferrera reads a love letter her grandmother wrote in the early 1950s to a man named Arturo.
“It's dated three years earlier, June 20, 1952, so most likely around the time she got divorced,” host Henry Louis Gates Jr. tells Ferrer in the clip.
Ferrera reacts to Gates' news with shock and delight.
“Are you kidding? Love letter!” – she says with a smile. “I wonder if she ever thought that one day I would be reading this on TV? Maybe she was waiting for this moment. Maybe this is what she was waiting for.”
Ferrera then begins reading the letter, which was originally written in Spanish and translated into English, to the camera.
“Arturo, I experienced a disappointment that caused me to close my heart to all affection, thinking that I could not love again, but you appeared on my lonely path to break this law,” Ferrera reads. “Despite the disappointment I felt, I listened to your words. Despite my shattered hopes, I created new and new dreams.”
Ferrera then pauses briefly and looks at Gates in surprise.
“Honestly, I can't get over the fact that you guys found a love letter. I can't come to terms with this! she laughs.
Finding Your Roots Season 12 premieres on PBS at 8:00 pm ET on Tuesday, January 6th.
In addition to Ferrera, the Emmy-nominated show will feature Lizzo, Spike Lee and Brittney Greiner this season.
IN Season 12 trailer In Finding Her Roots, Ferrera embraced the new information she received about her family.
“It’s like finding out there’s a new room in your house that you’ve never seen before,” she said.
