Uncovering Chris Rock's Roots

Dr. Gates also tells Chris that his great-great-grandfather Julius was elected into the South Carolina legislature when he was 27 years old. "It's so weird, because I'm a comedian and this guy was a politician, and I never knew where this gift of gab came from. A politician has to know how to crack a joke and tell a story and do all those things. I didn't know it was hereditary," he says.

Chris says if he had known about his ancestors' successes earlier, it might have changed his own aspirations. "If I'd have known I'd come from politicians and people of intellect, I would have probably tried to get into the intellect business," Chris jokes.

After learning about his family history, Chris says he can make sense of certain things. "The things I'm doing with my life, they make sense," he says. "Let's just hope that everybody learns where they come from so their lives can make more sense."