Who Do You Think You Are? Season 17, Episode 4: Aaron Pedersen

Bruce McAvaney

In an emotional opening episode, legendary broadcaster Bruce McAvaney traces his family’s history in South Australia, uncovering stories of early settlement, land ownership and personal tragedy. Walking the land once owned by his ancestors, Bruce is visibly moved as he connects more deeply to his late parents, reflecting on both the successes and hardships that shaped his family’s legacy.

Guy Sebastian

Renowned singer-songwriter Guy Sebastian travels across India and Sri Lanka to uncover the truth behind his mother’s heritage and reconnect with his father’s Tamil roots, with a defining moment coming through DNA results that finally bring clarity to his family’s identity.

Essie Davis

Driven by a lifetime of curiosity, actress Essie Davis unlocks her father's secretive family history and delights in discovering her mother's warm, caring nature in unexpected ancestors.

56 min

Chrissie Swan

Television and radio host Chrissie Swan is curious to know if her own feisty character can be traced back in her family tree. She delves into her family history, uncovering stories of hardship, resilience and unexpected tragedy, including a shocking moment where a long-lost ancestor is revealed to have committed a violent crime, challenging everything she thought she knew about her past.

55 min

Curtis Stone

Celebrity chef Curtis Stone embarks on a journey to solve two long-standing family mysteries. On his paternal side, why was his grandmother Maude born in America? And, on his mother's side, who was his great grandfather? Was he really a Scandinavian sailor?

54 min

Rosie Batty

Family violence campaigner Rosie Batty returns to her homeland in England to explore the roots of her strength and resilience. Along the way she uncovers an intriguing tale of two families at opposite ends of Britain's rigid class system. On her paternal side, her ancestors were tenant farmers who became landed gentry, while on her maternal side, they were lowly farm labourers who, despite immense hardship and tragedy, managed to transcend their humble origins.

Matt Day

One of Australia’s most prolific stage and screen actors, Matt Day sets out to better understand his family history, uncovering an extraordinary wartime story of survival, including his grandfather’s 14-week escape through the jungles of New Guinea during World War II, alongside a legacy of wealth and enterprise that reshapes his understanding of identity and belonging.