Biography
Rashida Jones — actress with roots in the Russian Empire
Rashida Jones is an American actress, writer, and producer best known for Parks and Recreation, The Office, and Angie Tribeca. The daughter of music mogul Quincy Jones and actress Peggy Lipton, she has built a varied career spanning comedy, drama, and production.
Russian Connection
Tracing the roots — Riga (Latvia)
Her maternal great-great-grandfather Benjamin Benson was born in Riga, Latvia — then a governorate of the Russian Empire. He emigrated specifically to escape the Tsar's mandatory 25-year military service. Latvia was fully part of the Russian Empire during his lifetime, making this a genuine Russian Imperial connection.
Family Tree
Subject
Rashida Jones🇺🇸 USA
↑
Great-great-grandparents
Benjamin Jones
↑
Origin
Riga (Latvia)🇷🇺 Russian Empire
Historical context
Russian Empire · c. 1721–1917
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Riga (Latvia). At the time, this region lay within the Russian Empire, which spanned from Poland to the Pacific.
Map: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Key Achievements
A career defined by ambition
01
Parks and Recreation (NBC, 2009-2015) — Ann Perkins across 7 seasons
02
The Office (NBC) — Karen Filippelli
03
Angie Tribeca (TBS, 2016-2018) — lead role
04
Writer and producer — Netflix's documentary Don't F**k with Cats
05
Harvard graduate — philosophy and religion
Sources