Internationally celebrated actor Geoffrey Rush believes he hails from a long line of farmers but an exploration of his heritage sees him discover an ancestor fighting for justice in the face of corruption and another desperate to succeed in a golden age of creativity.
Geoffrey can trace his paternal line back to his great, great-grandfather John Thomas Rush, the first of his ancestors to arrive in Australia.
However, he knows nothing of this man’s earlier life in Ireland or why he came to Australia.
What he uncovers is a David and Goliath battle in which his great, great-grandfather stood up for his rights and proved his resilience surviving the harsh beginnings and injustices of European Australia.
Interview with Geoffrey Rush
Geoffrey Rush speaks about his experience on Who Do You Think You Are.
Interview with the director
Episode director Russell Vines discusses the making of Who Do You Think You Are with Geoffrey Rush.
Watch the first seven seasons of Who Do You Think You Are in full - streaming now at SBS On Demand.
Join stars Julia Morris, Peter Garrett, Delta Goodrem, Rachel Griffiths, Mal Meninga, Jane Turner, Shane Jacobson and John Newcombe in Season Eight of Who Do You Think You Are. Starts Tuesday 13th September at 7.30pm (AEST) on SBS.
Watch the trailer below:
See also: Genealogy Resources