Celebrities and Americans gain Canadian citizenship rights, i.e., when Canada removed the generational limit on citizenship by descent in December last year, it opened the door for millions of Americans with Canadian roots. Many of them may not even know they now qualify. This also likely includes several well-known celebrities in the United States.
Famous names like Beyoncé, Madonna, and Timothée Chalamet are among those who may now qualify for Canadian citizenship through their ancestry.
Beyoncé is connected to Joseph Broussard dit Beausoleil, an Acadian leader who was forced out of Nova Scotia and later settled in Louisiana in 1765. His family became part of the Cajun community. Even Beyoncé’s surname has roots in the Acadian name “Beyincé.” Under Bill C-3, this ancestral link allows citizenship to pass down through generations.
Madonna’s family history also leads back to Canada. Her mother, Madonna Louise Fortin, had roots connected to Julien Fortin, who moved from France to Quebec in the 1600s. Her family later moved to Michigan, part of a larger migration of French Canadians into the United States during the 19th century.
Actress Angelina Jolie also has strong French-Canadian roots. Her mother’s family came from Quebec, and her ancestry goes back to early settlers like Zacharie Cloutier. Through this lineage, she shares distant family ties with Céline Dion and Justin Trudeau, among others.
Actor Matt LeBlanc, known for playing Joey Tribbiani, also has Canadian ancestry. His great-grandmother was born in New Brunswick. Over time, many French surnames in the United States were changed. For example, Leblanc became White, Roy became King, Charpentier became Carpenter, and Boisvert became Greenwood.
Timothée Chalamet’s connection to Canada comes from his grandmother, who was born in Ontario. He has also publicly spoken about his Canadian roots.
Could Others Qualify Too?
None of these celebrities had to apply for Canadian citizenship. Under the updated law, people born before December 15, 2025, who can trace their family line to a Canadian ancestor may already qualify. There is no need for a test, residency, or oath in such cases.
Many ordinary Americans may also be eligible. Common signs include having a French-sounding surname, family roots in places like New England, Louisiana, Michigan, or upstate New York, or relatives who spoke French or mentioned Canadian origins. Even DNA test results showing French-Canadian ancestry can point to eligibility.
According to census data, nearly 10 million Americans report having French or French-Canadian ancestry. The real number could be much higher, as many families lost touch with their roots over time.
The key factor is not fame but family history. Like these celebrities, many people may already qualify for Canadian citizenship simply through their ancestry.
Explore your pathway to move to Canada with Immigtoronto. Our team of skilled RCICs offers customized immigration solutions, ensuring a trustworthy and professional process. Contact us at [email protected].
