Don Ameche

Birth Name: Dominic Felix Amici

Date of Birth: May 31, 1908

Place of Birth: Kenosha, Wisconsin, U.S.

Date of Death: December 6, 1993

Place of Death: Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S.

Ethnicity:
*father – Italian
*mother – German, English, Scottish, Irish

Don Ameche was an American actor, voice artist, and comedian. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Cocoon (1985). He also had leading roles in the films The Story of Alexander Graham Bell, Hollywood Cavalcade, and Trading Places, among others.

His father, Felice/Felix Amici, was Italian, from Montemonaco, Province of Ascoli Piceno, Marche, Italy. His mother, Barbara Edda (Hertel), had German, English, Scottish, and Irish ancestry. He was married to Honore Prendergast, until her death. The couple had six children.

Don’s paternal grandfather was named Domenico Amici (the son of Giuseppe Amici).

Don’s paternal grandmother was named Caterina Marini.

Don’s maternal grandfather was George W. Hertel (the son of Mathias Hertel and Mary Nellie Lee). George was born in Illinois. Mathias was German.

Don’s maternal grandmother was Elizabeth Teal (the daughter of Samuel Teal and Margaret Jane Pickens). Elizabeth was born in Illinois.

Source: Genealogy of Don Ameche (focusing on his mother’s side) –