Albright Family Genealogy & History

Madeleine Albright, born Marie Jana Körbelová in Prague, was a pioneering American diplomat and political scientist. She served as the 64th United States Secretary of State under President Bill Clinton from 1997 to 2001, making history as the first woman to hold this position. Albright was a key figure in shaping U.S. foreign policy, serving as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and contributing significantly to international relations. Educated at Wellesley College and Columbia University, she also served on the National Security Council and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012.

Albright's family origins trace back to Czechoslovakia, where her father, Josef Korbel, was a diplomat and supporter of Tomáš Masaryk and Edvard Beneš. The Korbel family, of Jewish descent, converted to Catholicism during World War II and fled to Britain to escape Nazi occupation. After the war, they returned to Prague, but the 1948 communist coup forced them to emigrate to the United States. Her father played a pivotal role in her life, shaping her political views and career trajectory.

Lola Jean Albright (1924–2017) was a renowned American singer and actress best known for her role as Edie Hart, the sultry nightclub singer and romantic interest in the TV series "Peter Gunn." Her film career includes notable performances in "Champion" (1949) with Kirk Douglas and "A Cold Wind in August" (1961), where critics praised her portrayal of a burlesque stripper. Albright's television appearances spanned decades, with roles in popular series like "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," "Gunsmoke," and "The Dick Van Dyke Show," showcasing her versatility and enduring appeal.

Albright was born in Akron, Ohio, to parents Marion A. (née Harvey) and John Paul Albright, both gospel music singers. Her father was originally from North Dakota, working as an inspector in an insulating business during the 1930s. The musical environment of her family likely influenced Albright’s early interest in performing arts.

Charles Frederick Albright, known as the Eyeball Killer, was an infamous American murderer and suspected serial killer, convicted for the 1991 murder of Shirley Williams in Dallas, Texas. Albright's crimes involved mutilating his victims, notably removing their eyes, which caught media attention and intensified the fear surrounding his actions. Despite being charged with the murders of Rhonda Bowie, Mary Lou Pratt, and Susan Peterson, these charges were dropped due to lack of evidence, although he remained a prime suspect. Albright was sentenced to life without parole and died in 2020 while incarcerated at the John Montford Psychiatric Unit in Lubbock, Texas.

Charles Albright was born in Amarillo, Texas, in 1933 and was adopted by Delle and Fred Albright from an orphanage. His adoptive mother, a schoolteacher, was strict and protective, accelerating his education to skip two grades. Albright's early life of crime began at age 13, leading to multiple arrests and jail time throughout his life. He married his college girlfriend and had a daughter, but his marriage ended in divorce.

Gary Mitchell Albright was a renowned American professional wrestler, celebrated for his impactful performances in Japan with UWF International (UWFi) and All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW), where he claimed the World Tag Team Championship twice. Known as the "Master of Suplex," Albright's career was distinguished by his impressive suplexes and throws, rooted in his successful amateur wrestling background. His tenure in Stampede Wrestling, where he adopted the ring name Vokhan Singh, further solidified his reputation. Albright’s adeptness in the ring was shaped by training with legends like Lou Thesz and Billy Robinson, and he made significant impacts across various wrestling promotions globally.