Dufour Family Genealogy & History

Wafah Dufour, born Wafah bin Ladin, is an American singer-songwriter, model, and socialite known for her diverse career in the entertainment industry. She gained attention for her planned reality TV show in 2006, which was ultimately canceled due to sensitivities surrounding her family background. As a musician, Dufour recorded her first album in 2009 and collaborated with the Atlanta rock band Black Lips. By 2019, she was the lead singer of the band Deep Tan in East London, showcasing her talents in the music scene.

Wafah Dufour was born in Los Angeles to Yeslam bin Ladin, a Saudi with Yemeni and Iranian roots, and Carmen bin Laden, of Swiss and Iranian descent. Her family background is notable for its connections to prominent figures, including her paternal half-uncle Osama bin Laden. Despite her family's history, Dufour has carved out her own identity and career, changing her last name to her mother's maiden name and pursuing higher education in law at Geneva University and Columbia Law School.

Guillaume Henri Dufour, born on September 15, 1787, was a distinguished Swiss military officer, structural engineer, and topographer. He served as General of the Swiss Confederation forces, notably leading them to victory against the Sonderbund in 1847, and presided over the First Geneva Convention in 1864, establishing the International Red Cross. Dufour's contributions to topography include leading the Swiss Federal Office of Topography and executing a comprehensive trigonometrical survey of Switzerland. His adeptness in military strategy and engineering left a lasting legacy, and he is remembered for his humane approach during the Sonderbund War.

Dufour was born in Konstanz to Geneva natives Bénédict Dufour, a watchmaker, and Pernette Valentin. His family returned to Geneva when he was two, following their exile due to the Revolution of 1782.

William Dufour, born on January 28, 2002, is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger playing for the Colorado Eagles in the American Hockey League (AHL) under contract with the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League (NHL). Drafted by the New York Islanders in the 2020 NHL entry draft, Dufour made his NHL debut in 2023. He previously excelled in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) with teams like the Chicoutimi Saguenéens and Saint John Sea Dogs, capturing the Memorial Cup in 2022. In 2025, Dufour was traded to the Colorado Avalanche, marking a significant transition in his promising career.

Val Dufour, born Albert Valéry Dufour II on February 5, 1927, was a renowned American actor celebrated for his impressive career in television and theater. Best known for his portrayal of John Wyatt on the soap opera "Search for Tomorrow" from 1972 to 1979, Dufour earned a Daytime Emmy Award in 1977 for his performance. His notable roles also included Walter Curtin on "Another World" and Andre Lazar on "The Edge of Night." Dufour's career began in theater, with performances on Broadway and in summer stock theater, before making a significant impact on episodic television.

Val Dufour was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, to parents of Parisian French descent, Mr. and Mrs. A. V. Dufour. His cultural heritage played a role in his upbringing and early life, where he majored in education, music, and speech at Louisiana State University, laying the foundation for his future success in the performing arts.