Little Family Genealogy & History

Samuel Little, born Samuel McDowell, was an infamous American serial killer with a notorious criminal career spanning decades. Convicted of eight murders, Little confessed to a staggering 93 murders between 1970 and 2005, setting a grim record as the serial killer with the most confirmed victims in American history. His horrendous acts were eventually linked to at least 60 murders by the FBI, making him a significant figure in criminal history. Little's confessions and the DNA evidence against him led to his life imprisonment without parole, despite his claims of innocence until his death in 2020.

Samuel Little was born on June 7, 1940, in Reynolds, Georgia, as Samuel McDowell. His mother, Bessie Mae Little, was a teenage prostitute who abandoned him, and it is believed she gave birth to him while incarcerated. The 1940 census identified his father as 19-year-old Paul McDowell. After his birth, Little's family relocated to Lorain, Ohio, where he was primarily raised by his grandmother, indicating a tumultuous family background that may have influenced his troubled life.

Ralf Alastair John Little, born on 8 February 1980, is a prominent English actor celebrated for his roles in television comedy. He gained fame as Antony Royle in "The Royle Family" and Jonny Keogh in "Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps." His career highlights include starring as DI Neville Parker in "Death in Paradise" and narrating "Our Yorkshire Farm." Little's diverse talents extend to the stage, where he was nominated for an Olivier Award for his performance in "Presence." He has also contributed to film, literature, and online media, showcasing his versatility across various entertainment platforms.

Ralf Little was born in Oldham and lived in Whitefield near Bury. He has a younger brother, Ross Little, who is also an actor. Their parents are accountants, providing a stable family background. Ralf attended Bolton School and later pursued studies at the University of Manchester medical school before focusing on his acting career.

Cleavon Jake Little was an acclaimed American actor known for his diverse roles across stage, film, and television. He gained prominence with his Tony Award-winning performance in Broadway's "Purlie" and became a household name portraying Sheriff Bart in Mel Brooks's iconic comedy film "Blazing Saddles." Little's television success included the sitcom "Temperatures Rising" and a Primetime Emmy Award-winning guest appearance on "Dear John." His dynamic career also saw roles in productions like "All Over Town" and "The Poison Tree," showcasing his versatile acting prowess.

Cleavon Little was the brother of singer DeEtta Little West and had siblings Rosemarie, Everett, and Roy. He was raised in San Diego, California, where he attended Kearny High School and later graduated from San Diego State College.

Rich Little, renowned as the "Man of a Thousand Voices," is a Canadian-American comedian, impressionist, and voice actor celebrated for his exceptional mimicry skills. He has recorded nine comedy albums and made numerous television appearances, including three HBO specials. Little's career began in Canada with performances in local theaters and radio stations, leading to a breakthrough in the U.S. in the 1960s. His notable works include the satirical album "My Fellow Canadians" and "Scrooge and the Stars." Little's American career was propelled by collaborations with Canadian writers Peppiatt and Aylesworth, who introduced his talent to the Hollywood scene.

Rich Little was born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, as the middle of three sons to Lawrence Peniston Little, a surgeon and World War II lieutenant commander, and Elizabeth Maud (née Wilson), a housewife. Little is a third-generation Canadian with English ancestry on his father's side and Irish roots on his mother's. His maternal ancestor, John Willson, was the Speaker of the 5th Parliament of Upper Canada, while his paternal great-grandfather, William Carruthers Little, was a Member of Parliament in Canada.