Mathis Family Genealogy & History

Johnny Mathis, born John Royce Mathis on September 30, 1935, is a celebrated American singer renowned as one of the best-selling recording artists of the 20th century. With a versatile discography spanning traditional pop, Latin American, soul, rhythm and blues, and more, Mathis has made a lasting impact on the music industry. He has received numerous accolades, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Noteworthy career highlights include his chart-topping hits "Wonderful! Wonderful!" and "Chances Are," as well as his memorable performance at the Academy Awards with "Wild Is the Wind."

Johnny Mathis was born in Gilmer, Texas, as the fourth of seven children to Clem Mathis and Mildred Boyd, both domestic cooks. The family, with African-American and Native American heritage, moved to San Francisco, where his father, a former vaudeville singer and pianist, greatly influenced Mathis' musical journey. Encouraged by his father's support, Mathis began singing at a young age, further honing his skills under the tutelage of voice teacher Connie Cox.

Samantha Mathis, an accomplished American actress, is celebrated for her diverse roles in films such as "Pump Up the Volume," "The Thing Called Love," and "American Psycho." From 2015 to 2019, she served as Vice President, Actors/Performers of SAG-AFTRA, highlighting her influence in the entertainment industry. Mathis's career spans numerous genres, including animation with "FernGully: The Last Rainforest" and cult classics like "Super Mario Bros." She has also been a prominent presence on television, with recurring roles in series like "The Strain" and "Billions."

Born in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Mathis is the daughter of Austrian-American actress Bibi Besch and Donald Mathis. After her parents' divorce, Mathis was raised by her mother, relocating to Los Angeles at age five where she was immersed in a vibrant acting environment that shaped her future career.

Gregory Ellis Mathis, widely recognized as Judge Mathis, is a prominent American television court show arbitrator, author, and motivational speaker. He gained fame through his long-running syndicated reality courtroom show, "Judge Mathis," which aired for 24 seasons from 1999 to 2023, earning him NAACP Image Awards and a Daytime Emmy. Mathis is renowned as the second longest-serving television arbitrator, following Judith Sheindlin. Beyond television, he is active in outreach and philanthropy in Michigan, and has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Mathis also stars in "Mathis Family Matters," a reality program that offers insight into his family life.

Greg Mathis was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Charles and Alice Lee Mathis. Alice, a devoted Seventh-day Adventist, raised Mathis alone after divorcing Charles. She worked as a nurse's aide and housekeeper while raising Mathis during the 1960s and 1970s. The family moved from Herman Gardens to avoid escalating crime. Despite a troubled youth, including time in jail, Mathis turned his life around, pursuing education and a successful legal and television career.

Buster Mathis was an accomplished American heavyweight boxer, active from 1965 to 1972, known for competing against some of the era's best, including Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. Mathis's career highlights include outpointing top contenders like George Chuvalo and Chuck Wepner, and qualifying for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics by defeating Joe Frazier as an amateur before a hand injury led to his replacement. He went professional in 1965, winning 22 consecutive fights and contending for the New York State Athletic Commission World Heavyweight Title in 1968. Despite a loss to Frazier, Mathis's resilience and skill made him a notable figure in boxing history.