Neff Family Genealogy & History

Lucas Neff, born November 7, 1985, is an acclaimed American actor renowned for his lead role as Jimmy Chance in the Fox sitcom "Raising Hope" (2010–14). His career highlights also include starring in CBS's "Carol's Second Act" (2019–20) and co-starring as Duncan in Disney+'s "Monsters at Work" (2021). Neff made his debut with the Chicago-based theater company Collaboraction and continued to write plays, including "The Last Duck," which received a Joseph Jefferson Award nomination for Best New Work. His blend of theater and television work showcases his versatile talents in the entertainment industry.

Lucas Neff was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, in the Andersonville neighborhood. His mother, Meade Palidofsky, is the founder of Storycatchers Theatre, and his father, Alan, is a lawyer and novelist. Of Irish and Jewish descent, Neff has a younger brother and was married to Australian actress Caitlin Stasey from 2016 until their divorce in late 2020. He currently resides in Los Angeles, California.

Kristin Neff is a prominent figure in the field of educational psychology, serving as an associate professor at the University of Texas at Austin. She is renowned for pioneering research into self-compassion, having developed the influential Self-compassion Scales. Dr. Neff's academic journey includes a doctorate from the University of California at Berkeley and postdoctoral work at the University of Denver, focusing on self-concept and moral development. She is the author of "Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself" and co-founded the nonprofit Center for Mindful Self-Compassion. Her collaboration with Dr. Germer led to the creation of "The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook" and "Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program," both significant contributions to the field.

Pat Morris Neff was a prominent American politician and educator, serving as the 28th governor of Texas from 1921 to 1925 and the ninth president of Baylor University from 1932 to 1947. A dedicated member of the Democratic Party, Neff was instrumental in implementing progressive reforms, including labor laws and educational improvements. He also played a significant role in developing Texas State Parks. Neff's career highlights include his tenure as the twenty-fifth president of the Southern Baptist Convention and his efforts in the Texas House of Representatives.

Born on a family ranch near Eagle Springs in Coryell County, Texas, Pat Neff was the son of Isabella Neff and Noah Neff. He grew up on the Texas frontier, shaping his early years and education locally.

Wallace Neff, a renowned architect based in Southern California, played a pivotal role in developing the "California Style," an architectural blend of Spanish, Tuscan, Mediterranean, and Islamic influences. Neff's career highlights include designing celebrity homes like Pickfair Estate for Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, and the innovative "airform" or "bubble" house. His creations, such as the Misty Mountain house and St. Elizabeth of Hungary Roman Catholic Church, are testaments to his diverse design capabilities and lasting legacy in architecture.

Edwin Wallace Neff was born on January 28, 1895, to Edwin Neff and Nannie McNally, the daughter of Chicago's printing tycoon, Andrew McNally. Neff's familial ties to Andrew McNally, founder of Rancho La Mirada, and his upbringing in the luxurious Altadena residence, influenced his interest in architecture.