Sands Family Genealogy & History

Julian Richard Morley Sands was an acclaimed English actor known for his versatile roles in both film and television. His breakout role as George Emerson in "A Room with a View" (1985) marked the beginning of a prolific career, leading to notable performances in "The Killing Fields," "Warlock," and "Leaving Las Vegas." His television appearances include significant roles in "24," "Smallville," and "Jackie Chan Adventures." Sands also graced the stage, with a standout performance in "A Celebration of Harold Pinter," earning a Drama Desk Award nomination. A fixture in Hollywood, Sands's enduring legacy is marked by his contributions to both British and American cinema.

Born in Otley on 4 January 1958, Julian Sands was the son of Brenda (née Leach), a Conservative Party councillor involved in amateur dramatics, and William Sands, a soil analyst.

Bobby Sands, born Robert Gerard Sands, was a prominent member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) known for his pivotal role in the 1981 hunger strike at HM Prison Maze, Northern Ireland. Amidst his imprisonment, Sands was elected to the UK Parliament as an Anti H-Block candidate, symbolizing resistance against the removal of Special Category Status for IRA prisoners. His leadership and ultimate death during the hunger strike drew international attention, significantly impacting IRA recruitment and activity.

Sands was born in 1954 in Dunmurry to John and Rosaleen Sands. He was the eldest of four siblings, with two younger sisters, Marcella and Bernadette, and a younger brother, John. The family faced sectarian challenges, relocating multiple times due to harassment in their Catholic-minority neighborhoods.

Philippe Sands, KC FRSL Hon FBA, is a distinguished British and French lawyer and writer specializing in international law. As a Professor of Laws at University College London and a lawyer at 11 King's Bench Walk, Sands has appeared before prominent international courts including the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. A prolific author, his award-winning books such as "East West Street" and "The Ratline" have been translated into numerous languages. Sands has also made significant contributions to legal debates, notably through "Lawless World," which influenced discussions on the legality of the Iraq War.

Born in London on 17 October 1960 to Jewish parents, Philippe Sands has French heritage through his mother, née Buchholz. His early education was at University College School in Hampstead, London, followed by law studies at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge.

Diana Sands was a renowned American actress best recognized for her role as Beneatha Younger in both the Broadway and film versions of Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun." She received critical acclaim and two Tony Award nominations, notably for her work in "The Owl and the Pussycat" opposite Alan Alda. Sands also made significant contributions to television, appearing in popular series such as "I Spy" and "The Fugitive." Her career spanned film, stage, and TV, making her a versatile and celebrated figure in the entertainment industry.

Diana Sands was born on August 22, 1934, in the Bronx, New York City, to Rudolph Sands, a Bahamian carpenter, and Shirley (née Thomas), a milliner. She was one of three children in her family.