Spear Family Genealogy & History

Burning Spear, born Winston Rodney OD, is a legendary Jamaican roots reggae singer-songwriter and musician. He emerged in the 1970s as a prominent Rastafarian artist, influencing the genre with his powerful messages of Pan-Africanism and self-determination. Renowned for his work with the Burning Music label, Spear's career includes acclaimed albums like "Marcus Garvey" and Grammy-winning "Calling Rastafari." His collaborations with Island Records, Heartbeat Records, and the Burning Music Production Company solidified his international presence. Notable for evolving reggae with elements of jazz, funk, and psychedelia, Burning Spear's extensive touring history and live albums have cemented his legacy as a transformative force in music.

Mónica Spear Mootz was a renowned Venezuelan actress, model, and beauty pageant titleholder, celebrated for winning Miss Venezuela 2004 and finishing as 4th runner-up at Miss Universe 2005. Her successful career in modeling transitioned to acting, where she became a leading figure in Venezuelan and U.S. telenovelas. Notable roles include the protagonist in "Mi Prima Ciela" and starring parts in "La Mujer Perfecta" and "Flor Salvaje." Her untimely death in 2014 during a robbery in Venezuela drew international attention to the country's crime rates.

Born to Rafael Spear Tudares and Ingeborg Mootz Gotera, Mónica Spear had a diverse heritage with her maternal family originating from Germany and paternal roots tracing back to England. The family relocated to Orlando, Florida, in 2000, where she pursued studies, shifting from chemical engineering to theater. Spear's multilingual ability in Spanish, English, and French added to her dynamic presence in the entertainment industry.

John Murray Spear was a notable American spiritualist minister, born in 1804 in Boston. Renowned for his unique spiritual endeavors, he attempted to create an electrically powered Messiah called the "New Motive Power." Spear's career highlights include his work as a minister in the Universalist Church, activism in social reforms such as women's rights and abolitionism, and his role in the Underground Railroad in Boston. He co-ran "The Prisoner's Friend" newspaper with his brother Charles. A shift to Spiritualism in 1852 led him to claim contact with prominent historical figures' spirits, guiding his inventive pursuits.

Spear studied theology under Hosea Ballou, alongside his brother Charles, marking the family's strong religious and reformist inclinations.

Bernard Spear was an acclaimed English actor, born on 11 September 1919, whose career spanned both stage and screen. Notable for his roles in the BAFTA-winning TV play "Bar Mitzvah Boy" and the 1968 London stage production of "Man of La Mancha," Spear also appeared in films like "Drop Dead Darling" (1966), "Bedazzled" (1967), and "Yentl" (1983). His television presence was marked by his regular role as Morris Ransome in "Albion Market" (1985–86), showcasing his versatility and talent.

Born in Croydon, Surrey, Bernard Spear was the son of a Polish-Jewish father and a Russian-Jewish mother. This rich cultural heritage possibly influenced his artistic pursuits and provided a diverse background that enriched his acting career.