Wilkes Family Genealogy & History

Rich Wilkes, born in 1966 in Princeton, New Jersey, is an American filmmaker and musician renowned for his contributions to contemporary music and youth culture in film. His career highlights include writing the screenplay for the 1994 film "Airheads" and the 2002 action-adventure film "XXX," and co-writing the Mötley Crüe biopic "The Dirt." Wilkes also made his directorial debut with "Glory Daze" in 1995, a semi-autobiographical film. As a musician, he was the lead singer for Carne Asada, a punk rock mariachi band, featured in the documentary "Punk Like Me." His diverse career extends to acting roles in many of his productions.

Annie Wilkes, a character created by Stephen King in his 1987 novel "Misery," is renowned as a complex antagonist and King's personal favorite. She is a nurse by profession and a fervent admirer of romance author Paul Sheldon, whom she saves after a car accident. However, Sheldon becomes her captive as her mental instability surfaces. Kathy Bates' portrayal of Annie in the 1990 film adaptation earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress, solidifying Wilkes as an iconic figure in horror fiction. The character also appears in the TV series "Castle Rock" and the 2025 film "The Monkey," showcasing her lasting cultural impact.

Jamaal Wilkes, born Jackson Keith Wilkes on May 2, 1953, is a celebrated former NBA player known for his smooth playing style, earning the nickname "Silk." He played as a small forward, winning four NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers. Wilkes was a three-time NBA All-Star and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He played college basketball at UCLA, achieving two NCAA championships. His successful career includes being named NBA Rookie of the Year and having his jersey retired by both the UCLA Bruins and the Lakers.

Jamaal Wilkes was born in Berkeley, California, to L. Leander Wilkes, a Baptist minister, and Thelma (Benson) Wilkes. He was one of five children, growing up primarily in Ventura, California. His family moved frequently due to his father's pastoral duties, eventually settling in Santa Barbara. Wilkes' upbringing was marked by a close-knit family environment, and his sister Naomi, who was also academically gifted, played a pivotal role in introducing him to basketball.

Jonathan Wilkes, born on August 1, 1978, in Stoke-on-Trent, is a renowned English television presenter and singer. Known for his strong ties with Robbie Williams, Wilkes has had a diverse career, ranging from early stage roles to television presenting and a brief music stint. His single "Just Another Day" reached No. 24 on the UK Singles Chart and was a Top 5 hit in 18 countries. He is also a key figure in Soccer Aid, co-founded with Williams, and regularly performs in pantomimes at the Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent. Wilkes' passion for the stage led him to open Wilkes Academy, a performing arts college, in 2013.

Jonathan Wilkes was born to Eileen and Graham Wilkes and grew up in Packmoor, Stoke-on-Trent. He has an older sister named Kay. His family background is rooted in this English region, where he maintains strong connections through his ongoing participation in local cultural events.