Tahmoh Penikett

Penikett in 2009, photo by PrPhotos

Place of Birth: Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada

Date of Birth: May 20, 1975

Ethnicity:
*father – English
*mother – Upper Tanana Athabascan First Nations

Tahmoh Penikett is a Canadian actor. He is known for his roles as Karl “Helo” Agathon on Battlestar Galactica and Paul Ballard on Joss Whedon’s Dollhouse.

His father, Tony Penikett (born Antony David John Penikett), is a politician, mediator, and negotiator, who was Premier of Yukon, from May 29, 1985 to November 6, 1992. He was the President of the New Democratic Party, from 1981 to 1985, and Leader of the Yukon New Democratic Party, from 1981 to 1995. He emigrated from England to Canada with his family at the age of twelve.

His mother is Lulla Sierra Johns. She is from the Upper Tanana tribe in White River First Nation, Canada, and is an indigenous advocate. A picture of Lulla can be seen here.

Tahmoh’s paternal grandfather was Eric John Keith Penikett (the son of Leonard Harold Penikett and Norah Eliza Bessie Tomlinson). Leonard was the son of Arthur John Penikett and Katherine Annie Cornish. Norah was the daughter of Tom William Tomlinson and Eliza Caroline.

Tahmoh’s paternal grandmother was named Sarah A. Colwell.

Tahmoh’s maternal grandmother was named Bessie John/Nelnah (the daughter of White River Johnny).

Sources: Interviews with Tahmoh Penikett –