Profile Text
Madden in 2010, photo by Prphotos
Birth Name: Benjamin Levi Combs
Place of Birth: Waldorf, Maryland, U.S.
Date of Birth: March 11, 1979
Ethnicity: English, along with some Irish, Scottish, and German, possibly other
Benji Madden is an American guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and producer. He is the guitarist for rock band Good Charlotte. His twin brother, musician Joel Madden , is also a member of the band.
Benji is married to actress, model, entrepreneur, producer, and author Cameron Diaz , with whom he has two children.
Benji’s paternal grandfather was Paul Roger Combs (the son of Leslie P. Combs and Nellie Pernicey Strickland). Paul was born in North Carolina. Leslie was the son of James Carraway Combs and Florence Isabella Seymour. Nellie was the daughter of Eddie Miller Strickland and Mary Ginn.
Benji’s paternal grandmother was Jessie Marie Crews/Cruse (the daughter of William Joseph Cruse and Nattie/Mattie Nance). Jessie was born in North Carolina. William was the son of Barney Cruse and Susie Hill.
Benji’s maternal grandmother was Mary Ann Canter (the daughter of Hugh Mitchell Canter and Regina Inez Willett). Hugh, an Assemblies of God minister, was the son of Andrew Mitchell Canter and Ola Rymple Scott. Regina was the daughter of William Washington Willett and Lilla Mae Robey. Benji’s Canter line traces back to William Canter, who was born, c. 1655, in England.
A writer for Heeb Magazine has claimed that Benji’s maternal grandmother was born Jewish, and later converted to Christianity. Benji’s brother Josh has also stated that their maternal grandmother was of Jewish heritage. This statement is not accurate. Benji’s maternal grandmother was not of Jewish background.
Sources: Obituary of Benji’s father – https://www.legacy.com
Marriage record of Benji’s paternal grandparents, Paul Roger Combs and Jessie Marie Crews/Cruse – https://www.familysearch.org
Obituary of Benji’s maternal step-grandfather, Leon James Hanback – http://www.tributes.com
Benji’s maternal great-grandparents, Hugh Mitchell Canter and Regina Inez Willett, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org