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NATIONAL HARBOR, MD – MARCH 7, 2014: Kirk, Executive Director of Turning Point USA, speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). Christopher Halloran /Bigstock.com
Birth Name: Charles James Kirk
Date of Birth: October 14, 1993
Place of Birth: Arlington Heights, Illinois, U.S.
Date of Death: September 10, 2025
Place of Death: Orem, Utah, U.S.
Ethnicity: English, Irish, one quarter Polish, as well as German, Swiss-German, Scots-Irish/Northern Irish, Scottish, Welsh, remote Dutch, Swedish, and French
Charlie Kirk was an American right-wing political activist, author, entrepreneur, and media personality. He co-founded conservative non-profit organization Turning Point USA. He was 6′5″.
Charlie was the son of Kathryn, a trader and mental health counselor, and Robert Kirk, an architect. He was raised in Prospect Heights. Charlie was raised Presbyterian, and later became an evangelical Christian. He was married to businessperson and podcaster Erika Kirk (born Erika Lane Frantzve), until his death, with whom he had two children. Erika is of one half Swedish, one quarter Lebanese/Syrian, and one quarter Italian, descent.
Charlie’s patrilineal line can be traced to Roger Kirk, who was born, c. 1624, in Yorkshire, England, the son of Alphonsus Kirk and Ellen Wallis.
Charlie’s paternal grandfather was Randall Willard Kirk (the son of Carroll Nathan Kirk and Matilda Lucile Willard). Randall was born in Bismarck, North Dakota. Carroll was born in Clemons, Iowa, the son of Joseph Pierce Kirk and Sallie J. Whealen. Charlie’s great-grandmother Matilda was born in Iowa, the daughter of Leroy Randall Willard, whose mother was English, from London; and of Laura Jane Wagner, whose parents were German.
Charlie’s paternal grandmother was Mary Kathleen Cook (the daughter of Robert Emil Cook and Essie Emogene Norcross). Mary was born in Milaca, Minnesota. Robert was born in South Whitley, Indiana, the son of John H. Cook and Clara Irene “Nena” Stout. Essie was born in Milaca, the daughter of James Hiram Norcross and Sara Ann Cosgrove, whose parents were Irish, and who had roots in Clare and Roscommon.
Charlie’s maternal grandfather was James Patrick Smith (the son of Hugh Norman Smith and Catherine Letta O’Brien). James was born in Illinois. Hugh was born in Illinois, the son of Thomas W. Smith, whose parents were Irish, with his father having been from County Cevan; and of Mathilda Bushore. Charlie’s great-grandmother Catherine was born in Bloomington, Illinois, the daughter of Patrick O’Brien, who was born in Cork, County Cork, Ireland; and of Honora/Hannanora Shannon, whose parents were Irish, also with roots in Cork.
Charlie’s maternal grandmother was Patricia Marie Dankowski (the daughter of Daniel Peter Dankowski and Ruzalja/Rosalie “Rose” Brzoska). Patricia was born in Chicago, Illinois. Daniel was born in Cicero, Illinois, the son of Polish parents, John/Jan Stanley Dankowski, with roots in Pomerania, and Philomena/Filomena H. Danisch/Danish, with roots in Opole and Kolonia, Silesia. Charlie’s great-grandmother Rose was born in Chicago, the daughter of Polish parents, Rudolph Brzoska, from Kirchenjahn, Marienwerder, West Prussia, and Cecilia/Cecelia V. Kuczkowski, from Stara Jania, Starogard, Pomerania.
Sources: Genealogy of Charlie Kirk – https://www.geni.com
Obituary of Charlie’s maternal grandmother, Patricia Marie (Dankowski) Smith – https://www.adamswinterfieldsullivan.com