Quinta Brunson Shares Theory About Being Related to Jalen Brunson on ‘Live’

Quinta Brunson thinks her connection to NBA superstar Jalen Brunson goes deeper than a shared last name.

“I know you as a Philly girl, but there was some, like, chatter backstage that maybe you are related to Jalen Brunson. Is that true?” Kelly Ripa asked Quinta on the Monday, October 19, episode of Live With Kelly and Mark. The Abbott Elementary star replied, “Yes.”

Quinta went on to share her theory about how her and Jalen’s families could be connected. “We just haven’t had time to do the genetic testing, but we’re pretty sure our grandparents are from the exact same town in South Carolina,” she explained.

Mark Consuelos asked, “Is it a big town or a small town?” Quinta answered, “A small town. And there’s really not many Brunsons. I mean, I think you guys probably can name two. I don’t know if you can name any more.”

Quinta said she’s discussed with Jalen’s family the possibility of being related. “His mom, his dad, his sister, we’re all pretty locked in,” she said.

As for whether the two celebrities have plans to take a DNA test? “I think we will,” Quinta shared. “You guys know the show on PBS [Finding Your Roots]? But I just want him [Henry Louis Gates Jr.] to come do that at my house. I don’t want to do it on TV.”

 

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Ripa remarked, “I feel like that’s a documentary special. That’s like a Disney[+]/Hulu special.” Quinta said she would consider the idea before adding, “We’re pretty sure. I just saw him this weekend, and we talked about it. Every time we talk, we find a new connection to prove that we probably are cousins.”

On Live, Quinta followed up her relative theory by teasing what fans can expect from Season 6 of Abbott Elementary, which premiered on October 7. “You can expect a lot of fun, a lot of humor, a lot of very touching stories,” she shared. “We had an episode last week that I was super excited about where we got to touch on alopecia, as well as have some other deeper conversations with some of our kid characters who have been with us for a really long time.”

Quinta continued, “It’s just fun. I mean, I’m very excited about this season because we have a lot of direction and we’re working towards some big milestone moments for these characters and for the show. So, it’s exciting to write when you’re on your way to big milestones.”

Trying to get spoilers out of the actress, Consuelos asked, “Could there be wedding bells?” Not giving away upcoming storylines, Quinta replied, “There could be. There could not be. And it could be not for the characters you think.”

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Abbott Elementary, Season 6, Wednesdays, 8:30/7:30c, ABC