Actress Sophia Maddox’s life took an unexpected turn when she learned that her grandfather was Charles Manson, the notorious cult leader responsible for a series of infamous murders in the late 1960s. This shocking revelation came to light after a DNA test conducted by her father, Daniel Arguelles, traced familial ties back to the infamous criminal. Maddox’s journey to understand her connection to Manson is the subject of a new Hulu documentary titled *My Grandfather Charles Manson*, set to premiere on July 22.
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In 2022, 22-year-old Maddox was working as an actress in Los Angeles, juggling her dreams with various jobs, including nannying and teaching ballet. However, after contracting COVID-19 during a trip to New York City, she received some life-altering news during a phone call with her father. He revealed that he had made a significant discovery about his lineage. “He said, ‘I think I found out who my dad is. And if it’s true, it’s really dark,'” Maddox recounted, recalling the emotional turmoil that followed.
Maddox discovered that her father had been on a quest for his biological roots for several years, beginning with a DNA submission in 2015. He ultimately connected with another user who confirmed that their father was the infamous Charles Manson. As a previous Hollywood hopeful, this news was overwhelming for Maddox, whose immediate reference point for Manson came from Quentin Tarantino’s film *Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood*, which fictionalises the events surrounding Manson and his followers.
Charles Manson’s notoriety stems from orchestrating the brutal murders of several individuals, including the pregnant actress Sharon Tate, in 1969. He was incarcerated for multiple counts of murder and died in prison in 2017. When Sophia Maddox learned of her connection to Manson, she described an instant feeling of dread and confusion. “My stomach turned into the most knots I’ve ever felt in my life,” she said, reflecting on the gravity of her newfound heritage.
Driven by the need to understand her family’s history, Maddox began documenting her experiences, which later led to the creation of the documentary. Collaborating with co-director Alexandra Orton, she sought to delve deeper into Manson’s troubled past, including his childhood and mental health struggles. The film features interviews with former members of Manson’s “family,” who provide their perspectives and lived experiences with him, thus offering a more nuanced view than the sensationalist narratives that often dominate media portrayals.
Maddox’s exploration also includes visits to significant locations from Manson’s life, such as the Indiana boys’ reform school he attended. The actress expressed her determination to understand the complexities of her family history, seeking insights from those who knew Manson directly rather than through the lens of media sensationalism. “I gathered my own opinions on him,” Maddox explained, highlighting her endeavour to break the generational trauma her family has faced.
Raised in the Los Angeles area, Maddox was influenced by her father, an artist and author, who instilled in her a love for film from a young age. Yet, despite her passion for the industry, the enigma surrounding her grandfather’s identity loomed large. Family stories suggested that her paternal grandmother had a brief relationship with a man named Charlie Dear, but it was only much later that she connected that man with Manson’s criminal legacy, a secret kept until the grandmother’s death in 2020.
In the aftermath of her discovery, Maddox initially faced strains in her relationship with her father, who found it challenging to engage with the family’s past. However, she found support from Michael Brunner, one of Manson’s other sons, who reached out to her during her exploration. His encouragement helped Maddox navigate the difficult waters of her family’s history and professional relationships.
Despite the challenges she faced, Maddox is optimistic about her journey. “I do believe in this journey, I really broke the curse for myself,” she stated, emphasising the importance of uncovering her family’s truths rather than merely embracing the sensational aspects linked to her notorious grandfather.
*My Grandfather Charles Manson* will be available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+ internationally from July 22, providing a unique and personal perspective on one of America’s most infamous criminals and the impact of his legacy on that of his descendants.