Anecdotes

Georg Stanford Brown (Tom Harvey) and Lynne Moody (Irene Harvey) are the only actors to reprise their roles from Roots (1977).

The series takes place from April 1882 to April 1967.

James Earl Jones was cast partially due to his physical resemblance to Alex Haley.

Marlon Brando's appearance as George Lincoln Rockwell, the founder of the American Nazi Party, was filmed in one day.

Wanting to also participate in the miniseries, Marlon Brando basically just called out of the blue and asked for a small yet memorable role.