Scott Evans has masterfully built an award-winning career by asking questions and getting the lowdown on others. Now, an aged curiosity surrounding his heritage has put him in search of the unknown buried within fragments of his family tree. During a quest for enlightenment, Barbados has become a journey he’s eagerly dedicated the rest of his life to.
Years before Evans traveled with Ancestry to the Eastern Caribbean island to explore his genealogy, the Access Hollywood and Access Daily host had an inkling that his Panamanian roots were only the beginning of his bloodline.
“Panama was a big part of our identity growing up. Barbados was peripheral, but I didn’t know much about the island,” Evans recalls before his mission-seeking adventure.
Rihanna had another inkling that they shared the same hometown after bonding. “I knew it,” he recalls her telling him. “There’s something in our blood,” she said after they hit it off like besties.
In October 2025, Evans pursued answers with Ancestry, which provided a tour guide during his week-long quest. Vulnerably, he was thrust into the pages of history, starring his own kin.
Upon landing on the island with his family, the blessings from Barbados overflowed. “So to be able to see their faces when they touched that ground for the first time, and to look them in their faces with tears in their eyes, we were like, ‘We’re home!”’
From learning about ancestors who fought in the Civil War to those whose business endeavors involved scandalous activities, Evans gleaned that the fabric of his family tree is perfectly flawed and full.
During one moment on the tour, a wave of emotions surfaced after reading about some of his relatives who were held in bondage as slaves.
“I had this great sorrow for what our people went through, and then an immense pride juxtaposed against it that my body couldn’t handle. It went from sorrow to fury, back to sorrow, to pride in a way.”
That same pride serves as the backbone to Rihanna’s nonprofit organization, Clara Lionel Foundation, to bridge the gap between businesses in the Deep South of the United States and the Caribbean.
Evans hopes “more people will be inspired, moved, and pushed” to build generational wealth and financial freedom from this venture.
As he plans a return to Barbados later this year, the Bajan culture remains alive within him.
“My life statement has been a reflection of the light and love that has been shown to me so that I can be authentic,” he says. “When we are our true selves, and we know ourselves, we can be ourselves.”
The Barbadian impact on his life is profound, as he’s “noticed a difference” since learning about his heritage. “It’s making me,” he declares. “It has set my professional work on fire because I know more about who I am and where I come from.”
On the heels of his discovery mission in Barbados, Evans received double NAACP nominations. Although the House Guest host didn’t win in either category, he says the nomination is just as gratifying.
“It is the epitome of recognition in this business. The acknowledgment from the NAACP is like an Oscar to me,” he says.
Nearing the big four-oh, he encourages all to delve into their origins. It’s a decision he’s glad he made.
“Do it. Don’t wait,” says Evans. “When you start to discover who you actually are, it can’t help but have the inverse effect.”
Falen Hardge is an entertainment, style and fashion journalist based in Los Angeles.