But most people probably recognize him for the distinctive black-and-gold Pharaoh headdress he often wears around town to express his passion for ancient Egypt.

In other words, he's been wearing it long before a 23andMe letter arrived in January analyzing his DNA — a letter that would move him to tears and confirm his many years of work.

"You share an ancient paternal lineage with Pharaoh Ramesses III," it read. "You and Ramesses III share an ancient paternal-line ancestor who probably lived in north Africa or western Asia."

Ross was ecstatic.

"When I first read it, I was so happy, and I was just so glad," he said. "Then I thought, 'No wonder I'm re-enacting and doing certain things that's sort of unexplainable. It's all part of the gene!'"