Sammy Davis, Jr.
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Born

  • December 8, 1925
  • New York, NY

Died

  • May 16, 1990
  • Beverly Hills, CA

Marriages

  • Loray White (1958-59)
  • May Britt (1960-68)
  • Altovise Gore (1970)

Web Site

Sammy Davis Jr.

One of the greatest entertainers of the past century, Sammy Davis Jr. could do it all. As a singer, an actor, a dancer, a comedian, and an impressionist, he thrilled audiences both young and old. His success also helped him cross many racial barriers, though he was often seen as a sell-out by other African-Americans. As a vocalist, his feel for jazz and improvisation put him at the top of his field.

Born in Harlem in 1925, Davis never attended any formal schooling. He grew up in show business, making his professional start in vaudeville at the age of three as part of an act which also featured his father, Sammy Davis Sr., and his uncle, Will Mastin. In order to avoid child labor laws the young Davis sometimes held a cigar while he performed and was billed as ''Silent Sam, the Dancing Midget.'' The group came to be known as Will Mastin's Gang featuring Little Sammy.

Davis made his first film appearance at age seven in the musical short Rufus Jones for President. In 1941 the Mastin Gang opened for Tommy Dorsey at Detroit's' Michigan Theater, and Davis became friends with singer Frank Sinatra. In 1943 Davis joined the Army. Upon his discharge he joined his father and uncle to form the Will Mastin Trio. Though they performed strictly music at first, the later addition of Davis' comedy routines eventually helped propel the group to headliner status.

In 1954 Davis signed to Decca Records and released his debut LP, Starring Sammy Davis Jr. His career seemed to be riding high, then he suddenly faced a set-back when he lost his left eye in an auto accident that same year. He returned to the stage, though, in 1955, stronger than ever, releasing a string of hit singles, including ''That Old Black Magic'' and ''Love Me or Leave Me,'' and starring in his first Broadway musical Mr. Wonderful, which gave him the hit song ''Too Close for Comfort.'' He briefly wore an eye patch but later was fitted for a prosthetic.

In 1958 Davis resumed his film career, starring in Anna Lucasta. The following year he played Sportin' Life in the film version of Porgy and Bess. 1959 also saw Davis became a charter member of the infamous Rat Pack, which included his old friend Sinatra. Throughout the 1960s he continued charting hits, such as ''What Kind of Fool Am I?,'' and starring in film and on Broadway. He also made the move to television with his own variety show on NBC.

In 1972 Davis scored a big hit with the song ''Candy Man.'' In the mid-1970s he again starred in his own television variety program. During the late 1970s, however, his popularity began to wane. He spent most of the 1980s playing the casino circuit and starring in second-rate films. In 1988 he participated in a comeback tour with fellow Rat Packers Sinatra and Dean Martin. Though he never let on, Davis was very ill during the tour, suffering from throat cancer. He passed away in 1990.

Davis was considered controversial by other African-Americans. He was sharply criticized for his 1954 conversion to Judaism, following his auto accident, and accused of selling out when he became part of the Rat Pack. His interracial romance with actress Kim Novak and his 1960 marriage to Swedish actress May Britt drew considerable fire. His support for Richard Nixon in the 1972 presidential election, drug and alcohol addictions, and his admitted love for pornography added to the criticism. Davis, though, rose above it all. He was a star of the truest kind and one of the most talented entertainers to ever take the stage.