Ossie Davis

Date of Birth: December 18, 1917

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: February 4, 2005

Biography

Ossie Davis was a highly respected American actor, director, writer, and civil rights activist, celebrated for his significant contributions to both the entertainment industry and social justice movements. Born Raiford Chatman Davis on December 18, 1917, in Cogdell, Georgia, he grew up in a segregated society, which profoundly influenced his later work in civil rights. Davis attended Howard University but left to pursue a career in acting, eventually making his Broadway debut in 1946. His film career began in 1950 with his role in “No Way Out,” a groundbreaking film addressing racial tensions. Over the years, Davis appeared in numerous films and television series, including notable roles in “The Cardinal,” “Do the Right Thing,” and “Grumpy Old Men.” Beyond his acting career, Davis was a fervent civil rights activist. He was a close friend of Malcolm X and delivered the eulogy at Malcolm X’s funeral, a testament to his deep commitment to social justice. Alongside his equally talented wife, Ruby Dee, Davis fought tirelessly for equality and civil rights, both through his art and activism. Davis directed several films, including the critically acclaimed “Cotton Comes to Harlem” in 1970. His work earned him numerous accolades, including an NAACP Image Award, a Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, and a Kennedy Center Honor. Ossie Davis passed away on February 4, 2005, leaving behind a legacy of artistic excellence and unwavering dedication to civil rights.

5 Interesting Facts about Ossie Davis

1. Ossie Davis was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1995 by President Bill Clinton.

2. He and his wife, Ruby Dee, received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2004.

3. Davis delivered the eulogy at both Malcolm X’s and Martin Luther King Jr.’s funerals.

4. He wrote a children’s book titled “Escape to Freedom: A Play About Young Frederick Douglass.”

5. Davis served in the U.S. Army during World War II, where he faced and fought against segregation within the military.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ossie Davis

1. “Struggle is strengthening. Battling with evil gives us the power to battle evil even more.”

2. “Any form of art is a form of power; it has impact, it can affect change—it can not only move us, it makes us move.”

3. “I find, in being black, a thing of beauty: a joy; a strength; a secret cup of gladness.”

4. “Our work is one of the most important things we do. It’s about the people and the message.”

5. “The kind of beauty I want most is the hard-to-get kind that comes from within—strength, courage, dignity.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Ossie Davis achieved a net worth estimated at $2 million.

Children

Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee had three children together: Nora Day Davis, Hasna Muhammad Davis, and Guy Davis. Each of their children has pursued their own careers, with Guy Davis notably becoming a successful blues musician and actor.