Sammy Davis, Jr.

Date of Birth: December 8, 1925

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: May 16, 1990

Biography

Sammy Davis, Jr. was an iconic American entertainer who made significant contributions to the world of music, dance, acting, and comedy. Born Samuel George Davis, Jr. on December 8, 1925, in Harlem, New York City, he was introduced to show business at an early age by his father, Sammy Davis, Sr., and his godfather, Will Mastin. Davis began performing with the Will Mastin Trio at just three years old, and his natural talent quickly made him a standout. Throughout his career, Davis broke down racial barriers in the entertainment industry. He was a member of the famed Rat Pack alongside Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop. Davis was renowned for his tap dancing, singing, and acting, earning accolades and admiration across the globe. His most notable films include “Ocean’s 11,” “Robin and the 7 Hoods,” and “Porgy and Bess.” As a singer, he had hits like “The Candy Man” and “I’ve Gotta Be Me.” Despite facing significant racial prejudice throughout his life, Davis became a trailblazer for African-American entertainers. He was also known for his involvement in the civil rights movement and was a close friend of Martin Luther King Jr. Davis’s personal life was as compelling as his professional career. He converted to Judaism in the late 1950s, following a car accident that nearly took his life. His marriages, particularly to Swedish actress May Britt, were also subjects of public interest due to the racial dynamics of the time. Sammy Davis, Jr. passed away on May 16, 1990, from complications related to throat cancer, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire entertainers and audiences alike.

5 Interesting Facts about Sammy Davis, Jr.

1. Sammy Davis, Jr. lost his left eye in a car accident in 1954 and wore an eye patch for much of his life.

2. He was awarded the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP in 1968 for his outstanding achievements.

3. Davis was the first African-American to sleep in the White House as a guest of President Richard Nixon.

4. He became a member of the Church of Satan in 1973 after attending a party hosted by Anton LaVey, though he later distanced himself from the organization.

5. Sammy Davis, Jr. was a skilled photographer, and his works were highly regarded by professionals and exhibited in galleries.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Sammy Davis, Jr.

1. “You always have two choices: your commitment versus your fear.”

2. “Being a star made it possible for me to get insulted in places where the average Negro could never hope to go and get insulted.”

3. “I have to be a star like another man has to breathe.”

4. “I wasn’t anything special as a father. But I loved them and they knew it.”

5. “You can be in this business 50 years and still not know anything about it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career, Sammy Davis, Jr.’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million. However, due to financial mismanagement and tax problems, his estate was considerably less at the time of his death.

Children

Sammy Davis, Jr. had three children: 1. Tracey Davis, his daughter with May Britt, born in 1961. 2. Mark Davis, whom Davis and Britt adopted. 3. Jeff Davis, also adopted by Davis and Britt.