Sammy Davis Jr: Networth, Debt, Death, Fame,Glass eye, Movies ,Mother ,History
Sammy Davis Jr., born on December 8, 1925, in New York City, was an American singer, dancer, actor, comedian, and activist who became one of the most versatile and dynamic entertainers of the 20th century. Known for his exceptional talent across multiple disciplines, Davis broke racial barriers and left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. This comprehensive article explores the life, career, and enduring legacy of Sammy Davis Jr.
Sammy Davis Jr Family Before He DiedÂ
Sammy Davis Jr. was born into a family of vaudeville performers:
1. Son of Sammy Davis Sr. and Elvera Sanchez, both dancers
2. Began performing at the age of three with his father and uncle Will Mastin
3. Dropped out of school at an early age to pursue a full-time career in entertainment
4. Learned to dance, sing, and play various musical instruments as a child
Sammy Davis Jr.’s Career Beginnings
Davis’ professional career started early, performing as part of the Will Mastin Trio:
1. 1933: Made his film debut in the short film “Rufus Jones for President”
2. 1943: Drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II
3. 1945: Returned to performing with the Will Mastin Trio after his military service
Sammy Davis Jr.’s Rise to Stardom
Davis’ solo career began to take off in the 1950s:
1. 1954: Released his first two albums, “Starring Sammy Davis Jr.” and “Just for Lovers”
2. 1956: Starred in the Broadway musical “Mr. Wonderful”
3. 1958: Became a member of the famous “Rat Pack” alongside Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin
Sammy Davis Jr.’s Achievements in Entertainment
Throughout his career, Davis achieved numerous accolades across various entertainment mediums:
1. Nominated for a Tony Award for his performance in “Golden Boy” (1964)
2. Received an Emmy Award nomination for his television variety show “The Sammy Davis Jr. Show” (1966)
3. Inducted into the International Tap Dance Hall of Fame
4. Awarded the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP in 1968
5. Received Kennedy Center Honors in 1987
Notable performances and recordings:
1. “The Candy Man” – his only #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100
2. “What Kind of Fool Am I?”
3. “I’ve Gotta Be Me”
4. “Mr. Bojangles”
5. “Something’s Gotta Give”
Sammy Davis Jr.’s Versatility
Davis was renowned for his ability to excel in multiple areas of entertainment:
1. Singing: Known for his powerful and emotive voice
2. Dancing: Considered one of the greatest tap dancers of all time
3. Acting: Appeared in numerous films and television shows
4. Comedy: Known for his quick wit and impressions
5. Instrumental skills: Played vibraphone, trumpet, and drums
Sammy Davis Jr.’s Film and Television Career
Davis had a successful career in both film and television:
1. Notable films: “Ocean’s 11” (1960), “Robin and the 7 Hoods” (1964), “Sweet Charity” (1969)
2. Television appearances: “The Tonight Show,” “All in the Family,” “The Cosby Show”
3. Hosted his own variety show, “The Sammy Davis Jr. Show” (1966)
Sammy Davis Jr.’s Impact on Civil Rights
As one of the most prominent African American entertainers of his time, Davis played a significant role in the civil rights movement:
1. Refused to perform at segregated venues
2. Used his celebrity status to advocate for racial equality
3. Participated in the 1963 March on Washington
4. Supported various civil rights organizations financially
Sammy Davis Jr.’s Personal Life
Davis’ personal life was often as eventful as his professional career:
1. Converted to Judaism in 1954 after a car accident that cost him his left eye
2. Married three times: Loray White (1958-1959), May Britt (1960-1968), Altovise Gore (1970-1990)
3. Father to four children: three adopted with May Britt and one biological son with Altovise Gore
4. Struggled with alcohol and drug addiction in the 1970s and 1980s
Sammy Davis Jr.’s Later Career
Even as he aged, Davis remained active in the entertainment industry:
1. 1970s-1980s: Continued to perform in Las Vegas and on television
2. 1988: Starred in a film for the last time in “Tap” alongside Gregory Hines
3. 1989: Embarked on a world tour with Frank Sinatra and Liza Minnelli
How Sammy Davis Jr. Died
Sammy Davis Jr. passed away on May 16, 1990, at the age of 64, at his home in Beverly Hills, California. The official cause of death was throat cancer.
Davis had been diagnosed with throat cancer in 1989. Despite undergoing radiation therapy and surgery, the cancer had spread. In his final months, Davis reunited with his Rat Pack friends Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin for a concert tour titled “The Ultimate Event.”
His funeral was held on May 18, 1990, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California. The service was attended by numerous celebrities and dignitaries, reflecting Davis’ immense impact on the entertainment industry and beyond.
Sammy Davis Jr.’s Legacy
Sammy Davis Jr.’s impact on entertainment and popular culture continues to resonate long after his death:
1. Paved the way for African American entertainers in mainstream show business
2. Set a standard for versatility in entertainment, excelling in multiple disciplines
3. His life story has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and stage productions
4. Continues to inspire performers across various entertainment fields
5. His music and performances remain popular and are often featured in films and television shows
Frequently Asked Questions about Sammy Davis Jr.
1. How did Sammy Davis Jr. lose his eye?
Sammy Davis Jr. lost his left eye in a car accident on November 19, 1954. Davis was driving from Las Vegas to Los Angeles when his car collided with an automobile that was backing out of a driveway. The accident caused severe damage to his face, including his left eye.
Despite efforts to save the eye, it had to be replaced with an artificial one. This incident led to a period of deep reflection for Davis, during which he converted to Judaism. The accident and his recovery became a significant part of his personal narrative, often referenced in his performances and autobiographical works.
Davis was known for his ability to joke about his glass eye, incorporating it into his comedy routines and using it to put others at ease.
2. What was Sammy Davis Jr.’s relationship with the Rat Pack?
Sammy Davis Jr. was a core member of the Rat Pack, a group of entertainers that epitomized cool in the 1960s. The group included Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop.
Davis’ inclusion in this predominantly white group was groundbreaking for the time and helped to break down racial barriers in the entertainment industry. The Rat Pack performed together in Las Vegas and made several films, including the original “Ocean’s 11.” Davis’ relationship with the group, particularly his close friendship with Frank Sinatra, provided him with both professional opportunities and personal support.
However, it also sometimes placed him in difficult positions, as he navigated the complexities of being a black entertainer in a largely white industry during the civil rights era.
3. How did Sammy Davis Jr. contribute to the civil rights movement?
Sammy Davis Jr. made significant contributions to the civil rights movement, both through his groundbreaking career and his activist efforts. As one of the most prominent African American entertainers of his time, Davis used his celebrity status to advocate for racial equality.
He refused to perform at segregated venues, which often meant losing lucrative contracts. Davis participated in the 1963 March on Washington and was a financial supporter of various civil rights organizations. His interracial marriage to Swedish actress May Britt in 1960 was controversial at the time and brought attention to laws against miscegenation.
Through his performances and public persona, Davis helped to change perceptions of African Americans in the entertainment industry and beyond.
4. What made Sammy Davis Jr.’s performances unique?
Sammy Davis Jr. was known for his exceptional versatility as a performer. He was a triple threat – able to sing, dance, and act at the highest level. His performances were characterized by their high energy, precision, and emotional depth.
As a singer, Davis had a powerful and expressive voice that could handle a wide range of musical styles. His dancing, particularly his tap dancing, was renowned for its speed and intricacy. Davis was also known for his impressions of other celebrities and his ability to connect with audiences through humor and charm.
His live shows often incorporated all of these elements, creating a dynamic and engaging experience that showcased his multiple talents.
5. How has Sammy Davis Jr.’s legacy influenced modern entertainment?
Sammy Davis Jr.’s legacy continues to influence modern entertainment in numerous ways. His groundbreaking career as an African American entertainer in mainstream show business paved the way for greater diversity in the industry.
Davis’ versatility as a performer set a standard that many modern entertainers strive to emulate. His style of performance, blending music, dance, and comedy, can be seen in the work of many contemporary variety and late-night show hosts.
Davis’ life story, including his struggles with racial discrimination and his comeback from personal setbacks, continues to inspire both artists and audiences. His music remains popular and is often featured in films, television shows, and commercials, introducing new generations to his artistry. The phrase “the Sammy Davis Jr. of…” is sometimes used to describe exceptionally versatile performers, testament to his enduring status as an entertainment icon.