Sammy Davis Jr.

Sammy Davis Jr.

Acting
Born 1925-12-08 - Died 1990-05-16Harlem, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Biography

Samuel George "Sammy" Davis, Jr. (December 8, 1925 – May 16, 1990) was an American entertainer. Primarily a dancer and singer, Davis was a childhood vaudevillian who became known for his performances on Broadway and in Las Vegas, as a recording artist, television and film star, and as a member of Frank Sinatra's "Rat Pack". At the age of four Davis began his career in vaudeville with his father and "uncle" as the Will Mastin Trio, toured nationally, and after military service, returned to the trio. Davis became an overnight sensation following a nightclub performance at Ciro's after the 1951 Academy Awards, with the trio, became a recording artist, and made his first film performances as an adult later that decade. In 1954, he lost his left eye in an automobile accident. Later the same year, he converted to Judaism. In 1960, he appeared in the first Rat Pack movie, Ocean's 11. After a starring role on Broadway in 1956's Mr Wonderful, Davis returned to the stage in 1964's Golden Boy, and in 1966 had his own TV variety show, The Sammy Davis Jr. Show. Davis's career slowed in the late sixties, but he had a hit record with "The Candy Man", in 1972, and became a star in Las Vegas. As an African American, Davis was the victim of racism throughout his life, and was a large financial supporter of civil rights causes. Davis had a complex relationship with the African American community, and attracted criticism after physically embracing Richard Nixon in 1970. One day on a golf course with Jack Benny, he was asked what his handicap was. "Handicap?" he asked. "Talk about handicap — I'm a one-eyed Negro Jew." This was to become a signature comment, recounted in his autobiography, and in countless articles. After reuniting with Sinatra and Dean Martin in 1987, Davis toured with them and Liza Minnelli internationally, before dying of throat cancer in 1990. He died in debt to the Internal Revenue Service, and his estate was the subject of legal battles. Davis was awarded the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP, and was nominated for a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award for his television performances. He was the recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors in 1987, and in 2001, he was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Movies (129)

EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert
8.2

EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert

2026Movie8.2
The Cannonball Run
6.1

The Cannonball Run

1981Movie6.1
Ocean's Eleven
6.4

Ocean's Eleven

1960Movie6.4
Louis Armstrong's Black & Blues
6.7

Louis Armstrong's Black & Blues

2022Movie6.7
Poor Devil
5.9

Poor Devil

1973Movie5.9
Cannonball Run II
5.4

Cannonball Run II

1984Movie5.4
Koyaanisqatsi
7.9

Koyaanisqatsi

1983Movie7.9
Robin and the 7 Hoods
6.2

Robin and the 7 Hoods

1964Movie6.2
BRATS
6.0

BRATS

2024Movie6.0
Sweet Charity
6.9

Sweet Charity

1969Movie6.9
Johnny Cool
5.3

Johnny Cool

1963Movie5.3
Tap
6.6

Tap

1989Movie6.6
The Movie Orgy
6.8

The Movie Orgy

1968Movie6.8
Out of Shadows
7.6

Out of Shadows

2020Movie7.6
The Fabulous Allan Carr
5.0

The Fabulous Allan Carr

2017Movie5.0
Night of 100 Stars
5.8

Night of 100 Stars

1982Movie5.8
Commitment to Life

Commitment to Life

2023Movie
Hollywood's Funniest All-Star Bloopers
2.0

Hollywood's Funniest All-Star Bloopers

1985Movie2.0
Television: The First Fifty Years

Television: The First Fifty Years

1999Movie
This Is Elvis
7.0

This Is Elvis

1981Movie7.0
Soul of a Nation Presents: Black in Vegas
2.0

Soul of a Nation Presents: Black in Vegas

2023Movie2.0
Sergeants 3
5.8

Sergeants 3

1962Movie5.8
Porgy and Bess
6.3

Porgy and Bess

1959Movie6.3
It's Black Entertainment
8.7

It's Black Entertainment

2002Movie8.7
Happy 100th Birthday, Hollywood
6.0

Happy 100th Birthday, Hollywood

1987Movie6.0
Dean Martin: King of Cool
7.4

Dean Martin: King of Cool

2021Movie7.4
Elvis: That's the Way It Is
8.1

Elvis: That's the Way It Is

1970Movie8.1
Rat Pack
9.0

Rat Pack

2022Movie9.0
Moon Over Parador
5.8

Moon Over Parador

1988Movie5.8
King: A Filmed Record... Montgomery to Memphis
7.3

King: A Filmed Record... Montgomery to Memphis

1970Movie7.3
The Wrecking Crew
7.3

The Wrecking Crew

2008Movie7.3
Nightmare in the Sun
3.0

Nightmare in the Sun

1965Movie3.0
Sammy Davis, Jr. 60th Anniversary Celebration
8.7

Sammy Davis, Jr. 60th Anniversary Celebration

1990Movie8.7
That's Dancing!
6.9

That's Dancing!

1985Movie6.9
John Travolta, le miraculé d'Hollywood
7.1

John Travolta, le miraculé d'Hollywood

2017Movie7.1
The Threepenny Opera
5.8

The Threepenny Opera

1963Movie5.8
Hanna-Barbera's 50th
9.1

Hanna-Barbera's 50th

1989Movie9.1
Alice in Wonderland or What's a Nice Kid Like You Doing in a Place Like This?
5.2

Alice in Wonderland or What's a Nice Kid Like You Doing in a Place Like This?

1966Movie5.2
Oops, Those Hollywood Bloopers!
6.0

Oops, Those Hollywood Bloopers!

1982Movie6.0
TV in Black: The First Fifty Years
5.3

TV in Black: The First Fifty Years

2004Movie5.3
Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story
7.7

Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story

2025Movie7.7
Heidi's Song
6.3

Heidi's Song

1982Movie6.3
Motown Returns to the Apollo

Motown Returns to the Apollo

1985Movie
All Star Party for Lucille Ball
6.0

All Star Party for Lucille Ball

1984Movie6.0
A Man Called Adam
6.5

A Man Called Adam

1966Movie6.5
This Is Bob Hope...
7.7

This Is Bob Hope...

2017Movie7.7
Meet Me in Las Vegas
4.5

Meet Me in Las Vegas

1956Movie4.5
Mansfield 66/67
5.2

Mansfield 66/67

2017Movie5.2
James Dean: The First American Teenager
7.5

James Dean: The First American Teenager

1975Movie7.5
The Pigeon
10.0

The Pigeon

1969Movie10.0
Dean Martin: The One and Only

Dean Martin: The One and Only

2004Movie
The Very Best of The Ed Sullivan Show (Vol. 1)

The Very Best of The Ed Sullivan Show (Vol. 1)

1991Movie
Happy Birthday, Bob: 50 Stars Salute Your 50 Years with NBC
6.0

Happy Birthday, Bob: 50 Stars Salute Your 50 Years with NBC

1988Movie6.0
Salt & Pepper
5.3

Salt & Pepper

1968Movie5.3
Dancing in the Wings
7.5

Dancing in the Wings

1985Movie7.5
Doris Day Today
6.5

Doris Day Today

1975Movie6.5
Fight of the Century

Fight of the Century

1971Movie
Michael Jackson: The Legend Continues
7.6

Michael Jackson: The Legend Continues

1988Movie7.6
Smorgasbord
5.7

Smorgasbord

1983Movie5.7
Pepe
6.4

Pepe

1960Movie6.4
One More Time
5.0

One More Time

1970Movie5.0
Chita Rivera: A Lot Of Livin' To Do

Chita Rivera: A Lot Of Livin' To Do

2015Movie
Six Bridges to Cross
6.3

Six Bridges to Cross

1955Movie6.3
An Evening with Sammy Davis, Jr. & Jerry Lewis
10.0

An Evening with Sammy Davis, Jr. & Jerry Lewis

1988Movie10.0
Loose Lips - Her Last Interview
4.5

Loose Lips - Her Last Interview

2013Movie4.5
Movin' with Nancy
7.0

Movin' with Nancy

1967Movie7.0
The Best of Bob Hope: 50 Years of Laughter — Volume 2

The Best of Bob Hope: 50 Years of Laughter — Volume 2

2001Movie
Live and Swingin': The Ultimate Rat Pack Collection
7.8

Live and Swingin': The Ultimate Rat Pack Collection

2003Movie7.8
Pioneers of Primetime

Pioneers of Primetime

2005Movie
This Is Joan Collins
7.2

This Is Joan Collins

2022Movie7.2
Hugh Hefner: Once Upon a Time
5.2

Hugh Hefner: Once Upon a Time

1992Movie5.2
Kennedy, Sinatra and the Mafia
7.5

Kennedy, Sinatra and the Mafia

2023Movie7.5
Frank Sinatra: The First 40 Years

Frank Sinatra: The First 40 Years

1979Movie
Gone with the West
3.0

Gone with the West

1975Movie3.0
The Ocean's 11 Story
6.8

The Ocean's 11 Story

2001Movie6.8
The Ratpack

The Ratpack

2006Movie
Convicts 4
5.1

Convicts 4

1962Movie5.1
Old Faithful

Old Faithful

1973Movie
Jazz Ball
8.0

Jazz Ball

1956Movie8.0
Sammy Davis Jr. in Europa

Sammy Davis Jr. in Europa

1968Movie
The Perils of P.K
9.5

The Perils of P.K

1986Movie9.5
The Trackers
5.8

The Trackers

1971Movie5.8
The Best of Bob Hope: 50 Years of Laughter — Volume 1

The Best of Bob Hope: 50 Years of Laughter — Volume 1

2001Movie
Save the Children
6.6

Save the Children

1973Movie6.6
The 1974 Annual Las Vegas Entertainment Awards

The 1974 Annual Las Vegas Entertainment Awards

1974Movie
The Kid Who Loved Christmas
6.6

The Kid Who Loved Christmas

1990Movie6.6
Sammy Davis, Jr.: I've Gotta Be Me
6.9

Sammy Davis, Jr.: I've Gotta Be Me

2017Movie6.9
All Star Party for Clint Eastwood
6.0

All Star Party for Clint Eastwood

1986Movie6.0
Magic Night
8.0

Magic Night

1980Movie8.0
Kim Novak: Hollywood's Golden Age Rebel
6.9

Kim Novak: Hollywood's Golden Age Rebel

2023Movie6.9
The Strolling '20s

The Strolling '20s

1966Movie
James Dean Remembered
8.0

James Dean Remembered

1974Movie8.0
Cinderella at the Palace
8.0

Cinderella at the Palace

1978Movie8.0
Gone Before His Time: Freddie Prinze Sr.

Gone Before His Time: Freddie Prinze Sr.

2023Movie
Sweet and Low
10.0

Sweet and Low

1947Movie10.0
The Music According to Tom Jobim
7.0

The Music According to Tom Jobim

2012Movie7.0
Elvis Through the Years

Elvis Through the Years

2007Movie
Frank Sinatra Spectacular
9.0

Frank Sinatra Spectacular

1965Movie9.0
Sammy Davis Jr.: Live In Germany

Sammy Davis Jr.: Live In Germany

1985Movie
Frank, Liza & Sammy: The Ultimate Event
5.2

Frank, Liza & Sammy: The Ultimate Event

1989Movie5.2
CBS Salutes Lucy: The First 25 Years
7.3

CBS Salutes Lucy: The First 25 Years

1976Movie7.3
The Definitive Elvis: The Television Years
5.2

The Definitive Elvis: The Television Years

2002Movie5.2
Today: While You Were Away (1964-1973 Retrospective)

Today: While You Were Away (1964-1973 Retrospective)

1973Movie
The Enemy

The Enemy

1967Movie
Frank Sinatra's Welcome Home Party for Elvis Presley
8.0

Frank Sinatra's Welcome Home Party for Elvis Presley

1960Movie8.0
The Rat Pack - The Greatest Hits

The Rat Pack - The Greatest Hits

2012Movie
The Fall
7.2

The Fall

1969Movie7.2
Rufus Jones for President
7.0

Rufus Jones for President

1933Movie7.0
Sammy and Bruce

Sammy and Bruce

1980Movie
Bob Hope's Bicentennial Star Spangled Spectacular

Bob Hope's Bicentennial Star Spangled Spectacular

1976Movie
Christmas with The Martins and The Sinatras

Christmas with The Martins and The Sinatras

1967Movie
Happy Birthday, Las Vegas
8.0

Happy Birthday, Las Vegas

1977Movie8.0
Seasoned Greetings
6.0

Seasoned Greetings

1933Movie6.0
Anna Lucasta
6.2

Anna Lucasta

1958Movie6.2
The Rat Pack

The Rat Pack

2004Movie
The Legendary Nat King Cole

The Legendary Nat King Cole

2004Movie
…Sings Musicals
7.0

…Sings Musicals

2012Movie7.0
The Billy Martin Celebrity Roast

The Billy Martin Celebrity Roast

1989Movie
Uptown Comedy Express
7.0

Uptown Comedy Express

1987Movie7.0
Nat King Cole & Friends Unforgettable Hits

Nat King Cole & Friends Unforgettable Hits

Movie
Jackpot at Tahoe

Jackpot at Tahoe

1963Movie
The Day of the Fox

The Day of the Fox

1961Movie
Jingle Bells: RFK - 1964

Jingle Bells: RFK - 1964

1977Movie
Steve & Eydie Celebrate Irving Berlin
8.0

Steve & Eydie Celebrate Irving Berlin

1978Movie8.0
Sammy Davis, Jr.: One Cool Cat

Sammy Davis, Jr.: One Cool Cat

2004Movie
Let's Play, Boy
5.3

Let's Play, Boy

2008Movie5.3
Bomb Disposal

Bomb Disposal

1963Movie
The Best Of Sammy David Jr. Live

The Best Of Sammy David Jr. Live

Movie
Sammy Stops the World
9.0

Sammy Stops the World

1978Movie9.0

TV Shows (58)

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
7.5

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

1962Series7.5
The Mike Douglas Show
5.8

The Mike Douglas Show

1961Series5.8
The Rifleman
7.1

The Rifleman

1958Series7.1
Great Performances
6.1

Great Performances

1971Series6.1
The Merv Griffin Show
6.8

The Merv Griffin Show

1962Series6.8
The Cosby Show
7.0

The Cosby Show

1984Series7.0
Charlie's Angels
6.7

Charlie's Angels

1976Series6.7
Fantasy Island
6.5

Fantasy Island

1978Series6.5
Batman
7.3

Batman

1966Series7.3
Wogan
5.3

Wogan

1982Series5.3
I Dream of Jeannie
7.8

I Dream of Jeannie

1965Series7.8
Omnibus
7.2

Omnibus

1967Series7.2
Hunter
7.1

Hunter

1984Series7.1
What's My Line?
7.0

What's My Line?

1950Series7.0
The Dick Cavett Show
6.8

The Dick Cavett Show

1968Series6.8
The Carol Burnett Show
7.7

The Carol Burnett Show

1967Series7.7
Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre
6.2

Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre

1956Series6.2
Dinah!
7.0

Dinah!

1974Series7.0
The Courtship of Eddie's Father
6.2

The Courtship of Eddie's Father

1969Series6.2
Tonight Starring Jack Paar
7.5

Tonight Starring Jack Paar

1957Series7.5
Burke's Law
6.3

Burke's Law

1963Series6.3
Champs-Elysées
6.8

Champs-Elysées

1982Series6.8
Ben Casey
5.9

Ben Casey

1961Series5.9
All in the Family
7.8

All in the Family

1971Series7.8
The Oscars
7.0

The Oscars

1953Series7.0
The Ed Sullivan Show
6.8

The Ed Sullivan Show

1948Series6.8
The Colgate Comedy Hour
6.9

The Colgate Comedy Hour

1950Series6.9
People's Choice Awards
9.2

People's Choice Awards

1975Series9.2
Here's Lucy
6.7

Here's Lucy

1968Series6.7
Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In
6.8

Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In

1968Series6.8
77 Sunset Strip
7.2

77 Sunset Strip

1958Series7.2
The Steve Allen Show
6.2

The Steve Allen Show

1956Series6.2
The Jack Benny Program
7.8

The Jack Benny Program

1950Series7.8
The Mod Squad
6.1

The Mod Squad

1968Series6.1
The Flip Wilson Show
4.8

The Flip Wilson Show

1970Series4.8
The Kennedy Center Honors
7.4

The Kennedy Center Honors

1978Series7.4
The Patty Duke Show
6.2

The Patty Duke Show

1963Series6.2
Drama 61-67

Drama 61-67

1961Series
The Hollywood Palace
5.0

The Hollywood Palace

1964Series5.0
The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts
5.4

The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts

1973Series5.4
Cain's Hundred
5.2

Cain's Hundred

1961Series5.2
V.I.P. Schaukel
8.0

V.I.P. Schaukel

1971Series8.0
Chico and the Man
6.1

Chico and the Man

1974Series6.1
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
8.0

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

1948Series8.0
The Julie Andrews Hour
8.0

The Julie Andrews Hour

1972Series8.0
Please Turn the Page
6.0

Please Turn the Page

1977Series6.0
Alice in Wonderland
6.7

Alice in Wonderland

1985Series6.7
Sanford
7.0

Sanford

1980Series7.0
The Sixties
7.5

The Sixties

2014Series7.5
Bio’s Bahnhof
9.0

Bio’s Bahnhof

1978Series9.0
The Emmy Awards
7.9

The Emmy Awards

1949Series7.9
General Electric Theater
6.8

General Electric Theater

1953Series6.8
4-3-2-1 Hot and Sweet

4-3-2-1 Hot and Sweet

1966Series
The Big Party

The Big Party

1959Series
Playboy's Penthouse

Playboy's Penthouse

1959Series
The Rat Pack
10.0

The Rat Pack

1999Series10.0
The Sammy Davis Jr. Show
7.5

The Sammy Davis Jr. Show

1966Series7.5
Sammy and Company
8.0

Sammy and Company

1975Series8.0