Sammy Davis, Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sammy Davis, Jr.
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1986 portrait by Allan Warren
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| Born |
Samuel George Davis, Jr.
December 8, 1925 |
| Died | May 16, 1990 (aged 64) Beverly Hills, California, U.S.
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| Cause of death | Throat cancer |
| Resting place | Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California |
| Occupation | Singer, tap dancer, actor, musician |
| Years active | 1933–1990 |
| Spouse(s) |
Loray White
(m. 1958–1959) |
| Children | 4 |
| Parent(s) | Sammy Davis, Sr. Elvera Sanchez |
Sammy Davis, Jr. (December 8, 1925 – May 16, 1990) was an American entertainer. He was a dancer, singer and instrumentalist (playing vibraphone, trumpet and drums), comedian and actor. He was born in Harlem, New York City. Davis became hugely successful as a stage singer and recording artist and when asked to play at segregated places (where African-Americans were not allowed) he refused. Because of this some popular venues began to allow African-Americans to attend just so they could have Davis and other popular black musicians play. Before that black singers like Davis and Nat King Cole could play at the hotels and casinos but not stay or gamble there.
Davis led an unhealthy lifestyle but was one of the most popular musicians and actors of the time. He converted to Judaism while in the hospital in 1954 and 1955. He was also a member of the Rat Pack with friends Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.
The Kennedy Center honored Davis in 1987.
Davis died of throat cancer in Beverly Hills, California.
Images for kids
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Davis and host Steve Allen rehearsing for the premiere of The Steve Allen Show in 1956
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The Rat Pack (left to right): Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, Joey Bishop at the Cal-Neva Casino, Las Vegas
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Davis performing in 1966
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Davis at home in 1986
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Davis at the Western Wall, Jerusalem, during a tour of Israel, 1969
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Davis with his third wife, Altovise Gore, in 1986
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Davis and May Britt in 1960
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Davis's grave in the Garden of Honor, Forest Lawn Glendale
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See also
In Spanish: Sammy Davis Jr. para niños
