Sammy Davis Sr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sammy Davis Sr.
|
|
|---|---|
| Born |
Samuel George Davis
December 12, 1900 |
| Died | May 21, 1988 (aged 87) |
| Occupation | Dancer |
| Spouse(s) |
Rita Wade Davis |
| Children | 3, including Sammy Davis Jr. |
Samuel George Davis Sr. (born December 12, 1900 – died May 21, 1988) was a talented American dancer. He was also the father of the famous entertainer Sammy Davis Jr.. Sammy Davis Sr. had a long career in show business. He helped teach his son everything he knew about performing.
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Sammy Davis Sr.'s Early Life
Sammy Davis Sr. was born in Wilmington, North Carolina. His parents were Rosa B. Taylor and Robert Davis. He grew up loving to dance.
Sammy Sr. and his first wife, Elvera Sanchez, were both dancers. They performed together in a vaudeville group. Vaudeville was a popular type of live show. It featured many different acts like singing, dancing, and comedy.
When their son, Sammy Jr., was three years old, his parents separated. Sammy Sr. became the main parent for his son. Soon after, Sammy Jr. joined his father in the entertainment world. Sammy Sr. and Will Mastin, who led their dance group, taught Sammy Jr. how to dance. They all performed together as the Will Mastin Trio.
Sammy Jr. once shared a funny story about his dad. When he was nine, he told his father he could outdance him. His dad asked why he thought that. Sammy Jr. replied, "Because you taught me everything I know!" His father then cleverly said, "Yeah, but I didn't teach you everything I know."
Sammy Davis Sr.'s Amazing Career
Sammy Davis Sr. started dancing when he was very young. As a young man, he teamed up with Will Mastin. They formed a dancing group. Later, Sammy Jr. joined them, and they became known as the Will Mastin Trio.
The trio performed in many places. They even appeared in a big Broadway musical in 1956. This show was called Mr. Wonderful. Broadway musicals are famous live stage shows in New York City.
Sammy Davis Sr. also acted in two movies. He was in Sweet and Low in 1947 with the Will Mastin Trio. In 1956, he played the bandleader Fletcher Henderson in the movie The Benny Goodman Story.
Later Years and Legacy
Sammy Davis Sr. passed away on May 21, 1988. He was 87 years old. He died in Beverly Hills, California, from natural causes. His son, Sammy Davis Jr., passed away two years later. Sammy Davis Sr. is remembered as a talented dancer and a loving father who helped launch his son's incredible career.
See also
In Spanish: Sammy Davis Sr. para niños
