Sammy Davis, Jr.

Life & family

Place of Death: Beverly Hills, California, U.S.

Ethnicity:
*62.5% African-American
*37.5% Cuban/African-Cuban

Sammy Davis, Jr. was an American singer, dancer, actor, vaudevillian, comedian, film producer, and television director. His film roles included Rufus Jones for President, Ocean’s 11 (1960), Johnny Cool, and The Cannonball Run and its sequel. He hosted The Sammy Davis Jr. Show, and was known for his song “The Candy Man.” He was nicknamed “Mister Show Business.” He was part of the “Rat Pack” of entertainers, along with Joey Bishop, Peter Lawford, Dean Martin, and Frank Sinatra.

Sammy was the son of dancers Sammy Davis, Sr. and Elvera/Elvira Sanchez. His father was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, to an African-American family. His mother was born in New York, and had Cuban, African-Cuban, and African-American ancestry. During his lifetime, Sammy had stated that his mother was Puerto Rican. He began his career with the Will Mastin Trio, along with his father and Will Mastin.

Sammy was married to entertainer Altovise Davis, until his death. He had three children with his former wife, Swedish-born actress May Britt; and a son with Altovise.

Sammy Davis, Jr. converted to Judaism, as a personal decision, in 1961. His then-wife May Britt also converted. He was a practicing Jew.

Sammy’s paternal grandfather was named Robert Davis.

Sammy’s paternal grandmother was named Elizabeth Taylor.

Sammy’s maternal grandfather was named Marco Sanchez. Marco was a Cuban immigrant.

Sammy’s maternal grandmother was Luisa Valentina Aguiar (the daughter of Enrique Aguiar and Ida Henderson). Luisa was born in New York. Enrique was a Cuban emigrant, who was born in Havana, the son of Juan De Deis Pastoria and Francisca Aguiar. Ida was born in Connecticut, and was African-American, the daughter of Tanton Henderson and Ellen Allen.

Sammy’s mother is listed as “Mulatto” on U.S. Censuses. She had at least some African ancestry both from her Cuban heritage, and from her African-American maternal grandmother.