How Did Sammy Davis Jr. Die?
Sammy Davis Jr. died of Throat cancer on May 16, 1990, at age 64.
What was Sammy Davis Jr.'s cause of death?
Sammy Davis Jr. was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1989. He had been a heavy smoker throughout his life. Despite undergoing radiation treatment, the cancer had spread too far. He died on May 16, 1990, at his home in Beverly Hills, California, at the age of 64. Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Jesse Jackson, and Eddie Murphy were among those who attended his funeral. He died approximately $5 million in debt due to decades of extravagant spending.
How old was Sammy Davis Jr. when they died?
Sammy Davis Jr. was 64 years old at the time of death.
When did Sammy Davis Jr. die?
Sammy Davis Jr. died on May 16, 1990.
Sammy Davis Jr. Biography
Samuel George Davis Jr. was born on December 8, 1925, in Harlem, New York City. He began performing as a child alongside his father and uncle. Drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II, he faced severe racism but continued to perform for troops. After the war he rose to fame as a solo entertainer and joined Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin in the Rat Pack. He was one of the first Black entertainers to break the color barrier in Las Vegas. He lost his left eye in a 1954 car accident and converted to Judaism the same year. His performances combined singing, dancing, comedy, and musicianship in a way that few could match.
Personal Life
Who are Sammy Davis Jr.'s parents?
Sammy Davis Sr., Elvera Sanchez
Was Sammy Davis Jr. married?
| Name | Married | Divorced |
|---|---|---|
| Loray White | 1958 | None |
| May Britt | 1960 | 1968 |
| Altovise Gore | None | None |
Did Sammy Davis Jr. have children?
Sammy Davis Jr. had 4 children: Tracey Davis, Mark Davis, Jeff Davis, Manny Davis.
What religion was Sammy Davis Jr.?
Sammy Davis Jr. was Judaism (converted 1954).
What was Sammy Davis Jr.'s ethnicity?
Sammy Davis Jr. was of African American, Puerto Rican heritage.
Career Highlights
Movies
- Ocean's 11 (1960)
- Porgy and Bess (1959)
- Robin and the 7 Hoods (1964)
- Salt and Pepper (1968)
- Cannonball Run II (1984)
Albums
- Mr. Wonderful (1956)
- All the Way (1957)
- What Kind of Fool Am I (1962)
- The Candy Man (1972)
TV Shows
- The Sammy Davis Jr. Show (1966)
- All in the Family (guest, 1972)
Awards
- Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2001, posthumous)
- Kennedy Center Honors (1987)
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (2 stars — TV and recordings)
- NAACP Spingarn Medal (1968)
Facts About Sammy Davis Jr.
- He lost his left eye in a 1954 car accident and wore a glass eye for the rest of his life
- He converted to Judaism in 1954, making him one of the most famous Jewish converts in history
- He was one of the first Black entertainers to perform and stay in previously all-white Las Vegas hotels
- He was a member of the Rat Pack alongside Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin
- Despite being one of the biggest entertainers of the 20th century, he died $5 million in debt due to overspending
Sammy Davis Jr. Quotes
"Being a star has made it possible for me to get insulted in places where the average Negro could never hope to go."
"I've got to be a star. I'm the only thing I've got."
Legacy
Sammy Davis Jr. was one of the most versatile and talented entertainers of the 20th century. He broke racial barriers in entertainment at enormous personal cost and helped pave the way for Black performers in mainstream American entertainment. His Rat Pack performances alongside Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin defined Las Vegas cool. He received the Kennedy Center Honors in 1987 and a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Sources
Last verified: 2026-06-05