Let me tell you about the legendary Sammy Davis Jr., a man who lit up stages and screens in the '50s. He was more than just a performer; he was a trailblazer. In 1960, Sammy married Swedish actress May Britt, a union that faced immense scrutiny during a time when racial tensions were running high in America. Despite the challenges, Sammy and May decided to build a family together. Keep reading to dive deeper into the lives of Sammy’s remarkable children.
Sammy Davis Jr.'s Daughter, Tracey Davis: A Bond That Grew Stronger Over Time
Sammy and May welcomed their only biological child, Tracey Davis, in 1961. As a little girl, Tracey grew up in the shadow of her father's dazzling career. In 1996, she penned a heartfelt book titled Sammy Davis Jr.: My Father, where she explored her journey to reconnect with her dad. In a candid 2014 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Tracey opened up about her dad's dedication to his craft, saying he was "married to his work." But as an adult, she realized it was time to bridge the gap and spend more quality time with him.
Tracey shared a poignant moment when she told her dad, "Dad, I always loved you, but I didn’t like you that much." Sammy’s response was equally honest: "Well, I didn’t like you that much either." This heartfelt exchange helped clear the air between them. In 1989, Sammy was diagnosed with throat cancer. By then, their bond had grown stronger, and Tracey, pregnant with her first child, visited her father frequently during his final days in Beverly Hills. The iconic actor passed away in 1990 at the age of 64.
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In 2020, Tracey’s husband, Guy Garner, announced her passing at the age of 59 after battling an undisclosed illness. Her legacy lives on through the love she shared with her family and the stories she left behind in her book, Sammy Davis Jr.: A Personal Journey With My Father. This book not only celebrates her father's illustrious career but also captures rare family moments through photographs and memories.
Sammy’s Son Mark Davis: A Story of Connection
During his marriage to May, Sammy adopted his first son, Mark Davis, in 1960. For years, Mark stayed out of the limelight until 2015 when he revealed a startling suspicion: he believed Sammy might have been his biological father. This revelation came after Sammy allegedly told him, "You are my son," on his deathbed.
In an episode of Inside Edition in 2015, Mark and Tracey took DNA tests to determine if this suspicion was true. The results confirmed that they were not biologically related. However, this didn't affect their close sibling relationship. Mark and Tracey shared a touching moment on camera, declaring their love for each other. This bond was a testament to the deep connection they shared, regardless of biology.
