The Private Residences of Sammy Davis Jr.
Sammy Davis Jr., an iconic figure dubbed "Mister Show Business," carved a remarkable path in entertainment during the 1950s and '60s. Beginning his career as a child performer in a family dance troupe, he ascended to Broadway stardom in Mr. Wonderful, subsequently commanding stages in Las Vegas, hosting his own television show, and releasing hit songs like "The Candy Man." His cinematic ventures included memorable roles alongside Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin in films such as Ocean's Eleven. Despite his deep connection to the stage, which he often cited as his true home, Davis's personal residences in Hollywood and Beverly Hills were equally as captivating, evolving with his fame and personal milestones. His autobiographies, Why Me?: The Sammy Davis, Jr. Story and Yes, I Can: The Story of Sammy Davis, Jr., offer intimate glimpses into how his living spaces transformed from humble beginnings to opulent settings fit for a superstar.
His homes served as backdrops for significant personal events, including his controversial marriage to Swedish actress May Britt in 1960, a private affair held at his Hollywood Hills residence to avoid public spectacle given the societal norms of the time. This home later expanded to welcome their growing family, including adopted children, emphasizing Davis's commitment to providing a loving environment. Later, the family moved into a grand Beverly Hills mansion previously owned by David O. Selznick, a property chosen for its elegance and capacity for lavish entertaining, frequently hosting a galaxy of stars. In the latter part of his life, his Summit Drive estate in Beverly Hills became a sanctuary, filled with cherished memories and providing a tranquil retreat during his final years.
The Evolution of Sammy Davis Jr.'s Hollywood Dwellings
Sammy Davis Jr.'s journey through Hollywood was mirrored by the evolution of his personal residences. From his initial, sparsely furnished abode in the Hollywood Hills in 1955, shared with his grandmother, to the grand estates that became symbols of his success, his homes provided a fascinating narrative of his life off-stage. Early in his career, as he prepared for a CBS interview special, the urgency to furnish his modest home highlighted the stark contrast between his burgeoning public image and his private reality. This scramble to create a presentable living space underscored his determination and the rapid ascent of his career, transforming a bare house into one ready for the spotlight almost overnight. This period marked the beginning of his exploration into creating a domestic life that could accommodate his dynamic career and growing family.
His residential choices reflected not only his professional growth but also his personal milestones, notably his marriage to May Britt. Their private wedding at his Hollywood Hills home in 1960 was a conscious decision to navigate the societal complexities of an interracial union with dignity, far from the public eye. This home then transformed into a vibrant family hub, expanding to welcome their adopted children, Tracey, Mark, and Jeff, fulfilling their desire to provide a nurturing environment for children in need. The subsequent move to a Beverly Hills mansion, discovered by Britt for its understated elegance, provided a spacious and luxurious setting for hosting an array of celebrity friends and colleagues, cementing its status as a social epicenter in Hollywood. His final home on Summit Drive in Beverly Hills, with its extensive gardens and tranquil atmosphere, became a deeply cherished retreat, offering solace and reflecting on a lifetime of achievements, and ultimately serving as his peaceful resting place.
A Chronicle of Family Life and Star-Studded Gatherings
The homes of Sammy Davis Jr. were more than just structures; they were vibrant backdrops for a rich family life and legendary social gatherings. His Hollywood Hills residence witnessed the intimate beginnings of his family with May Britt, a union that bravely defied societal norms of the era. This home quickly became filled with the joys of parenthood, as they expanded their family through adoption, embracing Tracey, Mark, and Jeff. Davis's commitment to creating a loving and stable environment for his children was a cornerstone of his domestic life, a stark contrast to his often tumultuous public persona. The photographs capturing these moments, such as the 1962 family portrait in their home garden, vividly portray a man deeply invested in his role as a husband and father, finding immense happiness and purpose within his family unit.
Following their time in the Hollywood Hills, the Davis family transitioned to a magnificent Beverly Hills mansion, a move that significantly elevated their domestic sphere. This estate, once owned by David O. Selznick, was chosen for its blend of grandeur and warmth, becoming a premier destination for Hollywood's elite. Davis, known for his generosity and hospitality, frequently entertained a constellation of stars, including his Rat Pack compatriots Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, as well as Liza Minnelli. His autobiographical accounts reveal a home bustling with creative energy and camaraderie, where producers, directors, writers, and actors mingled freely. The mansion's luxurious amenities, including a walk-in bar, billiards room, and an office tailored to his hobbies, underscored his lavish lifestyle and his passion for collecting. His third wife, Altovise Gore, further personalized their subsequent home with thoughtful touches, creating spaces dedicated to his passions, such as a pool table, gun collection, and a custom-built office. These homes collectively narrate a story of evolving domesticity, from pioneering family structures to becoming a celebrated host and ultimately finding a serene sanctuary in his final years.