By Manny Davis is best known as the adopted son of legendary entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. and his third wife, Altovise Davis. Born in 1979 and adopted in 1989, Manny has spent much of his life honoring and preserving his father’s legacy, while also carving out his own space in the entertainment industry.
As the administrator of the Sammy Davis Jr. estate, Manny has taken on the responsibility of protecting, promoting, and managing the image and contributions of his father, ensuring that Sammy Davis Jr.’s groundbreaking achievements in music, film, and civil rights activism continue to be recognized by future generations.
In this article, you’ll discover:
- Manny Davis’s early life and adoption
His career in entertainment and stage production
His role in preserving Sammy Davis Jr.’s legacy
The impact of Sammy Davis Jr. on Manny’s life
How Many continues to promote his father’s contributions
Let’s take a closer look at Manny Davis’s journey and his dedication to honoring his father’s remarkable legacy.
Early Life and Adoption by Sammy Davis Jr.
Manny Davis was born in 1979, and in 1989, at the age of 10, he was adopted by Sammy Davis Jr. and Altovise Davis.
- Sammy Davis Jr., a trailblazing singer, dancer, and actor, was one of the most influential entertainers of the 20th century.
Altovise Davis, a Broadway performer, was also deeply involved in the entertainment world.
The adoption took place shortly before Sammy Davis Jr. passed away in 1990.
Key takeaway: Although their time together was short, Manny developed a strong connection with his father and inherited the responsibility of preserving his name and artistic contributions.
Manny Davis’s Career in Entertainment
Following in his father’s footsteps, Manny pursued a career in the entertainment industry.
- He worked as the Director of Operations and Stage Producer for “America’s Greatest Game Shows”, showcasing his talent for event production and entertainment management.
Manny also served as an announcer for the show, further demonstrating his versatility within the industry.
Example: His involvement in game show productions highlights his dedication to keeping the spirit of classic entertainment alive, much like his father did in his era.
Why it matters: While Manny has not pursued a traditional music or acting career, he has found ways to honor his father’s legacy by staying involved in entertainment.
Custodian of Sammy Davis Jr.’s Estate
When Altovise Davis passed away in 2009, Manny Davis became the administrator of the Sammy Davis Jr. estate.
His responsibilities include:
- Managing licensing and intellectual property related to Sammy Davis Jr.
Working with music and film companies to ensure his father’s work remains accessible.
Protecting his father’s image and reputation from unauthorized use.
Engaging in projects, documentaries, and exhibitions to educate people about Sammy’s impact.
Example: Manny has been involved in multiple Sammy Davis Jr. tribute projects, ensuring that his father’s contributions to music, film, and civil rights are not forgotten.
Key takeaway: Manny plays a crucial role in maintaining his father’s legacy, much like children of other Hollywood legends such as Natalie Cole (daughter of Nat King Cole) or Liza Minnelli (daughter of Judy Garland).
The Influence of Sammy Davis Jr. on Manny’s Life
Even though Manny was only 11 years old when Sammy Davis Jr. passed away, his father’s influence remains strong in his life.
- Sammy Davis Jr. was one of the first Black entertainers to break racial barriers in Hollywood.
His talent spanned multiple genres, including jazz, pop, and Broadway.
He was part of the legendary “Rat Pack” alongside Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.
Example: Manny often shares stories and lessons he learned from his father, emphasizing resilience, hard work, and perseverance in an industry that was historically challenging for Black artists.
Why it matters: Sammy Davis Jr. paved the way for future entertainers, and Manny sees it as his duty to educate the public about his father’s contributions.
Continuing to Promote His Father’s Legacy
Manny Davis has been involved in several initiatives to preserve and celebrate his father’s work:
Documentaries & Tributes
- Manny has worked with filmmakers and historians to create documentaries about Sammy Davis Jr.’s life.
One notable project was “Sammy Davis Jr.: I’ve Gotta Be Me”, a PBS documentary highlighting his career and activism.
Public Speaking & Interviews
- Manny participates in interviews, podcasts, and events to discuss his father’s impact.
He provides rare insights and personal stories that help people understand the real Sammy Davis Jr.
Example: He has spoken in public forums about Sammy’s challenges with racism, Hollywood struggles, and how he remained determined despite adversity.
Music & Film Preservation Efforts
- Works with music labels to remaster and release Sammy’s old recordings.
Supports efforts to digitally restore Sammy’s classic films and TV appearances.
Key takeaway: Manny’s work ensures that new generations can discover and appreciate Sammy Davis Jr.’s contributions.
Challenges of Managing a Celebrity Estate
Managing a legendary entertainer’s estate is not always easy. Manny Davis has had to navigate:
- Legal battles over intellectual property and image rights.
Maintaining financial control while ensuring Sammy’s works remain available.
Protecting his father’s reputation from unauthorized uses or misrepresentations.
Why it’s important: Many celebrity estates struggle with mismanagement, legal conflicts, or lack of preservation efforts—Manny works hard to keep his father’s legacy intact.
Looking to the Future: What’s Next for Manny Davis?
Manny continues to be active in projects related to Sammy Davis Jr., including:
- New film and documentary projects about his father’s life.
Efforts to bring Sammy’s music and performances to streaming platforms.
Collaborations with historians and museums for special exhibitions on Sammy’s impact.
What’s next? Manny is committed to ensuring that Sammy Davis Jr. remains a celebrated icon for generations to come.
Conclusion
Manny Davis may not be a performer like his father, but his work behind the scenes is just as important. By managing Sammy Davis Jr.’s estate, preserving his legacy, and educating people about his contributions, Manny ensures that one of the greatest entertainers of all time is never forgotten.
Key Takeaways:
- Adopted son of Sammy Davis Jr., now managing his father’s estate.
Worked in entertainment production and game shows.
Plays a crucial role in licensing, branding, and protecting Sammy’s legacy.
Supports music, film, and documentary projects honoring his father.
Continues to educate the public about Sammy Davis Jr.’s contributions to entertainment and civil rights.
Want to learn more about Sammy Davis Jr.? Follow upcoming projects and releases managed by Manny Davis!
FAQs
1. Who is Manny Davis?
Manny Davis is the adopted son of legendary entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. and Altovise Davis. He was adopted in 1989, a year before Sammy Davis Jr.’s passing in 1990.
2. What does Manny Davis do for a living?
Manny has worked in entertainment production and stage management, including serving as Director of Operations and Stage Producer for “America’s Greatest Game Shows”. He is also the administrator of the Sammy Davis Jr. estate, managing his father’s legacy.
3. How is Manny Davis preserving his father’s legacy?
As the estate administrator, Manny oversees licensing, branding, and intellectual property rights related to Sammy Davis Jr. He is also involved in documentaries, music re-releases, and tribute projects to keep his father’s contributions in music, film, and civil rights alive.
4. Has Manny Davis pursued a career in music or acting like his father?
No, Manny has primarily focused on behind-the-scenes roles in entertainment and managing his father’s estate. While he hasn’t pursued music or acting directly, he remains actively involved in preserving and promoting his father’s artistic legacy.
5. Where can I learn more about Manny Davis and Sammy Davis Jr.?
You can follow official Sammy Davis Jr. projects, documentaries, and interviews featuring Manny Davis. A great starting point is the PBS documentary “Sammy Davis Jr.: I’ve Gotta Be Me”, where Manny contributes insights about his father’s life and career.
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