Ossie Davis

Acting

Born December 18, 1917 · Cogdell, Georgia, USA

Died February 4, 2005

Also known as Ozzie Davis · Raiford Chatman "Ossie" Davis · Raiford Chatman Davis

Biography

Raiford Chatman "Ossie" Davis (December 18, 1917 – February 4, 2005) was an American actor, director, writer, and activist. He may be best known for his roles in Spike Lee-directed films such as School Daze (1988) and Do the Right Thing (1989). Other films Davis acted in include The Hill (1965), A Man Called Adam (1966), Let's Do It Again (1975), Joe Versus the Volcano (1990), Grumpy Old Men (1993), The Client (1994), Dr. Dolittle (1998), Dinosaur (2000), and Bubba Ho-Tep (2002). He was married to Ruby Dee, with whom he frequently performed, from 1948 until his death.

Awards & recognition

Grammy Award — Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording · 2006
Marian Anderson Award · 2005
Kennedy Center Honors · 2004
NAACP Image Award — Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series · 2001
Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award · 2001

Show all 28 awards →

NAACP Image Award — Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series · 1999
NAACP Image Award — Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture · 1989
NAACP Image Award – Hall of Fame Award · 1987
Coretta Scott King Award · 1979
Paul Robeson Award · 1975
Daytime Emmy Award
James Parks Morton Interfaith Award
National Medal of Arts
Grammy Award — Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording · 2006 · nominated
Primetime Emmy Award — Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series · 2005 · nominated
NAACP Image Award — Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special · 2004 · nominated
NAACP Image Award — Outstanding Performance in a Youth/Children's Series or Special · 2001 · nominated
NAACP Image Award — Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series · 2001 · nominated
NAACP Image Award — Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series · 1999 · nominated
Satellite Award — Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film · 1998 · nominated
NAACP Image Award — Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture · 1997 · nominated
Primetime Emmy Award — Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie · 1997 · nominated
NAACP Image Award — Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series · 1996 · nominated
NAACP Image Award — Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture · 1989 · nominated
Primetime Emmy Award — Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series · 1978 · nominated
Tony Award — Best Musical · 1970 · nominated
Golden Globe Award — Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture · 1968 · nominated
Tony Award — Best Featured Actor in a Musical · 1958 · nominated