Born in Harlem, Manhattan Sammy Davis Jr. came from a theatrical family, claiming to have begun his career at the age of three on stage with his father. It is certain that he was in the movie Rufus Jones for President in 1930 at the age of five. He lost his left eye due to a serious car accident in 1954 and wore an eye patch for at least 6 months following the accident. Growing up in the age of rigid segregation, he was an active supporter of the civil rights movement, helping break down racial barriers in show business in the 1950s and 1960s. In 1959 he became a member of the 'Rat Pack' alongside Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford, making several movies and performing onstage together.
Sammy Davis Jr. died of complications from throat cancer at the age of 64.
