Davis Roberts Explained

Davis Roberts
Birthname:Robert A. Davis
Birth Date:7 March 1917
Birth Place:Mobile, Alabama, U.S.
Death Place:Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Occupation:Actor
Yearsactive:1946 - 1989

Davis Roberts (born Robert A. Davis, March 7, 1917  - July 18, 1993) was an American character actor whose career spanned five decades, from the late 1940s until just before his death in 1993.[1] [2] [3] He started out making films in the 1940s and 1950s and expanded into television work in the following decades. Davis was known for his dignified portrayals which were often in contrast to prevailing stereotypical roles.[3] He played the role of Dr. Caldwell in three episodes in the second and third seasons of the NBC-TV sitcom series Sanford and Son, and as Dr. Ozaba in the 1968 episode "The Empath" in the original Star Trek series.[1] [2] [3]

He was active off-screen as well, serving several terms on the western advisory board of Actors' Equity Association.[2] As one of the officers of Beverly Hills-Hollywood Branch of the NAACP he helped present the first Image Awards in 1967.[3]

Death

Davis died in the home of his brother Charles on July 18, 1993, of emphysema at the age of 76.[1] [2] [3]

Filmography

YearTitleRoleNotes
1947The Long Night Freddie
1949Knock on Any Door Jim 'Sunshine' Jackson Uncredited
1949The Great Dan Patch Smiler Uncredited
1950In a Lonely Place Flower Shop Employee Uncredited
1950No Way Out Heckler at Riot Meeting Uncredited
1951Tarzan's Peril Emissary Uncredited
1951The Lion Hunters Lohu
1951The Harlem Globetrotters Frank Uncredited
1952Phone Call from a Stranger Henry Uncredited
1952Red Ball Express Pvt. Dave McCord
1953Jungle Drums of Africa Native Ambusher Serial, [Ch.1]
1953Jamaica Run Rob Uncredited
1954The Glenn Miller Story Black Man Uncredited
1956Female Jungle George
1958God's Little Acre Farm Hand with Hoe
1958Murder by Contract Hall of Records Clerk
1960All the Fine Young Cannibals Darl Uncredited
1962Sweet Bird of Youth Fly Uncredited
1964The Killers MaƮtre D'
1964Quick Before It Melts Military Man
1966The Chase Roy Uncredited
1967Hotel Dr. Elmo Adams
1968Lionheart Corporal
1969Hook, Line & Sinker Member - Board of Inquiry Jerry Lewis comedy; uncredited
1970Halls of Anger Mr. Willis
1970The Great White Hope Pastor Uncredited
1972Sanford and Son Dr. Caldwell
1972Glass Houses
1973The Trial of the Catonsville Nine Prosecutor
1973Westworld Supervisor
1973Detroit 9000
1974Willie Dynamite Judge #2
1976From Noon till Three Sam
1977Demon Seed Warner
1977Billy Jack Goes to Washington 2nd Handwriting Expert
1981Honky Tonk Freeway James
1984Chattanooga Choo Choo Woodrow
1990To Sleep with Anger Okra Tate
1993The Gifted (final film role)

Notes and References

  1. News: Heise . Kenan . 29 Jul 1993 . Actor Davis Roberts, 76: Helped Break Stereotype . Chicago Tribune . English . Chicago, Illinois . 4 Jan 2016 . Davis Roberts, 76, a Hollywood actor from 1946 to 1989, helped redefine the black character actor, performing with dignity and professionalism in 120 movies and in a wide variety of roles. .
  2. News: . 5 Aug 1993 . Davis Roberts; Actor, 76 . New York Times . English . New York, New York . 4 Jan 2016 . Davis Roberts, who played a broad range of characters in dozens of television shows while championing black causes off screen, died on July 18 in Chicago. .
  3. News: Folkart . Burt A. . 4 Aug 1993 . Obituaries : Davis Roberts; Actor Fought Stereotypical Roles for Blacks . Los Angeles Times . English . Los Angeles, California . 4 Jan 2016 . Despite an occasional comic appearance, Roberts' greatest acting strength lay in the distinguished attitude he brought to his characters. .