Ossie 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.

Filmography

Archer Dolittle
Reverend Purify
Yar (voice)
Jacko King
Jed Hooker
John F. "Jack" Kennedy
Granddad
Elder Johnson
Midge Carter
Capt. Harry Moradian
Dr. Sanders
Captain John Geiberger
Eulogy Performer (voice)
Duncan Cox
Dangerfield Newby
Nelson Davis
Charles Carter
Reverend Purlie Victorious Judson
Father Gillis
Coach Odom
Ernest Motapo
Reverend 'Rev' Gregory
Self (archive footage)
Luke
Cab Driver (uncredited)
John Brooks (uncredited)
Lt. Wagner
Self - Actor and Playwright
Eulogy (voice)
Jason King (archive footage)
Jason King (archival footage)
Blaine Whitfield
Narrator
Benjamin Banneker
Alexander Billman
Osmond Portifoy
James Lucas
Harry Roosevelt
Lorenzo DuFau
Anansi the Spider (Sleepytime Songs and Stories) (voice)
Narrator (voice)
Judge Buchanan
Narrator (voice)
Detective in Squad Room
Frederick Douglas (voice)
Self (uncredited)