In 1956, the musical “Mr. Wonderful” first opened on Broadway. The play was written specifically to show off Davis Jr.’s talents, and also included his father, Sammy Sr., and his uncle Will.
Some questioned his choice, being that he’d already found success in other entertainment avenues. Still, the show ran for over 380 performances until it closed in February of 1957.
Soul Search
Like with so many cases, the near-death experience caused the performer to reevaluate his life and go on a journey to find his soul. The journey would be sparked by a visit by a Jewish Chaplain when he was in the hospital.
Afterward, he converted from Christianity to Judaism after studying and going through the proper channels.
Moving on up
Although one may think that an accident that takes your eye may derail some, it only served to further motivate the entertainer. He went on to release his own first album in 1955, Starring Sammy Davis Jr., followed by Just for Lovers.
It was all uphill after that. He continued to release albums every year, occasionally multiple times over a 365-day period. Davis Jr. would also go on to win a number of awards including both Grammys and Emmys, along with several others.
Ladies’ Man
Sammy Davis Jr. was mainly considered to be ugly, especially by men, who questioned how he was able to continue coupling up with gorgeous women – but that’s exactly what he did. Women like Kim Novak saw past his face and through to his kind personality, plus it probably helped that he was a huge star. Novak and Davis Jr. fell in love in 1957.
But in those days, their relationship was seen as somewhat forbidden, which would force them into doing some things they weren’t very proud of.
Playing Himself
It must have been incredibly strange and yet very satisfying to play roles that allowed him to break through the world’s racial barriers. He would jump at any chance he got to take on such a role, which led to the episode of All in the Family, in which he guest-starred as himself.
On the show, Archie continues to throw all kinds of hateful remarks his way. Davis Jr.’s response? He gave him a big old kiss right on the cheek (note Archie’s shocked expression.)