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.
Also Known As
Movie Appearances
Do the Right Thing
as Da Mayor
1989
Doctor Dolittle
as Archer Dolittle
1998
Jungle Fever
as Reverend Purify
1991
Dinosaur
as Yar (voice)
2000
Neighborhoods: The Hidden Cities of San Francisco - The Fillmore
as Narrator
2001
Joe Versus the Volcano
as Marshall
1990
Goin' Back to T-Town
as Narrator
1993
Grumpy Old Men
as Chuck
1993
The Hill
as Jacko King
1965
Sam Whiskey
as Jed Hooker
1969
The Scalphunters
as Joseph Lee
1968
12 Angry Men
as Juror 2
1997
Bubba Ho-tep
as John F. "Jack" Kennedy
2002
Baadasssss!
as Granddad
2004
Let's Do It Again
as Elder Johnson
1975
I'm Not Rappaport
as Midge Carter
1996
Avenging Angel
as Capt. Harry Moradian
1985
Get on the Bus
as Jeremiah / 'Pop'
1996
The Secret Path
as Too Tall
1999
Harry & Son
as Raymond
1984
TV Appearances
Third Watch
as Mr. Parker
1999
Evening Shade
as Ponder Blue
1990
The Great Adventure
as John Ross
1963
Touched by an Angel
as Gabriel
1994
Hawaii Five-O
as Ramon Borelle
1968
The L Word
as Melvin Porter
2004
JAG
as Terrence Minnerly
1995
Hallmark Hall of Fame
as Charles Carter
1951
The Stand
as Judge Richard Farris
1994
Run for Your Life
as Frankie Morton
1965
The Fugitive
as Lt. Johnny Gaines
1963
Promised Land
1996