Rare Details About Sammy Davis Jr.'s Private Life Are Leaving Fans Reeling

"You always have two choices: your commitment versus your fear," Sammy Davis Jr. reflected. From family difficulties in New York City to his clashes with discriminatory colleagues in both the army and Hollywood, Sammy Davis chased his dreams while pushing back the fear that raged inside him. Throughout his longstanding career, the star sealed his place as actor and activist extraordinaire, though this Rat Pack member wasn't always as calm and cool as he appeared to be.

Harlem Born

Samuel George Davis Jr. was born on December 8, 1925, in the neighborhood of Harlem in New York City. Sammy himself was destined for stardom, especially given who his parents were. He practically had show business running through his veins.

Sammy Davis Sr.

Sammy’s father (seen here dancing to the left of his son) was also named Sammy, and he thrived as an entertainer and stage performer. Naturally, he married another tap dancer and performer, named Elvera Sanchez, but there was controversy about her past.

Elvera Sanchez

Sammy’s mother Elvera has a disputed birthplace. Throughout most of his life, he mentioned that she was Puerto Rican, born in the capital of San Juan, but his 2003 biography told a different story. It turned out that had been a convenient lie.

Record Sales

She was actually from Cuba, a country looked down upon by many Americans. Sammy worried that his record sales would plummet if people found out where he came from, so he stayed mum about his background, especially in these early years.