Raiford Chatman "Ossie" Davis was an American actor, director, writer, and activist. He was married to Ruby Dee, with whom he frequently performed, until his death. He received numerous accolades including a Grammy Award and a Writers Guild of America Award as well as nominations for five Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and Tony Award. Davis was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1994 and received the National Medal of Arts in 1995, Kennedy Center Honors in 2004
Davis started his career in theatre acting with the Ross McClendon Players in the 1940s. He made his Broadway debut acting in the post-World War II play Jeb. He earned a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical nomination for his role in Jamaica. He wrote and starred as the title character in the satirical farce Purlie Victorious which was adapted into a 1963 film and 1970 musical.
Davis's credits as a film director include Cotton Comes to Harlem, Black Girl, and Gordon's War. He was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor for The Scalphunters.