Davis Roberts

Davis Roberts (born Robert A. Davis, March 7, 1917 – July 18, 1993) was an American character actor whose career spanned five decades, from the late 1940s until just before his death in 1993.[1][2][3] He started out making films in the 1940s and 1950s and expanded into television work in the following decades. Davis was known for his dignified portrayals which were often in contrast to prevailing stereotypical roles.[3] He played the role of Dr. Caldwell in three episodes in the second and third seasons of the NBC-TV sitcom series Sanford and Son, and as Dr. Ozaba in the 1968 episode "The Empath" in the original Star Trek series.[1][2][3]

Davis Roberts
Davis Roberts in Mission Impossible 1967
Born
Robert A. Davis

(1917-03-07)March 7, 1917
Mobile, Alabama, U.S.
DiedJuly 18, 1993(1993-07-18) (aged 76)
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
OccupationActor
Years active1946–1989

He was active off-screen as well, serving several terms on the western advisory board of Actors' Equity Association.[2] As one of the officers of Beverly Hills-Hollywood Branch of the NAACP he helped present the first Image Awards in 1967.[3]

Death

Davis died in the home of his brother Charles on July 18, 1993 of emphysema at the age of 76.[1][2][3]

Filmography
Year Title Role Notes
1947The Long NightFreddie
1949Knock on Any DoorJim 'Sunshine' JacksonUncredited
1949The Great Dan PatchSmilerUncredited
1950In a Lonely PlaceFlower Shop EmployeeUncredited
1950No Way OutHeckler at Riot MeetingUncredited
1951Tarzan's PerilEmissaryUncredited
1951The Lion HuntersLohu
1951The Harlem GlobetrottersFrankUncredited
1952Phone Call from a StrangerHenryUncredited
1952Red Ball ExpressPvt. Dave McCord
1953Jungle Drums of AfricaNative AmbusherSerial, [Ch.1]
1953Jamaica RunRobUncredited
1954The Glenn Miller StoryBlack ManUncredited
1956Female JungleGeorge
1958God's Little AcreFarm Hand with Hoe
1958Murder by ContractHall of Records Clerk
1960All the Fine Young CannibalsDarlUncredited
1962Sweet Bird of YouthFlyUncredited
1964The KillersMaître D'
1964Quick Before It MeltsMilitary Man
1966The ChaseRoyUncredited
1967HotelDr. Elmo Adams
1968LionheartCorporal
1969Hook, Line & SinkerMember - Board of InquiryJerry Lewis comedy; uncredited
1970Halls of AngerMr. Willis
1970The Great White HopePastorUncredited
1972Glass Houses
1973The Trial of the Catonsville NineProsecutor
1973WestworldSupervisor
1973Detroit 9000
1974Willie DynamiteJudge #2
1976From Noon till ThreeSam
1977Demon SeedWarner
1977Billy Jack Goes to Washington2nd Handwriting Expert
1981Honky Tonk FreewayJames
1984Chattanooga Choo ChooWoodrow
1990To Sleep with AngerOkra Tate
1993The Gifted(final film role)

References
  1. Heise, Kenan (29 Jul 1993). "Actor Davis Roberts, 76: Helped Break Stereotype". Chicago Tribune. Chicago, Illinois. Retrieved 4 Jan 2016. Davis Roberts, 76, a Hollywood actor from 1946 to 1989, helped redefine the black character actor, performing with dignity and professionalism in 120 movies and in a wide variety of roles.
  2. "Davis Roberts; Actor, 76". New York Times. New York, New York. 5 Aug 1993. Retrieved 4 Jan 2016. Davis Roberts, who played a broad range of characters in dozens of television shows while championing black causes off screen, died on July 18 in Chicago.
  3. Folkart, Burt A. (4 Aug 1993). "Obituaries : Davis Roberts; Actor Fought Stereotypical Roles for Blacks". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, California. Retrieved 4 Jan 2016. Despite an occasional comic appearance, Roberts' greatest acting strength lay in the distinguished attitude he brought to his characters.
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