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Ossie Davis

Birth Place: Cogdell, GA, USA

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STAGE CREDITS

A Celebration of Paul Robeson
[Broadway]
Special Benefit Production, 1988
Performer
I'm Not Rappaport
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1985
Midge [Replacement]
The Zulu and the Zayda
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1965
Performer, Johannes
Ballad for Bimshire
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1963
Sir Radio, Performer
Purlie Victorious
[Broadway]
1961
Purlie Victorious Judson
A Raisin in the Sun
[Broadway]
1959
Walter Lee Younger [Replacement]
Jamaica
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1957
Cicero
The Wisteria Trees
[Broadway]
1955
Jacques
Touchstone
[Broadway]
1953
Dr. Joseph Clay
Remains to Be Seen
[Broadway]
1951
Al
The Green Pastures
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1951
Gabriel
The Royal Family
[Broadway]
1951
Jo
The Wisteria Trees
[Broadway]
1950
Jacques
The Smile of the World
[Broadway]
1949
Stewart
The Leading Lady
[Broadway]
1948
Trem
Jeb
[Broadway]
1946
Jeb Turner

Productions

Finian's Rainbow
 
[US Tour, 1999]
Cultural Adviser
Bingo!
 
[Off-Off-Broadway, 1985]
Director
Ballad for Bimshire
 
[Off-Broadway, 1963]
Producer

Writing

Bingo!
Bookwriter
Purlie
Source Material
Bookwriter

Awards and Nominations


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2024 - Best Revival of a Play

Ossie Davis, Purlie Victorious

Tony Awards - 1970 - Best Musical

Ossie Davis, Purlie

Tony Awards - 1958 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Ossie Davis, Jamaica

Videos

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News


Review: PURLIE VICTORIOUS at Studio Theatre Photo
Review: PURLIE VICTORIOUS at Studio Theatre
by Jake Bridges - May 12, 2026

What did our critic think of PURLIE VICTORIOUS at Studio Theatre?
FILMAFRICA 2026 Will Present Pan-African Cinema Series at BAM Rose Cinemas Photo
FILMAFRICA 2026 Will Present Pan-African Cinema Series at BAM Rose Cinemas
by A.A. Cristi - May 9, 2026

BAM Rose Cinemas will present FILMAFRICA 2026, a showcase of contemporary and classic Pan-African cinema curated by the New York African Film Festival, featuring world, US, and North American premieres from Uganda, Nigeria, Senegal, Kenya, and beyond.
BAM Unveils DANCEAFRICA Festival 2026 Lineup and Events Photo
BAM Unveils DANCEAFRICA Festival 2026 Lineup and Events
by A.A. Cristi - May 9, 2026

BAM’s annual DanceAfrica Festival will return to Brooklyn from May 16-28, 2026. The long-running celebration of African and diasporic dance and culture will feature performances, films, dance classes, and community events across the BAM campus.
New York African Film Festival Unveils 2026 Lineup Photo
New York African Film Festival Unveils 2026 Lineup
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 31, 2026

The lineup has been announced for the 33rd edition of the New York African Film Festival (NYAFF), spotlighting 14 contemporary and classic feature films and 25 short films.
Kara Young to Replace Samira Wiley in PROOF on Broadway Photo
Kara Young to Replace Samira Wiley in PROOF on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 17, 2026

Two-time Tony Award winner Kara Young will join the cast of the first ever Broadway revival of David Auburn’s Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning play Proof, directed by Tony Award winner Thomas Kail.
Interview: Jim Vagias of American Theater Group and MY FAIR LADY Photo
Interview: Jim Vagias of American Theater Group and MY FAIR LADY
by Marina Kennedy - Feb 24, 2026

We had the opportunity to interview Jim Vagias about the show, his work at ATG and his plans for the future. 
Ronald Rand to Star in LET IT BE ART! South Carolina Premiere at Bluebird Theatre Photo
Ronald Rand to Star in LET IT BE ART! South Carolina Premiere at Bluebird Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 16, 2026

U.S. Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand will be bringing Harold Clurman, the 'Elder Statesman of the American Theatre' alive in the South Caroilna premiere of his solo play, Let It Be Art! at the Bluebird Theatre in Orangeburg.
Amas Musical Theatre to Celebrate 50th Anniversary with BUBBLING BROWN SUGAR Photo
Amas Musical Theatre to Celebrate 50th Anniversary with BUBBLING BROWN SUGAR
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 4, 2026

Amas Musical Theatre will celebrate its 58th Anniversary at its annual Gala Benefit on Monday, May 11, 2026 at “Rosetta's Place” at Penthouse 45 (432 West 45th Street - NYC). 
Review: AN EVENING WITH SUTTON FOSTER at Emerson Colonial Theatre Photo
Review: AN EVENING WITH SUTTON FOSTER at Emerson Colonial Theatre
by R. Scott Reedy - Jan 31, 2026

What did our critic think of AN EVENING WITH SUTTON FOSTER at Emerson Colonial Theatre?
Bret Adams & Paul Reisch Foundation Reveals 2025 Idea Award Recipients Photo
Bret Adams & Paul Reisch Foundation Reveals 2025 Idea Award Recipients
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 7, 2025

The Bret Adams & Paul Reisch Foundation has announced the recipients of its 2025 Idea Awards for Theatre, recognizing adventurous new voices in playwriting and musical theatre alongside the visionary playwrights who have shaped the field.
Meet the Cast of OEDIPUS, Now Playing on Broadway Photo
Meet the Cast of OEDIPUS, Now Playing on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Oct 30, 2025

The Olivier Award-winning Oedipus, an adaptation created and directed by Robert Icke, will begin performances on Broadway on Thursday, October 30, 2025. Meet the cast of Oedipus here!
Review: PURLIE at WBTT Photo
Review: PURLIE at WBTT
by Shanti M. Kennedy - Oct 22, 2025

West Coast Black Theatre's  26th season themed “Soul of a People”, opens with the lively musical 'Purlie.' This energetic production is based on Ossie Davis's charming play 'Purlie Victorious.'
Review: Folger Theater's JULIUS X a Masterful Re-Imagining of Shakespeare's Classic Photo
Review: Folger Theater's JULIUS X a Masterful Re-Imagining of Shakespeare's Classic
by Andrew White - Oct 1, 2025

The Folger Theatre’s production of “Julius X,” Letson’s heartfelt and moving treatment of the break between Malcolm and the Nation of Islam, a break which culminated in his assassination at the hands of his former brothers, is a cautionary tale for our time—and for any time. 
Review: PURLIE VICTORIOUS at Main Street Theater Photo
Review: PURLIE VICTORIOUS at Main Street Theater
by Brett Cullum - Sep 20, 2025

PURLIE VICTORIOUS: A NON-CONFEDERATE ROMP THROUGH THE COTTON PATCH is certainly a curiosity, a satire of Jim Crow life written during the throes of the equal rights movement of the early sixties. I feel like it should seem more creaky, more antiquated, and backwards. Unfortunately for us, it is not.
Review: PURLIE VICTORIOUS: A NON-CONFEDERATE ROMP THROUGH THE COTTON PATCH at Main St Photo
Review: PURLIE VICTORIOUS: A NON-CONFEDERATE ROMP THROUGH THE COTTON PATCH at Main Street Theater
by Brett Cullum - Sep 17, 2025

PURLIE VICTORIOUS: A NON-CONFEDERATE ROMP THROUGH THE COTTON PATCH is certainly a curiosity, a satire of Jim Crow life written during the throes of the equal rights movement of the early sixties. I feel like it should seem more creaky, more antiquated, and backwards. Unfortunately for us, it is not.
Photos: PURLIE VICTORIOUS at Main Street Theatre Photo
Photos: PURLIE VICTORIOUS at Main Street Theatre
by Emmy Rice - Sep 13, 2025

Main Street Theater (MST) opens its 50th Season with the regional premiere of Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp through the Cotton Patch by Ossie Davis.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Opens 2025-2026 Theatre Season With PURLIE Photo
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Opens 2025-2026 Theatre Season With PURLIE
by Stephi Wild - Sep 11, 2025

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe has announced the first show in its 2025-2026 “Soul Of A People” theatre season: “Purlie.” Learn more about the upcoming production here!
Interview: Krystal Uchem of PURLIE VICTORIOUS at Main Street Theater Photo
Interview: Krystal Uchem of PURLIE VICTORIOUS at Main Street Theater
by Armando Urdiales - Sep 10, 2025

Main Street Theater continues its season with Ossie Davis’ groundbreaking satire Purlie Victorious, a play that blends sharp humor with a powerful exploration of race, dignity, and resilience. At the heart of the production is Houston actor and costume designer Krystal Uchem, who steps into the role of Lutiebelle Gussie Mae Jenkins....
PURLIE VICTORIOUS to Open Main Street Theater 50th Season Photo
PURLIE VICTORIOUS to Open Main Street Theater 50th Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 28, 2025

Main Street Theater will open its 50th Season with the regional premiere of Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp through the Cotton Patch by Ossie Davis. Learn more!
Anita Michael to Present FOOLIN’ MYSELF at The Green Room 42 Photo
Anita Michael to Present FOOLIN’ MYSELF at The Green Room 42
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 12, 2025

The Green Room 42 will present vocalist and performer Anita Michael in her new and timely show, Foolin’ Myself. Learn more about the upcoming performance and see how to purchase tickets!
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Ossie Davis been in?

Ossie Davis has appeared on Broadway in 15 shows.

How many West End shows has Ossie Davis been in?

Ossie Davis has not appeared in the West End

What awards has Ossie Davis been nominated for?

Ossie Davis has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. He was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Musical for his work in "Purlie" and also received a nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for his performance in "Jamaica".

How many shows has Ossie Davis written?

Ossie Davis has written 4 shows including Purlie Victorious (Playwright), Purlie (Source Material), Bingo! (Bookwriter), A Last Dance for Sybil (Playwright).

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