Sammy’s 97th Birthday Is Commemorated With Public Opening Of His Gravesite
Standing: Charley McLeod, Markeisha Darden, Manny Davis, Sonia May-Davis, DeShanna Gay, Christopher Lewis “clew,” Chris Poling. Front: Krystle Hartsfield, Andre Watson. Photo courtesy of Joe Shalmoni.
On December 8th, 2022, the Estate of one of the most influential and legendary American entertainers of all-time—Sammy Davis Jr.—orchestrated an homage in honor of his 97th birthday at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale, California, by hosting a very special and intimate private ceremony.
The commemoration began at 1:30pm, and the proceedings included a flower-laying service and open dialogue where attendees shared their memories and stories about Sammy. Additionally, Estate Manager Krystle Hartsfield shared heartfelt comments and memories received via social media from fans all across the world. During the ceremony, the late legend’s son Manny Davis revealed that his father’s gravesite will finally be open to welcome the public in 2023. The gravesite has been closed to the public and for the first time in 32 years will begin to receive visitors.
Regarding this news, Manny stated, “My father loved entertaining everyone. He opened a lot of doors for people who weren’t afforded the opportunities he fought so hard to attain. Today is the first of many events that we have planned to celebrate his life and body of work for the rest of these years going forward. In the coming years, we want people to be able to come pay their respects, as we know how much of an impact he has had on so many lives.”
Now, fans may once again pay their respects to the legendary Sammy Davis Jr.
A biopic about the life and legacy of Sammy Davis Jr. is currently in development by The Estate of Sammy Davis Jr. Stay tuned for more!
Read more about the opening at EBONY.com, Imprint, and the East Portland Blog.
