Encyclopedia article about Ossie Davis, a native of south Georgia and one of the most recognized and influential African American performers and activists of the late twentieth century. In addition to his work as an actor, director, producer, screenwriter, and playwright, Davis, along with his wife Ruby Dee, was known for his civil rights activism. The couple, who appeared in numerous productions together, are widely credited with furthering opportunities on stage and screen for subsequent generations of black artists. Davis attended Howard University in Washington, D.C. and studied drama with the Rose McClendon Players in Harlem. During World War II (1941-1945) Davis enlisted in the army and served in Liberia. After the war he worked on Broadway and in television, acting, directing, writing, and producing. He and his wife were active in the civil rights movement.

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Cite as: "Ossie Davis (1917-2005)," New Georgia Encyclopedia. Retrieved [date]: http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org.

Forms part of the New Georgia Encyclopedia.