Former FINIAN'S Og Charles Davis Dies at 84

By: Dec. 18, 2009
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Character actor Charles Davis, who performed the role of Og in the first installment of Finian's Rainbow for over 1000 performances from 1947 - 1948 on Broadway and on tour, died of an apparent heart attack in Thousand Oaks California on December 12 at 84. 

The Irish-born actor appeared got his professional start performing at The Abbey Theatre in Dublin, with stars such as Burgess Meredith

After his long sting in Finian's Rainbow, Davis moved to Hollywood where he build a successful career performing in 22 major motion pictures and more than 100 television shows. Film credits include The Desert Rats with Richard Burton, Hong Kong Story with Clark Gable and Susan Hayward, The Wreck of the Mary Deare with Gary Cooper and Charlton Heston, and Star with Julie Andrews. His television appearances include The Twilight Zone, Night Gallery, Perry Mason, The Wild Wild West, Leave It To Beaver, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, The Donna Reed Show and Playhouse 90.

As a writer, Davis wrote for the television show Death Valley Days, Have Gun Will Travel, and The Bold Ones.  On television he directed movies of the week and TV specials, for NBC. He additionally wrote, directed and produced the feature films Kennedy's Ireland, Thunder Run, Hazel's People, and The Violent Ones.

In 1984, Davis made a run for politics, winning the Democratic priMary For a seat in Congress.  He lost in the general election.

In in las professional years, he taught acting at the Actors and Singers Studio in Thousand Oaks, which he co-founded with his singer/actress daughter, Maripat Davis.

In addition to his Maripat, he is survived by his wife of 59 years, actress Marilyn O'Connor, and a son.

 



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