Ossie Davis
Ossie Davis is an actor, bookwriter, playwright whose BroadwayWorld credits include A Celebration of Paul Robeson, I'm Not Rappaport, and The Zulu and the Zayda. Awards include BroadwayWorld Awards for Purlie Victorious (2024).
Date of Birth: December 18, 1917
Date of Death: February 04, 2005 (87)
Birth Place: Cogdell, GA, USA
Latest News on Ossie Davis:
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STAGE CREDITS
Productions
Writing
Playwright
Playwright
Bookwriter
Source Material
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
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See how many degrees separate Ossie Davis from another Broadway star or creative.
Ossie Davis
Connection
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
Video: Leslie Odom, Jr. on His Tony Nomination- 'This One's Personal'
by Joey Mervis - 2024-05-13 16:34:37
Photos & Video: PURLIE VICTORIOUS Concludes Broadway Run with Proclamations From Congress and the State of New York
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2024-02-06 15:53:12
Video: Watch an All New Montage of PURLIE VICTORIOUS on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2023-12-28 14:04:02
Video: Leslie Odom Jr. Shares His Daughter's Reaction to PURLIE VICTORIOUS on FALLON
by Michael Major - 2023-10-13 10:15:19
Video: Stars Walk the Red Carpet on Opening Night of PURLE VICTORIOUS
by Red Carpet - 2023-10-12 15:22:50
Video: Leslie Odom, Jr. & Company Celebrate Opening Night of PURLIE VICTORIOUS on Broadway
by Opening Night - 2023-10-02 15:21:02
Video: Leslie Odom Jr. Shares Why PURLIE VICTORIOUS Is a 'Very Rare Piece'
by Michael Major - 2023-09-27 11:34:41
Character Breakdown: PURLIE VICTORIOUS Cast Unpacks Their Roles
by Nicole Rosky - 2023-09-09 16:00:20
Video: What is PURLIE VICTORIOUS All About? The Cast Explains!
by Nicole Rosky - 2023-08-13 16:00:20
News
THE LENORE RAPHAEL TRIO to Play Ossie Davis Theater in New Rochelle
by Rachel Stone - Aug 25, 2026
The Lenore Raphael Trio will perform two sets at the Ossie Davis Theater in New Rochelle, New York, led by jazz pianist Lenore Raphael.
by Rachel Stone - Aug 25, 2026
The Lenore Raphael Trio will perform two sets at the Ossie Davis Theater in New Rochelle, New York, led by jazz pianist Lenore Raphael.
Leslie Odom, Jr. Adds Second Performance at London Palladium Due to Demand
by Stephi Wild - Jun 12, 2026
Tony and Grammy Award-winning artist Leslie Odom, Jr. announced a second performance at the London Palladium, with producers Darren Bell and Cuffe & Taylor citing overwhelming demand for the solo concert.
by Stephi Wild - Jun 12, 2026
Tony and Grammy Award-winning artist Leslie Odom, Jr. announced a second performance at the London Palladium, with producers Darren Bell and Cuffe & Taylor citing overwhelming demand for the solo concert.
Leslie Odom, Jr. to Perform Solo Concert at London Palladium
by Stephi Wild - Jun 8, 2026
Tony and Grammy Award-winning artist Leslie Odom, Jr. will perform live in concert at the London Palladium, presented by producers Darren Bell and Cuffe & Taylor. The evening will feature selections from the American Songbook, pop favourites, and songs from HAMILTON.
by Stephi Wild - Jun 8, 2026
Tony and Grammy Award-winning artist Leslie Odom, Jr. will perform live in concert at the London Palladium, presented by producers Darren Bell and Cuffe & Taylor. The evening will feature selections from the American Songbook, pop favourites, and songs from HAMILTON.
Photos: SIZWE BANZI IS DEAD Opens at Crossroads Theatre Company
by A.A. Cristi - May 28, 2026
See photos from inside opening night of a new production of SIZWE BANZI IS DEAD, now playing at Crossroads Theatre Company in New Brunswick. The production will run through June 14 at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center.
by A.A. Cristi - May 28, 2026
See photos from inside opening night of a new production of SIZWE BANZI IS DEAD, now playing at Crossroads Theatre Company in New Brunswick. The production will run through June 14 at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center.
Review: PURLIE VICTORIOUS at Studio Theatre
by Jake Bridges - May 11, 2026
What did our critic think of PURLIE VICTORIOUS at Studio Theatre?
by Jake Bridges - May 11, 2026
What did our critic think of PURLIE VICTORIOUS at Studio Theatre?
FILMAFRICA 2026 Will Present Pan-African Cinema Series at BAM Rose Cinemas
by A.A. Cristi - May 8, 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.
by A.A. Cristi - May 8, 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
by A.A. Cristi - May 8, 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.
by A.A. Cristi - May 8, 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
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.
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
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.
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
by Marina Kennedy - Feb 23, 2026
We had the opportunity to interview Jim Vagias about the show, his work at ATG and his plans for the future.
by Marina Kennedy - Feb 23, 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
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.
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
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 3, 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).
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 3, 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
by R. Scott Reedy - Jan 30, 2026
What did our critic think of AN EVENING WITH SUTTON FOSTER at Emerson Colonial Theatre?
by R. Scott Reedy - Jan 30, 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
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 6, 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.
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 6, 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
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!
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
by Shanti M. Kennedy - Oct 21, 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.'
by Shanti M. Kennedy - Oct 21, 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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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!
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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