Ossie Davis - Actor Profile

Ossie Davis

Acting
Freshness: Jan 19, 2026
50Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Dec 18, 1917
Birth Place: Cogdell, Georgia, USA

About Ossie Davis

Raiford Chatman "Ossie" Davis (December 18, 1917 – February 4, 2005) was an American actor, director, writer, and activist. He may be best known for his roles in Spike Lee-directed films such as School Daze (1988) and Do the Right Thing (1989). Other films Davis acted in include The Hill (1965), A Man Called Adam (1966), Let's Do It Again (1975), Joe Versus the Volcano (1990), Grumpy Old Men (1993), The Client (1994), Dr. Dolittle (1998), Dinosaur (2000), and Bubba Ho-Tep (2002). He was married to Ruby Dee, with whom he frequently performed, from 1948 until his death.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Ossie Davis reveals a career defined by exceptional commercial consistency. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Ossie Davis's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 72% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Ossie Davis remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Jackie Robinson: Breaking Barriers, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Ossie Davis Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Ossie Davis's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Ossie Davis.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2022 Louis Armstrong's Black & Blues Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
2005 Deacons for Defense Reverend 'Rev' Gregory Average Similar →
2004 Baadasssss! Granddad Hit Similar →
2003 The Evolution of an American Filmmaker Self Hit Similar →
2003 Nat Turner: A Troublesome Property Himself Average Similar →
2002 Bubba Ho-tep John F. "Jack" Kennedy Hit Similar →
2000 Dinosaur Yar (voice) Hit Similar →
1999 The Unfinished Journey Narrator (voice) Average Similar →
1999 Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve Caretaker Super Hit Similar →
1999 The Soul Collector Mordecai Hit Similar →
1999 The Secret Path Too Tall Super Hit Similar →
1999 A Vow to Cherish Alexander Billman Average Similar →
1998 Scandalize My Name: Stories from the Blacklist Self Super Hit Similar →
1997 12 Angry Men Juror 2 Super Hit Similar →
1997 4 Little Girls Self - Actor and Playwright Hit Similar →
1997 Jackie Robinson: Breaking Barriers Narrator Super Hit Similar →
1997 Miss Evers' Boys Mr. Evers Average Similar →
1997 Walter Matthau: Diamond in the Rough Self Hit Similar →
1996 Get on the Bus Jeremiah Average Similar →
1994 The Client Harry Roosevelt Hit Similar →
1994 Malcolm X: Make It Plain Self Super Hit Similar →
1993 Grumpy Old Men Chuck Hit Similar →
1993 The Ernest Green Story Grandfather Hit Similar →
1992 Lincoln Frederick Douglas (voice) Hit Similar →
1992 Malcolm X Eulogy Performer (voice) Super Hit Similar →
1992 Gladiator Noah Super Hit Similar →
1991 Preminger: Anatomy of a Filmmaker Self Super Hit Similar →
1991 Jungle Fever Reverend Purify Average Similar →
1990 Joe Versus the Volcano Marshall Average Similar →
1989 Making 'Do the Right Thing' Self Hit Similar →
1989 Do the Right Thing Da Mayor Super Hit Similar →
1985 Tyler Texas Black Film Collection Himself Hit Similar →
1984 Harry & Son Raymond Average Similar →
1981 Don't Look Back: The Story of Leroy "Satchel" Paige Chuffy Russell Average Similar →
1979 Hot Stuff Captain John Geiberger Hit Similar →
1975 Let's Do It Again Elder Johnson Hit Similar →
1973 Wattstax Self (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1972 Malcolm X Eulogy (voice) Hit Similar →
1970 Kongi's Harvest Narrator Average Similar →
1969 Night Gallery Osmond Portifoy Hit Similar →
1969 The Fall - Hit Similar →
1968 The Scalphunters Joseph Lee Average Similar →
1967 The Outsider Lt. Wagner Average Similar →
1966 A Man Called Adam Nelson Davis Average Similar →
1965 The Hill Jacko King Super Hit Similar →
1964 Shock Treatment Capshaw Hit Similar →
1963 The Cardinal Father Gillis Hit Similar →
1963 Gone Are the Days! Reverend Purlie Victorious Judson Hit Similar →
1951 Fourteen Hours Cab Driver (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1950 No Way Out John Brooks (uncredited) Hit Similar →

Ossie Davis - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Ossie Davis?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Ossie Davis is "Jackie Robinson: Breaking Barriers" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Ossie Davis acted in?

Ossie Davis has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Ossie Davis?

Other notable films include "Malcolm X: Make It Plain", "Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve", and "Do the Right Thing".