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The Dual Faith Of The Candy Man: Unpacking Sammy Davis Jr.'s Satanist Rumors And His Genuine Conversion To Judaism

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The Rat Pack legend, Sammy Davis Jr., remains one of the most enigmatic and controversial figures in 20th-century American entertainment, and as of December 19, 2025, one persistent, shocking rumor continues to resurface: his alleged membership in the Church of Satan. This claim, which puts the beloved "Mr. Show Business" in the same spiritual company as the founder of modern Satanism, Anton LaVey, is a complex web of fact, exaggeration, and Hollywood intrigue that often overshadows his profound and genuine conversion to Judaism. The truth, however, is far more nuanced than a simple headline, revealing a man who constantly searched for identity and belonging in a world that often rejected him. The journey of Sammy Davis Jr. was one defined by overcoming virulent racial prejudice, achieving unparalleled stardom alongside his Rat Pack cohorts, and navigating a series of explosive personal controversies, none more spiritually jarring than the whispers of his Satanic involvement. To fully understand this sensational claim, one must first appreciate the scope of the man's life and the spiritual paths he actually embraced, which included a deep commitment to the Jewish faith.

The Life and Times of Mr. Show Business: A Biographical Sketch

Sammy Davis Jr. was a true triple-threat—a singer, dancer, and actor whose talent transcended the racial barriers of his time. His life was a whirlwind of professional success and personal turmoil, marked by several defining moments:

  • Born: December 8, 1925, in Harlem, New York City.
  • Parents: Sammy Davis Sr. (dancer) and Elvera "Baby" Sanchez (dancer).
  • Early Career: Began performing at age three with his father and Will Mastin as part of the Will Mastin Trio.
  • Defining Accident: In 1954, at age 29, he lost his left eye in a near-fatal car crash while driving back to Los Angeles from Las Vegas. This event was a catalyst for his spiritual search.
  • Conversion to Judaism: Converted in 1960, a decision deeply influenced by a conversation with a Jewish chaplain during his recovery from the accident.
  • The Rat Pack: Became a core member of the legendary group alongside Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop, dominating the Las Vegas Strip in the 1960s.
  • Marriages: Married three times—to Loray White, Swedish actress May Britt (a controversial interracial marriage at the time), and Altovise Gore.
  • Political Stance: Supported the Black Power movement and left-wing causes in the 1960s, though his embrace of President Richard Nixon in the early 1970s alienated many Black and liberal fans.
  • Died: May 16, 1990, of throat cancer.

A Profound Journey: Sammy Davis Jr.'s Genuine Conversion to Judaism

The narrative of Sammy Davis Jr.'s life is inextricably linked to his faith. While the "Satanist" rumors grab headlines, his conversion to Judaism was a profound, life-altering event that he embraced fully and publicly, even in the face of widespread skepticism and derision.

The catalyst for his conversion came during his 1954 hospital stay following the devastating car accident. He was in a conversation with a Jewish comedian, Eddie Cantor, and a Jewish chaplain, who explained the commonality between the Jewish and Black experiences of persecution.

Davis found a deep sense of identity and resilience in the Jewish faith, stating, "I am a Jew because I was black, and I was a Jew because I was a victim of prejudice." He converted in 1960, and his subsequent marriage to May Britt, who also converted, was performed under a traditional Jewish *chuppah*.

His commitment was not fleeting. He learned Hebrew, observed Jewish holidays, and integrated the faith into his personal and professional life, often wearing a Star of David. This spiritual home provided him with a framework for understanding his own struggles and a sense of belonging that was often denied to him as a Black man in America.

The Truth Behind the Church of Satan Connection and Anton LaVey

So, where does the "Sammy Davis Jr. Satanist" rumor come from? It stems from a documented, albeit brief, period of curiosity and friendship between the entertainer and the founder of the Church of Satan, Anton LaVey, in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

The connection is often traced back to the hedonistic, party-centric atmosphere of Hollywood and Las Vegas during that era. Davis, known for his relentless pursuit of new experiences, was reportedly introduced to LaVey at a party in 1968. He became "intrigued" by the Church of Satan, which, at the time, was a magnet for counter-culture figures and celebrities exploring alternative spiritual and philosophical movements.

The most concrete evidence of his involvement is the claim that he was made an "honorary warlock" in the Church of Satan. This title suggests a level of affiliation and endorsement rather than a full, practicing membership. Crucially, Davis addressed this controversial period himself in his 1989 memoir, *Why Me?: The Sammy Davis Jr. Story*, confirming his brief time of involvement.

The entire controversy reached its peak with the 1973 television pilot, *Poor Devil*. Davis starred as a demon named Sammy who is sent to Earth by Lucifer to tempt a man into selling his soul. The show, which was never picked up for a full series, featured a cameo by Anton LaVey himself. This pilot, and the promotional buzz around it, cemented the public perception of a dark, spiritual connection, blurring the line between his on-screen role and his private life.

More Intrigue: Why He Left the Church of Satan

While the exact details of why Sammy Davis Jr. distanced himself from LaVey and the Church of Satan are often speculative, the general consensus is that his involvement was a short-lived exploration. The Church of Satan, which emphasizes individualism, materialism, and a rejection of traditional religious dogma, may have appealed to his rebellious nature and his desire to challenge societal norms.

However, the core tenets of LaVey's philosophy ultimately did not replace the deep spiritual grounding he found in Judaism. His commitment to the Jewish faith, which provided him with a sense of history and community, proved far more enduring than his temporary fascination with the provocative philosophical movement in San Francisco. The enduring image of Sammy Davis Jr. is not as a Satanist, but as a complex man who wore a Star of David, sang "The Candy Man," and battled prejudice with unparalleled talent. The "Satanist" claim, while sensational, remains a footnote in the life of a man whose true spiritual journey was one of profound conversion and lifelong commitment to his adopted faith.

sammy davis jr satanist
sammy davis jr satanist

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