Ossie Davis - Actor Profile

Ossie Davis

Acting
Updated: May 09, 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.

Ossie Davis Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Ossie Davis reflects exceptional commercial consistency. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of Ossie Davis's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 100% of Ossie Davis's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Neighborhoods: The Hidden Cities of San Francisco - The Fillmore, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Ossie Davis Movies Ranked

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

Full Filmography

Every movie Ossie Davis has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2022 Louis Armstrong's Black & Blues Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
2003 The Evolution of an American Filmmaker Self Hit Similar →
2001 Neighborhoods: The Hidden Cities of San Francisco - The Fillmore Narrator Super Hit Similar →
2001 The Legend of the Candy Cane Julius (voice) Super Hit Similar →
2000 Here's to Life! Duncan Cox Super Hit Similar →
2000 Dinosaur Yar (voice) Hit Similar →
2000 Finding Buck McHenry Buck McHenry Hit 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 Paul Robeson: Here I Stand Self Super Hit Similar →
1998 Small Steps, Big Strides: The Black Experience in Hollywood Self Super Hit 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 →
1995 Ray Alexander: A Menu for Murder Uncle Phil Hit Similar →
1994 The Client Harry Roosevelt Hit Similar →
1994 Ray Alexander: A Taste For Justice Uncle Phil Super Hit Similar →
1994 Malcolm X: Make It Plain Self Super Hit Similar →
1994 Arthur Ashe: Citizen of the World Narrator 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 The Real Malcolm X - Super 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 →
1990 The Red Shoes - Super Hit 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 →
1979 Hot Stuff Captain John Geiberger Hit Similar →
1977 Billy: Portrait of a Street Kid Dr. Fredericks Super Hit Similar →
1976 Countdown at Kusini Ernest Motapo 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 Super Hit Similar →
N/A Haiti: Killing the Dream - Super Hit Similar →
1969 Teacher, Teacher Charles Carter Super Hit Similar →
1969 The Fall - Hit Similar →
1968 Still A Brother: Inside the Negro Middle Class Narrator Hit Similar →
1967 The Outsider Lt. Wagner Super Hit 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 Super 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 "Neighborhoods: The Hidden Cities of San Francisco - The Fillmore" 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 "Here's to Life!", "The Red Shoes", and "Teacher, Teacher".

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