Who Is Mark Sydney Davis? The Untold Story of Sammy Davis Jr.’s Son

Sammy Davis Jr. was one of the biggest stars in the world. He sang, danced, acted, and made people smile. People called him “the greatest living entertainer.” But behind the bright lights and fame, Sammy had a private life that few really understood.

One part of that private life was his son—Mark Sydney Davis.

Many people believed Mark was adopted. Others believed he was Sammy’s real son. Even today, there’s still a question mark around who he really is.

In this article, we’ll walk through Mark’s life story—his early years, his family, his connection with Sammy, and the mystery that still surrounds his birth. It’s an emotional story, but also one full of love, strength, and finding peace.

Mark Sydney Davis Quick Bio

Early Life and Adoption Story

Mark Sydney Davis was born in Los Angeles in 1960. When he was about three years old, he was adopted by Sammy Davis Jr. and May Britt, who were married at the time. His adoption was finalized on June 3, 1963.

From that moment, Mark became part of one of the most famous families in America. Sammy was a big star, and May was a well-known actress from Sweden. Together, they made headlines—not only for their work, but also for being one of the first interracial couples in Hollywood.

Even though people were told that Mark was adopted, his birth certificate said something strange. It listed Sammy Davis Jr. as his real father and May Britt as his real mother. That’s not normal for adoption documents. It made people wonder: Was Mark actually Sammy’s real son?

This small detail would later become a big part of the mystery in Mark’s life.

Growing Up in a Famous Home

Imagine growing up in a home where people like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, or even a young Michael Jackson came to visit. That was Mark’s life.

As a child, he had fun family memories—like running through hotel hallways with his dad or jumping into swimming pools. He once said Sammy would wear floaties and swim across the pool just to make the kids laugh. Those are the happy memories he holds close.

But it wasn’t always perfect.

Sammy was often busy with concerts, travel, and fans. Even though they were in the same house, Mark sometimes felt far away from his father. There were always people around—managers, security, assistants. As a child, Mark wanted more time, more talks, more hugs.

Still, he loved his dad deeply. And in many ways, he wanted to be like him.

The Mystery Around His Birth

As Mark grew older, he started asking questions. There were no baby pictures of him. Nobody could tell him much about the first two years of his life. And then came the biggest shock.

One day, May Britt told him, “I’m not your birth mother.”

That one sentence changed everything.

If she wasn’t his real mom, then who was? Why did the birth certificate say otherwise? And why did people around him sometimes say things like, “You know he’s your real dad,” when talking about Sammy?

All these questions stayed in Mark’s heart. He didn’t have answers. And the mystery only got deeper.

Sammy Davis Jr.’s Last Words

In 1990, Sammy Davis Jr. was very sick. He had throat cancer and didn’t have much time left.

Mark went to see him at the hospital. As he leaned down to give his dad a kiss, Sammy grabbed him, looked him in the eyes, and said:

“You are my son.”

Those were his final words to Mark.

That moment broke Mark’s heart and also filled it with emotion. Was Sammy finally telling the truth? Was this a real confession? Or just a loving goodbye?

Even today, Mark says he doesn’t fully know what those words meant. But they changed him forever.

The DNA Test and Shocking Results

Years after Sammy’s death, Mark still had questions. In 2015, he agreed to take a DNA test with his sister Tracey Davis, who was Sammy’s known biological daughter.

The results were shocking.

They showed that Mark and Tracey were not related by blood. This meant that Sammy Davis Jr. was not Mark’s biological father.

Mark was heartbroken. For years, people said he looked like Sammy. For years, he hoped those last words meant something more. But science told a different story.

Still, Tracey stood by him. She said, “I still love you.” To her, family was more than blood—and that meant a lot to Mark.

Mark Sydney Davis and His Father-Son Bond

Even though the DNA test said they weren’t related by blood, Mark Sydney Davis still saw Sammy Davis Jr. as his father. That bond, built over years, didn’t break because of science.

Their relationship was full of ups and downs. Sometimes they were close, sometimes not. There were warm moments, like family vacations and playing games. But there were also hard times.

Mark once shared a story about how they had a big argument. It was about a woman. Sammy had tried to date someone Mark had been with, and it really hurt him. They didn’t talk for eight months after that. Even so, Mark said he never stopped loving his dad.

What meant the most to Mark was that in the end, Sammy looked him in the eye and called him his son. Those final words gave Mark peace, even though the truth was still unclear.

Mark’s Personal Life and Career

After Sammy’s death, Mark didn’t chase fame. He chose a quiet life. In the 1980s, he worked behind the scenes on Sammy’s tours as an assistant stage manager. His job was to make sure props like tap shoes, drinks, and cue cards were ready.

Later in life, Mark took a job as a photo clerk at Costco, near Hollywood. It wasn’t flashy, but it was real. He liked the calm, steady work and being around everyday people.

While some might expect a celebrity’s son to live in mansions and appear on TV, Mark Sydney Davis wanted something different. He wanted peace, purpose, and time with the people he loves.

Mark Sydney Davis as a Father

Mark is a proud dad to two sons, named Ryan and Andrew (Andy). He often says they are the joy of his life.

He wants to be the kind of father he didn’t have. He listens to his kids. He hugs them. He shows up. He’s there for the little moments—like school events, family dinners, and just hanging out at home.

One of his sons, Ryan, is a natural drummer. That makes Mark smile because drumming was something Sammy Davis Jr. loved too. It’s like a little piece of his father lives on in his grandson.

Mark once said:

“I try to be the father to them that Sammy wasn’t to me.”

That one line says everything. He’s doing his best to break the cycle and build something better for his kids.

Mark’s Struggles and Recovery

Life hasn’t been easy for Mark. After his parents’ marriage ended, things changed. His bond with Sammy grew weaker, and Mark felt lost.

In his 30s, he began to drink heavily. He said he was trying to act like Sammy, but it wasn’t working. He was out of control. It took three trips to rehab before he could turn his life around.

But he did it. He got sober. He focused on being present for his kids. He made a new path for himself, away from alcohol, fame, and pressure.

Today, he’s proud of how far he’s come. He speaks honestly about his struggles. He wants others to know that it’s never too late to change.

Where Is Mark Sydney Davis Now?

In 2025, Mark Sydney Davis lives in California. He’s not rich. He’s not chasing the spotlight. But he’s happy in his own way.

He works hard. He helps take care of his mother and brother. And most importantly, he’s a strong, loving father to his two sons.

He doesn’t do many interviews. He stays private. But when he does speak, his words are honest, thoughtful, and full of heart.

Mark once said:

“I have these people to love, and that is fine by me.”

That simple sentence shows who he is—a man who values family more than fame.

Final Thoughts

So, who is Mark Sydney Davis?

He’s a man who grew up in a world of flashing lights and big names. A child with no clear beginning. A son with a famous father and an unanswered question in his heart.

Even after a DNA test said he wasn’t Sammy’s real son, Mark still felt that deep connection. And Sammy’s final words—“You are my son”—meant more than any document.

Mark has chosen love over anger. Peace over pain. He has built a new story—one where he is the dad, the guide, and the hero to his own children.

He may still feel like a question mark at times. But to those who know him, and to his sons, he is an answer—strong, kind, and full of heart.

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