mrssammydavisjr

The Last Chapter in the Life of Mrs. Sammy Davis, Jr. offers a frightening glimpse of a Hollywood secret that was nearly ‘buried.’ In her chronicle, Pamela Sherrod reveals the events leading up to the death of Altovise Davis, and interweaves these startling revelations with intriguing views of numerous celebrities, from Bill Cosby and Raven-Symone’ to legendary icons, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

In 2005, Sherrod was introduced to Altovise Davis to help write her autobiography. She was the wife of the late Sammy Davis, Jr., the iconic black performer who broke racial barriers to become known as ‘The World’s Greatest Entertainer.’ Sherrod and Altovise, however, started a partnership to write inspirational stories for youth, hoping to motivate them to reach for higher goals.  “At first, it was purely academic,” says Sherrod, “. . . because Sammy started performing when he was only four and missed going to school. He always regretted this and wanted kids to value their education. Seeking a ministry, I wanted them to know about God’s love . . . that they could experience his miracles by operating in love.”  Ironically, Sherrod’s own faith in this ‘miracle’ principle would soon be tested.

Emotionally, the story was difficult the write, not only because of Sherrod’s own tragedies (while bouncing back from surgery, she lost, both, Altovise and her fiancé within 35 days), but because of the enormity of what she’d witnessed: greed, deception, and cruel betrayals. When Sammy died in 1990, he left Altovise with a tax lien of over $5 million dollars, which prompted the auctioning of many of their possessions. Altovise, however, managed to keep a few valuables for herself.  But, in one ugly incident after another, even these were ‘snatched’ from her possession, including a billfold Richard Burton had given to Sammy, and the Presidential Ring presented to him by Richard Nixon.  For Altovise, the heartbreak of losing these dwindling keepsakes wouldn’t end.  Friends tried to protect her, but alcoholism made her vulnerable to abuse. Each season led to further losses, as people swindled her, raided her bank accounts and helped themselves to her safety deposit box. Recalls Sherrod, “It was like watching vultures swarm over and attack someone who was still alive.”

Then, there was the mystery surrounding the screenplay the two women created, entitled, A Detour to Mexico. Sherrod’s questions went unanswered when she discovered there were striking similarities between the plot of their musical and the film, The Cheetah Girls 2: When in Spain, which was produced by Whitney Houston and featured Raven-Symone. Her calls were never returned, not even by an old childhood friend whom she considered her ‘mentor.’ He was a writer and supervising producer on the show, That’s So Raven, and the contact to whom she’d given the original outline and excerpts of their story. “I spent many sleepless nights,” says Sherrod, “…torn over all the unanswered questions, and fearing the consequences of even asking them.”  She reached a defining moment when she realized that, despite these tragedies, she had to move forward. To remain a silent ‘ghost’ meant that she’d forsaken her calling, and her obligation to finally tell Altovise’s story. Her fears over “Hollywood’s reaction” were in conflict with her faith. To inspire hope, and encourage others to step out on faith, she had to do it, herself. . . without fear.  Now, having completed the book, Sherrod continues the work that they began, knowing that Altovise’s voice will finally be heard…as well as her own.

The Last Chapter in the Life of Mrs. Sammy Davis, Jr. offers an insightful look at an industry that’s often driven by “glamour-covered greed,” and warns our youth of the hidden dangers of addiction.  The book can be purchased at www.lulu.com, Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, or ordered/purchased at most local bookstores. Proceeds from the book will be used to support art & healing programs for recovering young addicts, and produce inspirational/educational books, films and documentaries.