Full Breakdown
May Britt, Swedish Actress and Sammy Davis Jr.'s Wife, Dies at 91
12/19/2025, 11:56:38 PM
Life and Career of May Britt
May Britt, born Majbritt Wilkens on March 22, 1934, in Lidingö, Sweden, has passed away at the age of 91 due to natural causes. Her son, Mark Davis, confirmed her death on December 11 at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center in Los Angeles. Britt's acting career began serendipitously when she was discovered by Italian filmmakers Carlo Ponti and Mario Soldati while working as a photographer's assistant. She starred in several Italian films before moving to Hollywood, where she signed with 20th Century Fox in 1957. Britt gained fame for her roles in films such as *The Blue Angel* (1959), *The Young Lions* (1958), and *Murder, Inc.* (1960).
Marriage to Sammy Davis Jr.
Britt's marriage to legendary entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. in 1960 was highly controversial due to the racial dynamics of the time. At that point, interracial marriage was illegal in 31 U.S. states. The couple met after Davis performed at the Mocambo nightclub in Hollywood, leading him to end his engagement to Canadian dancer Joan Stuart. Their engagement was publicly announced in June 1960 while Davis was in England, and they married on November 13, 1960, in a ceremony officiated by a rabbi, with Frank Sinatra serving as the best man.
Challenges Faced
The couple faced significant backlash, including death threats and harassment, which necessitated hiring 24-hour armed guards for their protection. Their marriage was further complicated by political pressures; they were disinvited from President John F. Kennedy's inauguration gala due to concerns that their presence might alienate Southern congressmen. Despite these challenges, their daughter Tracey Davis later reflected that her parents "never fell out of love," although their marriage ended in divorce in 1968 amid rumors of Davis's infidelity.
Reflections on Love and Career
Britt's acting career diminished after her marriage, as 20th Century Fox did not renew her contract following the announcement of her engagement. She later expressed no regrets about stepping back from acting, stating, “I loved Sammy, and I had the chance to marry the man I loved.” After their divorce, Britt resumed acting in smaller roles, appearing in television series such as *Mission: Impossible* and *The Most Deadly Game*.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1993, Britt married Lennart Ringquist, an entertainment executive, who passed away in 2017. She is survived by her two sons, Mark and Jeff, her sister Margot, and her grandchildren. Her daughter Tracey Davis died in 2020. May Britt's life and career remain a testament to her resilience and the complexities of love in a challenging social landscape.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I just couldn’t be what she wanted to me to be. A family man. My performance schedule was rigorous.” — Sammy Davis Jr.
- “My mom loved my dad like crazy, and my dad loved my mother,” — Tracey Davis
Conclusion
May Britt's legacy as an actress and her groundbreaking marriage to Sammy Davis Jr. highlight the intersection of art, race, and personal sacrifice in mid-20th century America. Her story reflects both the challenges and triumphs of navigating love and career in a tumultuous era.
