Nathan Davis (May 22, 1917 – October 15, 2008) was an American actor. He was the father of director Andrew Davis, and appeared in many of his son's films. He was also three-time Jeff Award nominee for his stage work.
Contents
Early life
Davis was born in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Romanian-Jewish immigrants, Rose (née Marcus) and Fred Davis. He served in Europe during World War II and performed on the local stage and in radio productions after the war. Davis was also a pharmaceutical sales rep by trade but pursued acting after being fired from his sales job in the late '70s.
Acting career
Davis started acting in the late 1970s. He appeared on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood in 1975 and in films such as Dunston Checks In, Thief, Poltergeist III, and many others. He often appeared in films directed by his son Andrew, notably as the grandfather to Shia LaBeouf's character in the Disney film Holes.
He was nominated for a 1980 Jeff Award for Actor in a Principal Role in a Play for his performance in Buried Child at the Northlight Theatre. He was again nominated for The Sunshine Boys at the National Jewish Theater, and a third time in 2001 for 2 1/2 Jews at the Apple Tree Theatre.
Personal life
He was married to Metta (née Talmy). They had three children: Chicago musician Richard "Richie" Peter Davis, Hollywood film director Andrew Davis, and Jo Ellen Davis Friedman.
Death
Davis died from emphysema and complications of pneumonia in Chicago at age 91.
