From Amber's Thoughts:
Sammy Davis Jr. has a harrowing experience with a lion.
Hollywood Humor: Sammy Davis Junior Found Religion by Stephen Schochet
In 1954, Sammy Davis Jr. converted to Judaism, which led to him being the subject of several anecdotes. One time he boarded a bus in the deep, segregated south. “Git to the back of the bus”, said the rude driver.”But I’m Jewish”, protested the entertainer. “Then get off.”
Another time Sammy was filming Porgy And Bess(1959) when he announced he would not work on Yom Kippur. Word got back from the set to Porgy’s frugal producer Sam Goldwyn, he immediately called his idle performer who was costing him $30,000. “Sammy, is it true? You refuse to work on the holiday? “Yes it’s true Sam.” There was a tense pause then Goldwyn said,” Bless You.”
Then there was the night of the 1971 Oscars when Sammy hosted the show and remarked,” Tonight, the academy honors both my peoples with Fiddler On The Roof and Shaft.”
But there was one occasion when Sammy came to doubt his conversion. He and Frank Sinatra were asked to perform at the MGM Grand hotel in Las Vegas with the MGM Lion in between them. They were assured it would be safe, the lion would be handled by a trainer with a choke chain. In the middle of the number the lion looked at Sammy and licked it’s lips. The lion hunched back like it was going to leap for Sammy, and Sammy scared to death made the Sign of the Cross. Luckily nothing happened. Later after the show they were having drinks in the lobby and Sinatra said nervously,” Boy Smokey, I thought that cat was going to come after you there– Hey Smokey didn’t you turn Jewish? Why did you make the Sign of the Cross when the cat came at ya?”
“Well babe, I didn’t think I’d have time to make the star of David!”
8 comments:
Weren't there stories about him (and other showbizzers)joining Anton Le Vey's cult at one time ?
Hey Dave. Yeah, there were stories that he and some other celebs (such as Jayne Mansfield) were member of the Church of Satan at one time. I've heard debates over whether that was true or just rumors. Who knows.
That was very funny. It makes me think of an atheist relative I have. He'll still end up saying things related to God and Jesus even though he doesn't believe in them.
Hey Phoebe. Glad you liked it. I did think it was quite hilarious. I've known some atheists who have done the same thing. It happens I guess. Cheers!
I'm an atheist that still says God bless you when someone sneezes--out of habit more than anything else. It usually comes out more like "G'bless you".
Hey Rev. Thanks for the comments. I think it's something more from habit than anything else. It's a cultural thing. We grew up in a Judeo-Christian society so it's hard not to end up still saying things like "Thank God," etc. Cheers!
Hey nice post Keith - Sammy Davis Jr. is one of my all time favorite entertainers.
Thanks for posting it.
Glenn Bishop
Hey Glenn. Thanks. Glad you liked it. I love stories like this one so I had to share it at the blog. Cheers!
Post a Comment