Sunday, July 28, 2013

Todd Davis Dead at 61

Actor Todd Davis has passed away at age 61.

The sad news was revealed on the Black Spectrum Theatre Company Facebook page:

"It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of actor Todd Davis who will forever be remembered by us for his unforgettable portrayal of Kingfish in the hit Black Spectrum play Kingfish, Amos & Andy. Our prays go out to the family. R.I.P. Todd Davis"

Davis was born and raised in Harlem New York, and started performing at the age of 12. He was accepted to The Juillard School of Drama under John Houseman direction, and later studied with Stella Adler and Robert Lewis. He worked with The Negro Ensemble Company, The New Fedral Theatre and The Frank Silvera Writers Workshop.

He played roles in two daytime soaps: Josh Hall on ONE LIFE TO LIVE in 1977 (replacing Lawrence Fishburne) and Bryan Phillips in GENERAL HOSPITAL from 1978-1987.  In one memorable storyline, Sammy Davis Jr. guest-starred as Bryan's long-lost father in 1982.

His primetime guest appearances include KOJAK, M*A*S*H, L.A. LAW, 30 ROCK and BOARDWALK EMPIRE.

Davis also appeared in the film Excuse Me for Living, which featured a number of former soap actors and starred Tom Pelphrey and Melissa Archer.

11 comments:

  1. Prayers to the family...rest in peace!!

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  2. So sad! I was hoping we could have a quick visit from Bryan and Claudia, since Laura and Scotty are back together. So sad, best thoughts to his family and friends.

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  3. RIP.

    I also wish GH had brought them back for the 50th anniversary.

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    1. I Miss Todd Davis every day, loved and enjoyed him as Scott's [Kin Shriner] good friend, and wish Bryan and Claudia were brought back for the 50th like most others were.

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  4. I LOVED Bryan and Claudia. ;/ so sad.

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  5. he was one of the original actors who was on when i first began watching GH...I always enjoyed Brayn and Claudia, they were the more normal folks in town. Too bad they got written out without a proper goodbye. He joins the ranks of others from the 1980's who are no longer with us...Edward #1, Lila , Amy, Ruby, Jessie, Dan, Steve...

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  6. What was the cause of death?

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  7. Was hoping for a possible Bryan and Claudia Philips reunion this year for the Nurse Ball along with Luke and Laura and Bryan's good friend Scott. Woul have been nice. RIP Todd Davis, Condolences and Prayers to his family.

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  8. Todd Davis was a wonderful actor and beautiful human being who devoted his life to his first love- the theater. I was fortunate to cast him as the co-lead in a play I produced several years ago and saw him develop and eventually "own" the role of a prison guard/guardian angel. Now, his deep, rich voice can only be heard in our memories- and on that greater stage that awaits us.

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  9. I just watched him in a Quincy M.E. rerun. How did he die so young, what happened?

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