He was a heavy smoker. As a result, Sammy Davis got throat cancer in his early 60s and died on May 16, 1990, at age 64. One of his hobbies was taking photographs. He took pictures of friends, family members, and people in show business.

Personal Life and Biographies Davis was ultimately married three times, first briefly to singer Loray White, then to Britt in 1960, with the two having a biological daughter and two adopted sons.

In April of that year, Davis's lifelong performing friends paid tribute to him with a television special in his honor. A few weeks later, on May 16, 1990, Davis died in his home at age 64.