“You always have two choices: your commitment versus your fear.”
– Sammy Davis Jr.
– I Gotta be Me – Sammy Davis Jr.
I’m sure a few people were surprised to see Sammy Davis Jr. listed as one of the Actors that Sam Peckinpah had considered for the role of Dutch Engstrom inThe Wild Bunch, which was eventually played by Ernest Borgnine.
But I’ll tell you something – I bet Sammy would have done a great job.
Firstly Sammy Davis Jr. was one of the greatest Entertainers who ever lived. He could do anything:
Stage and Screen, Stand up, Impressionist, Dance, Sing, Recording Artist, played several musical instruments … ???
Immensely talented – the consummate performer.
Also like many American kids of his era, it appears that Sammy loved Westerns – that probably dreamed of being Cowboy like many of us did.
I have plenty of evidence to support my claim:
Sammy’s Gunhandling / Twirling talents were legendary in Hollywood and he showcased them often.
Ratpack Cowboys / Sargeants 3 (1962)
The Rifleman: Season 4, Episode 21
Two Ounces of Tin (19 Feb. 1962)
Awesome post! Yep, I wish they would have included Sammy. He’s fast–I didn’t know this side of him.
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He was brilliant. One of the greatest. I believe one of the reasons we don’t have Variety Shows anymore is that entertainers like Sammy aren’t around anymore.
I used to kind of laugh about the Rat Pack because little Sammy’s talents dwarfed all those guys – even though they were BIg Stars.
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You are so right!
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I commented yesterday on this and it’s not here today. The WordPress platform has gotten REALLY wonky. Anyway, he was a brilliant hoofer and a fine actor. Have you ever seen “Tap”? Terrific movie. I think it was Sammy’s final appearance.
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Thank you very much for your comments and support. That was my fault … somehow screwed up and lost it.
Yes ! Thank you. I’ve been wanting to watch that movie again, but forgot it’s name. It’s wonderful.
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