Altovise Joanne Davis (née Gore; August 30, 1943 – March 14, 2009) was an American dancer, performer, actress, and television figure. She is best remembered as the third and final spouse of Sammy Davis Jr., the renowned singer, dancer, and actor. Altovise was a talented artist herself, serving as a chorus-line dancer on Broadway and in London during the 1960s. She also made appearances on television and had minor film roles in the 1970s and 1980s. Altovise and Sammy frequently featured as panellists on the 1970s game show Tattletales, where their connection and humor endeared them to audiences. Following Sammy’s death in 1990, Altovise dedicated herself to managing his legacy, addressing tax concerns from his estate, and advocating for charitable initiatives.
Below is a brief summary of essential details regarding Altovise Davis:
| Full Name at Birth | Altovise Joanne Gore |
| Date of Birth | August 30, 1943 |
| Date of Death | March 14, 2009 |
| Age at Death | 65 years old |
| Birthplace | Charlotte, North Carolina, United States |
| Height | Roughly 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m) |
| Husband | Sammy Davis Jr. (married May 11, 1970 – his death May 16, 1990) |
| Children | One adopted son: Manny Davis (adopted 1989) |
| Net Worth at Death (2009 est.) | Roughly $500,000–$1 million (after settling estate debts and tax issues) |
| Most Famous Role | Spouse of Sammy Davis Jr.; chorus dancer and Tattletales panellist |
Altovise Davis Biography Update
Altovise Joanne Gore was welcomed into the world on August 30, 1943, in Charlotte, North Carolina, and largely grew up in Brooklyn, New York. From an early age, she developed a passion for dance and performance. As a young adult, she trained in dance and became part of the chorus lines in various musical theatre shows. In the 1960s, she showcased her talents in productions on Broadway and in London’s West End, gaining recognition as a dedicated and skilled stage dancer.
Altovise encountered Sammy Davis Jr. in 1968 when he was a prominent star performing in Las Vegas and around the nation. Their relationship blossomed swiftly, leading to their marriage on May 11, 1970, with Reverend Jesse Jackson officiating. The wedding garnered considerable media attention as it represented one of the most famous interracial unions of that era. Post-marriage, Altovise frequently appeared with Sammy on television specials, game shows, and at public occasions.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Altovise made guest appearances on television shows like Charlie’s Angels and CHiPs, along with small roles in films such as Welcome to Arrow Beach (1974), Kingdom of the Spiders (1977), Boardwalk (1979), and Can’t Stop the Music (1980). She and Sammy were consistent panellists on the game show Tattletales, which featured celebrity couples in competition. After Sammy lost his battle with throat cancer in 1990, Altovise largely stepped away from performing. She devoted her efforts to managing his estate, addressing tax obligations, and supporting charitable causes. The couple adopted a son, Manny, in 1989.
Following Sammy’s death, Altovise encountered considerable financial hurdles. The estate was burdened with millions owed in back taxes to the IRS and California Franchise Tax Board. In 2008, she was identified on the state’s list of top unpaid taxpayers, owing over $2.7 million. Over the years, she collaborated with advisors to resolve these matters. Altovise led a secluded life in her later years, avoiding the limelight. She passed away on March 14, 2009, at the age of 65 in Los Angeles.
Update
As of January 2026, nearly 17 years have elapsed since Altovise Davis’s passing on March 14, 2009, at the age of 65. Below are some updates and commentary about her legacy:
- No new biographies, documentaries, or significant developments regarding the estate have surfaced in 2025.
- Curiosity regarding her life remains tied to Sammy Davis Jr.’s legacy. Clips from their Tattletales appearances and television specials continue to circulate online.
- The Sammy Davis Jr. estate and affiliated charities persist in honoring the memories of both Sammy and Altovise.
- Her adopted son, Manny Davis, maintains a low public profile. There have been no notable family statements or public appearances in recent times.
- Altovise’s minor film and television roles are occasionally revisited in retrospectives of 1970s–1980s television and Blaxploitation-era cinema.
Cause of Death
Altovise Davis passed away on March 14, 2009, at the age of 65 in Los Angeles, California. The official cause of death was complications from a stroke. She suffered a stroke in the days preceding her death and did not recover. No additional underlying health issues were widely reported at the time; however, her later years were impacted by stress related to estate debts and the grief from losing her husband, Sammy Davis Jr., in 1990. Her death received relatively limited media coverage compared to Sammy’s, reflecting her diminished public presence after his passing.
Grave
Altovise Davis is interred in an unmarked grave at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, alongside her husband Sammy Davis Jr. Sammy’s grave is well-known to fans and has a marker, but Altovise’s grave is devoid of a headstone or public inscription. The family chose this arrangement for privacy. Forest Lawn Glendale is a sizable, historic cemetery where many Hollywood notables are interred. Visitors often leave tributes at Sammy’s grave; however, Altovise’s exact location is not disclosed to the public.
Husband
Altovise Davis was married just once, to the legendary entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. They crossed paths in 1968, tying the knot on May 11, 1970, in a ceremony led by Reverend Jesse Jackson. At the time, Sammy was 44, and Altovise was 26. Their marriage continued until Sammy’s demise on May 16, 1990, due to throat cancer. The couple adopted a son, Manny Davis, in 1989. Altovise and Sammy did not have biological children together.
In the 1970s and 1980s, their relationship was very public, marked by numerous joint appearances on television and in Las Vegas. After Sammy’s death, Altovise did not remarry and spent much of her remaining years managing his legacy and handling estate affairs.
Net Worth
At the time of her death on March 14, 2009, Altovise Davis’s net worth was estimated to be between $500,000 and $1 million. This figure reflects the financial challenges she faced following Sammy Davis Jr.’s death in 1990. His estate was burdened with substantial tax debts, legal fees, and other financial responsibilities.
In 2008, Altovise was named among California’s top delinquent taxpayers, with a debt of $2.7 million in unpaid personal income taxes, primarily tied to the estate. She worked with advisors over the years to settle many of these financial obligations. Her income derived from television appearances, minor acting roles, and any remaining royalties or assets from Sammy’s illustrious career. In her later years, she lived modestly in Los Angeles.
