May Britt, the Swedish actress known for her marriage to Sammy Davis Jr., has passed away at the age of 91. Her son, Mark Davis, confirmed she died of natural causes in Los Angeles on December 11.
Born Maj-Britt Wilkens in 1934, her journey into acting began unexpectedly. While working as a photographer’s assistant in Stockholm, she caught the eye of Italian filmmakers. This led to her role in the 1953 film Jolanda, the Daughter of the Black Corsair. After a series of Italian films, she gained recognition in Hollywood, starring in War and Peace (1956) alongside Audrey Hepburn.
In the late 1950s, May moved to the United States and signed with 20th Century Fox. She shared the screen with stars like Marlon Brando in The Young Lions and Robert Mitchum in The Hunters. Her breakout role was in The Blue Angel (1959) as Lola-Lola, which caught widespread attention, including a cover feature in Life magazine.
May had a tumultuous personal life. After a brief marriage to real estate heir Edward Gregson, she met Sammy Davis Jr. They married in 1960 after May converted to Judaism. Their interracial marriage stirred controversy during a time when many states banned such unions. This led to hostility, including threats against their family. Reflecting on the difficult moments, their daughter, Tracey, recalled that they even had armed guards to ensure their safety.
Despite the challenges, May dedicated herself to family after leaving her acting career behind. In her own words, she shared, “I loved Sammy and I had the chance to marry the man I loved.” The couple had three children together: Tracey, Mark, and Jeff. Their marriage lasted until 1968 when they divorced amid rumors of infidelity.
May made a brief return to acting in the 1970s and 1980s, appearing in TV shows like Mission: Impossible and movies like Haunts. She later married entertainment executive Lennart Ringquist in 1993, who passed away in 2017.
May Britt’s legacy extends beyond her acting roles. Her story reflects the struggles and triumphs of a woman who carved her own identity in the entertainment industry while navigating personal challenges. She is survived by her two sons, grandchildren, and her late daughter’s memory.
The impact of their relationship also highlights a significant societal change. Interracial marriage, which was taboo in the U.S. at the time, paved the way for progress in acceptance. As of 2023, about 17% of new marriages in the U.S. are interracial, reflecting a shift towards greater inclusivity. Ma y’s life is a testament to personal resilience and societal evolution.
