A vintage clip of Sammy Davis Jr. on The Phil Donahue Show resurfaced recently, shedding light on the entertainer’s candidness when addressing rumors about his ties to Anton LaVey, Satanism, and the occult. In the revived interview, Davis openly addressed the speculation surrounding the bright red pinky nail he once wore onscreen, a detail that sparked curiosity about his interest in the occult.
The renewed attention on Davis coincided with a deeper chapter of his history resurfacing in early December. It was reported that Leslie Odom Jr. had acquired the screen rights to Rolling Stone’s article “Dance With the Devil” and planned to write and star in a new film developed with Rolling Stone Films. The article delved into Davis’ curious friendship with Anton LaVey, the founder of the Church of Satan, after Davis starred in the NBC pilot Poor Devil, putting him on the church’s radar.
Contrary to public knowledge, Davis maintained a relationship with LaVey and his partner Diane Hegarty, even being welcomed as an honorary warlock in the early 1970s. Despite downplaying his involvement in interviews, he displayed a Baphomet symbol at home as a symbol of pride. The context of this history adds a new layer to the Donahue clip for modern viewers, revealing Davis’ genuine interest in the occult as a result of his curiosity about unexplained phenomena.
Davis explained that his fascination with the occult stemmed from a desire to understand the unknown mysteries of the world. He clarified that the red nail symbol, often associated with the occult world, was merely a reflection of his interest and curiosity. Despite his exploration of the occult, Davis emphasized that it did not conflict with his Jewish faith or lead him into rituals.
Closing the conversation with a touch of humor, Davis quipped, “I don’t want to give anybody the wrong impression that I go like this, here, zap and you’re gone.” His casual yet insightful approach to discussing his interest in the occult provided a glimpse into a lesser-known aspect of his life. The rediscovered interview and his nuanced perspective on the topic showcased a different side of the iconic entertainer.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.