Who Is Mark Sydney Davis? The Truth About Sammy Davis Jr.’s Adopted Son

Mark Sydney Davis has lived a life full of love, mystery, and confusion. He was raised in the spotlight as the adopted son of the famous American entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. Sammy was known around the world as a singer, dancer, actor, and member of the Rat Pack. He made people laugh, cry, and cheer—but behind the scenes, one part of his life remained a deep secret: his son Mark.

Many people believed Mark was adopted. But in his final days, Sammy whispered something that changed everything. He told Mark, “You are my son.” Those words left a question that still isn’t fully answered today. This article will tell you everything about Mark Sydney Davis—his life, his family, and the truth he’s still trying to understand.

Mark Sydney Davis Quick Bio

Mark Sydney Davis’s Early Years

Mark Sydney Davis was born on April 6, 1960, in Los Angeles, California. His childhood began in a quiet way, but that changed when he became part of one of America’s most famous families.

When Mark was around three years old, Sammy Davis Jr. and his wife at the time, May Britt, adopted him. The adoption was finalized on June 3, 1963. At first, everything seemed normal. Sammy and May presented Mark to the world as their adopted son, and he grew up calling them Mom and Dad.

But something didn’t quite add up. Even though the adoption papers were clear, Mark’s birth certificate said something else. It listed Sammy Davis Jr. as his biological father, not just his adoptive one. That small detail started a lifetime of confusion.

How Did Sammy Davis Jr. Adopt Mark?

Back in the 1960s, Sammy Davis Jr. and May Britt were one of the first famous interracial couples in Hollywood. Their marriage alone caused headlines, since many states still didn’t allow interracial marriage at the time. Adopting a child—especially one with unclear background details—just made things more complicated.

They adopted Mark when he was already a toddler. A year later, they had a biological daughter named Tracey Davis. They also adopted a second son, Jeff Davis, a few years after Mark.

But here’s where it gets strange: Why adopt a child who was older than their own baby daughter? And why would the birth certificate say that Sammy and May were Mark’s real parents?

Mark has said that even as a child, things didn’t feel right. There were no baby photos of him. Nobody could tell him much about his first two years. People around him would sometimes say, “You know he’s your real dad,” and it always made him wonder.

What Was Mark’s Childhood Like?

Mark grew up in a house filled with music, bright lights, and famous faces. Being the son of Sammy Davis Jr. meant meeting stars like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and even a young Michael Jackson. The Davis family would go on trips to places like Disneyland and Hawaii. Sammy, even though he was often busy, tried to have fun with the kids.

Mark remembers running races with his dad in hotel hallways, jumping into pools, and laughing together. He says Sammy would swim across the pool holding his breath while wearing floaties—just to make the kids laugh. Those were happy moments.

But being famous doesn’t always mean being close. Sammy was always surrounded by people. He was busy with shows, travel, and fans. Mark often felt like he didn’t really have time with his dad, even when they were in the same room. That gap in their bond stayed with him for years.

The Strange Birth Certificate

One of the most puzzling things in Mark Sydney Davis’s story is his birth certificate. Normally, when someone is adopted, their birth certificate shows the names of their biological parents (if known), and then later, an adoption certificate names the adoptive parents. But in Mark’s case, his birth certificate listed Sammy Davis Jr. as his actual father—and May Britt as his mother.

This didn’t match what people were told.

May Britt later told Mark directly: “I’m not your birth mother.” That statement shook him. He had always believed she was. If she wasn’t, then who was?

There are still no photos of Mark as a baby. No stories of his birth. Nothing to explain the missing time before he turned two. The birth certificate seemed like it should give answers. But for Mark, it only brought more questions.

What Did Sammy Say Before He Died?

In 1990, Sammy Davis Jr. was in his final days. He had throat cancer and was very ill. Mark, who hadn’t always had the easiest relationship with his father, made the trip to visit him one last time.

As he leaned over to say goodbye, Sammy pulled him close and whispered: “You are my son.”

Those were his last words to Mark.

Imagine hearing that from someone you’ve always admired—and always wondered about. Mark has said that moment is burned into his memory forever. But he still doesn’t fully know what Sammy meant. Was it a true confession? Was it just love? Or was it something else?

That moment would push Mark to search for real answers.

The DNA Test That Shocked Everyone

Years later, in 2015, Inside Edition helped Mark take a DNA test. He agreed to compare his DNA with Tracey Davis, Sammy, and May’s known biological daughter. If they were full or half-siblings, it would prove that Sammy was Mark’s real dad.

But the results said something no one expected: Mark and Tracey were not biologically related at all.

This was heartbreaking for Mark. After years of wondering, the test confirmed that Sammy Davis Jr. was not his biological father. Tracey and Mark were close, and she told him, “I still love you.” But the truth was now clear. Sammy had adopted him. His real parents are still unknown.

Who Are Mark Sydney Davis’s Real Parents?

After the DNA test in 2015 showed that Mark Sydney Davis and Tracey Davis were not related, one big question remained—who are Mark’s real parents?

The truth is, even now in 2025, nobody knows. His birth mother has never come forward. May Britt made it clear to Mark that she did not give birth to him. She also said she didn’t know who his real mother was. This made the situation even more confusing.

Some people believe that Mark might have been a secret love child. Sammy Davis Jr. was very famous in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He had many relationships, and some of them were with women he could not publicly be with at the time, especially because of racism. Maybe Mark was the result of one of those relationships. If so, adopting him quietly might have been Sammy’s way of protecting both the child and the mother.

Why Mark Still Feels Like a “Question Mark”

Mark has said many times that he feels like a “huge living question mark.” And it’s easy to understand why.

He was told he was adopted. But his birth certificate lists Sammy and May as his real parents. He has no baby photos. No one can tell him what happened in his first two years. And then, before dying, Sammy says, “You are my son.” That’s a lot to carry.

Mark once said, “I might never know what he meant.” And maybe he never will. But even with all this mystery, he’s learned to move forward. He doesn’t have all the answers, but he’s found peace in other parts of his life.

Mark Sydney Davis’s Relationship with Sammy Davis Jr.

Like many father-son relationships, Mark and Sammy’s bond was complicated.

They had good times. They laughed, played, and traveled. Mark said his dad would jump in the pool with floaties just to make the kids laugh. But at the same time, Sammy was often away, busy with shows and surrounded by fans.

Sometimes their relationship was strained. One time, they argued over a woman. Mark said Sammy tried to take his girlfriend. After that, they didn’t talk for eight months. It hurt. But Mark said that even after the fight, he still loved and respected his dad.

In Sammy’s final days, Mark was there. And Sammy’s last words—“You are my son”—stayed with him forever. No matter what the DNA said, those words meant a lot.

Mark Sydney Davis’s Children and Family Life

Today, Mark Sydney Davis is the father of two sons, Ryan and Andy Davis. He says they are the joy of his life. Everything he does now is to be a better dad than he was.

He wants to be present, loving, and supportive. He hugs his sons all the time. He listens to them. He encourages them. One of his sons, Ryan, is even a natural drummer, just like his grandfather, Sammy. Mark is proud of that.

He once said, “I try to be the father to them that Sammy wasn’t to me.” That one sentence shows how much being a dad means to him.

Is Mark Married?

Mark has been married three times, though he keeps those details private. He doesn’t talk much about his wives in public.

Even though he comes from a famous family, Mark has chosen a quiet life. He doesn’t seek attention. He doesn’t try to be famous. He just wants peace, family, and love.

What Is Mark Sydney Davis Doing Now?

Mark lives a normal life in California. He once worked as a photo clerk at a Costco store near Hollywood. He enjoys the simple things. He works hard. He spends time with his kids. He looks after his mother and brother.

He’s not rich. He’s not chasing fame. But he says he’s okay with that. He has love in his life, and that’s what matters most to him now.

Mark hasn’t had an easy life. After his parents split in the late 1960s, things changed. His connection with Sammy got weaker. And in his 30s, Mark fell into heavy drinking.

He said he was out of control and probably trying to act like his father. But after three times in rehab, he finally got better. He’s been open about his past and honest about his struggles.

Today, Mark is stronger, calmer, and more focused. He still wonders where he came from. But instead of letting that destroy him, he uses it to build a better life for his children.

Final Thoughts

So, who is Mark Sydney Davis?

He is a man raised by a legend. A man with a mysterious beginning. A son who may never know where he truly came from. But also a father, a worker, a survivor—and someone who chooses love, even when the past is full of pain.

Mark may still feel like a question mark. But to his sons, his friends, and even to Sammy in his final moments, he was and always will be a son worth loving.

(FAQs)

Who is Mark Sydney Davis, and why is he famous?

Mark Sydney Davis is known as the adopted son of superstar Sammy Davis Jr., but a big mystery still surrounds his life—some believe he might be Sammy’s real son, not adopted.

Is Sammy Davis Jr. the real biological father of Mark Sydney Davis?

DNA tests say no—Mark is not biologically related to Sammy Davis Jr. or his daughter Tracey. But Sammy told Mark on his deathbed, “You are my son.”

What jobs has Mark Sydney Davis done?

Mark once worked as an assistant stage manager for Sammy’s tours. Later, he took a quiet job as a photo clerk at Costco in Hollywood.

What is Mark Sydney Davis’ net worth?

Mark’s net worth is unknown, but unlike his father, he lives a very simple life. Sammy died in debt, and Mark does not appear to have inherited anything.

Where is Mark Sydney Davis today?

In 2025, Mark lives a quiet life in California, far from fame. He focuses on being a loving father to his two sons and stays away from the public eye.