May Britt, the Swedish actress who captured Hollywood attention in the 1950s and made headlines for her high-profile marriage to entertainer Sammy Davis Jr., has passed away at the age of 91. From her early life in Sweden to her breakthrough in film, the cultural significance of her marriage, and her later years, Britt’s life reflected both artistic promise and personal courage. This article explores her remarkable journey, her contributions to cinema, and the legacy she leaves behind.
Early Life and Discovery
May Britt was born Maj‑Britt Wilkens on March 22, 1934, in Lidingö, Sweden, a suburb of Stockholm. She grew up far from the Hollywood spotlight, living a relatively ordinary life before being discovered. Britt initially worked as a photographer’s assistant, a role that would unexpectedly launch her acting career.
Her breakthrough came when Italian filmmakers Carlo Ponti and Mario Soldati noticed her during a photo shoot. Her beauty, poise, and charisma translated effortlessly to the screen, and she was soon cast in Italian films in the 1950s. These early roles allowed her to develop her craft while gaining international recognition.
Hollywood Breakthrough
May Britt’s European success eventually led her to Hollywood, where studios were eager to sign attractive foreign talent. She was brought to the United States by 20th Century Fox, a significant achievement at a time when Hollywood was dominated by American-born stars.
Some of her most notable roles during this period included:
- The Young Lions (1958) – Acting alongside Marlon Brando, Britt played a role in this wartime drama that explored the human cost of World War II.
- The Hunters (1958) – She shared the screen with Robert Mitchum in this compelling film about American pilots during the Korean War.
- The Blue Angel (1959) – Britt starred as Lola‑Lola in the remake of the classic German film, a role that highlighted her sultry screen presence and acting versatility.
Britt’s early Hollywood career showed promise, but it would soon be overshadowed by the attention surrounding her personal life.
A Groundbreaking Marriage
In 1960, Britt married entertainer Sammy Davis Jr., a union that made headlines for its cultural significance. At that time, interracial marriage was illegal in 31 U.S. states, and the couple’s engagement and wedding were met with both fascination and controversy.
Before the wedding, Britt converted to Judaism, reflecting her commitment to her new life and family. The ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Frank Sinatra as best man. However, societal resistance was fierce — political pressures reportedly led to the couple being excluded from events such as President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration gala.
Their marriage symbolized more than love; it represented a challenge to societal norms in a racially divided America. The attention, both positive and negative, would have a lasting impact on Britt’s career and personal life.
Career Challenges After Marriage
Following her high-profile marriage, Britt faced professional setbacks. 20th Century Fox declined to renew her contract, and opportunities in Hollywood dwindled. The timing coincided with increasing public scrutiny of her private life, leaving Britt in a difficult position as she navigated fame, social controversy, and professional aspirations.
Despite the obstacles, she maintained her dignity and focused on her family, prioritizing personal values over career ambitions.
Family Life and Children
May Britt and Sammy Davis Jr. had a daughter, Tracey Davis, in 1961, and later adopted two sons, Mark Sidney Davis and Jeff Davis. Their household, though under constant public scrutiny, was reportedly loving and supportive.
Tracey Davis later reflected on the challenges of growing up in a high-profile, socially scrutinized family, but emphasized the strength and love her parents shared despite societal pressures. The marriage ended in divorce in 1968, but their bond and impact on their children endured.
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Later Career and Screen Appearances
After her divorce, Britt continued to act, though her career never regained the same momentum as before. She appeared in various television roles during the 1970s and 1980s, including:
- Mission: Impossible (1969) – A guest role on the popular spy series.
- The Most Deadly Game (1970s) – Television appearances that allowed her to continue acting on a smaller scale.
- Haunts (1976) – A horror film showcasing her versatility in genre roles.
- Probe (1988) – One of her final screen appearances before stepping away from acting.
Following these roles, Britt largely retired from the screen, focusing on family and personal pursuits.
Second Marriage and Later Years
In 1993, Britt married Lennart Ringquist, an entertainment executive and horse breeder. The couple remained together until his passing in 2017. During these years, Britt lived a quieter life, away from Hollywood’s glare, prioritizing her family and personal interests.
Her later years reflected a deliberate choice to embrace privacy and focus on what mattered most: family, personal growth, and reflection on a life lived at the intersection of art and history.
Death and Legacy
May Britt passed away on December 11, 2025, at the age of 91 in Los Angeles, confirmed by her son, Mark Davis. She died of natural causes.
Her legacy is multifaceted. Britt was not only a talented actress whose work spanned continents, genres, and languages, but also a woman who navigated societal barriers with courage. Her marriage to Sammy Davis Jr. challenged cultural norms, leaving a lasting imprint on both Hollywood and American society.
Britt’s life exemplified resilience, grace, and the ability to adapt to both personal and professional challenges while maintaining dignity.
Remembering May Britt
May Britt is remembered for:
- Trailblazing Hollywood presence – One of the few Swedish actresses to achieve international recognition in the 1950s and 1960s.
- Notable film roles – The Blue Angel, The Young Lions, The Hunters remain highlights of her career.
- A culturally significant marriage – Her marriage to Sammy Davis Jr. broke racial barriers and reflected a commitment to love despite societal resistance.
- Family dedication – After Hollywood, Britt focused on nurturing her family and personal life, leaving a legacy of resilience and love.
Her story continues to inspire discussions on art, race, love, and the complex intersection of public and private life.
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FAQs
Who was May Britt?
May Britt was a Swedish actress born Maj‑Britt Wilkens who starred in European and Hollywood films and was the former wife of entertainer Sammy Davis Jr.
When did May Britt die?
She passed away on December 11, 2025, at the age of 91.
What are some of her notable films?
Her notable roles include The Young Lions, The Hunters, and The Blue Angel.
Why was her marriage to Sammy Davis Jr. significant?
Their marriage, in 1960, was interracial at a time when many U.S. states prohibited such unions, making it a culturally significant and controversial union.
What did she do after leaving Hollywood?
She focused on family life, personal pursuits, and later married Lennart Ringquist, living a quieter life away from the public eye.
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I’m Atul Kumar, founder of Cine Storytellers and an entertainment creator with 5+ years of experience. I cover films, celebrities, music, and OTT content with a focus on accurate, ethical, and engaging storytelling. My goal is to bring readers trustworthy entertainment news that informs, inspires, and goes beyond gossip.
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