Swedish Actress May Britt Dies at 91, Sammy Davis Jr's Former Wife
The celebrated Swedish performer who sparked controversy with her interracial marriage to the legendary entertainer passed away at a Los Angeles medical facility, leaving behind a complex legacy in Hollywood history.
Swedish actress May Britt, whose marriage to entertainment legend Sammy Davis Jr. made headlines and stirred national controversy in the 1960s, has passed away at age 91. Her son Mark confirmed that she died December 11th at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center from natural causes.
From Stockholm to Hollywood Stardom
Born Maj-Britt Wilkens, the future star was discovered by talent scouts in Stockholm during the early 1950s. Her journey to fame began in Rome, where she received her stage name and built a reputation in European films. By 1957, she had secured a contract with 20th Century Pictures and relocated to Hollywood.
Her American film career included notable performances in "The Young Lions" alongside Marlon Brando in 1958, plus roles in "The Hunters" and "Murder, Inc." These projects established her as a rising talent in the industry.
A Marriage That Challenged America
Britt's relationship with Davis Jr. began during her Hollywood ascent, leading to their 1960 wedding. The interracial union created a firestorm of controversy in an era when such marriages remained illegal in most states. She converted to Judaism before the ceremony, with Frank Sinatra serving as best man.
The backlash proved severe and immediate. Her studio declined to renew her contract, effectively ending her promising career. The couple faced constant death threats, requiring 24-hour security protection. Their car was vandalized with hateful messages, and security teams regularly searched for explosive devices.
Family Life and Personal Struggles
Despite the challenges, the couple welcomed daughter Tracey in 1961 and adopted sons Mark and Jeff in 1963. However, the marriage couldn't withstand the external pressures and Davis Jr.'s alleged infidelity, leading to divorce in 1968.
Tracey later described the family's ordeal to CBS in 2014: "It was very difficult … there were death threats, there were bad words written on our car, they looked for bombs, we had armed guards." When asked about the divorce, Davis Jr. reportedly told his daughter: "I just couldn't be what she wanted to me to be. A family man. My performance schedule was rigorous."
Britt never regretted her choice, telling Vanity Fair in 1999: "I loved Sammy, and I had the chance to marry the man I loved." After the divorce, she struggled to revive her acting career, managing only brief television appearances before focusing on painting. She remarried in 1993 to Lennart Ringquist, who died in 2017. Tracey passed away in 2020 at 59, while sons Mark and Jeff survive their mother.