Sammy Davis Jr.'s Forbidden Affair Was Kept Quiet For Decades

From the moment Sammy Davis Jr. laid eyes on her, he knew she was the one — but the rest of the world wouldn't be so accepting of their relationship. The Rat Pack singer managed to keep things quieter than your average star, as his forbidden love affair, which involved everyone from the mob to a film studio, remained hidden for nearly six decades. But Hollywood relationships are notoriously hard to keep under wraps. Between nosy business managers and the ever-present paparazzi, it seemed like prying eyes were everywhere. And when the details finally emerged, no one could believe Davis' wild story.

Enter the Rat Pack

The Rat Pack had always been a hit with the ladies. But by 1957, one particular woman had caught Sammy's eye. Their relationship, however, would be anything but straightforward.

An Entertainer at Heart

See, Sammy Davis Jr. didn't grow up with the glitz and glamour like she had. His life began a world away, in Harlem, New York. But the taste for show business had always been in his blood.

Humble Beginnings

Davis' dad was a singer and his mom was a tap dancer, so young Sammy had show biz in his blood. Before long, he was performing with the rest of his family.

Entertainment on Deck

In 1943, however, Davis Jr. was almost forced to change careers. He was drafted into the the United States Army, where he served as an entertainment specialist, performing for his fellow soldiers.