May Britt, actress and former wife of Sammy Davis Jr, dies aged 91!

The passing of May Britt at the age of 91 marks the conclusion of a life that serves as a definitive case study in personal branding, civil rights resilience, and the complex intersection of Hollywood stardom and social activism. Born in Sweden as Maybritt Wilkens, her trajectory from a reserved assistant in a photography studio to a global cinematic icon represents one of the most compelling narratives in entertainment industry history. While many remember her for her striking features and on-screen magnetism, Britt’s true legacy lies in her role as a pioneer of interracial marriage advocacy, a choice that fundamentally altered her career lifecycle and redefined the boundaries of celebrity influence during the mid-20th century.

From Stockholm to the Silver Screen: The Rise of a Star

Britt’s introduction to the world of high-end commercial photography was entirely serendipitous. Discovered by Italian filmmakers, she was propelled into European cinema before capturing the attention of 20th Century Fox. During the late 1950s, she emerged as a high-value talent asset, sharing the screen with legendary figures such as Marlon Brando and Robert Mitchum. Films like The Young Lions and The Blue Angel demonstrated her immense artistic versatility and positioned her as a formidable successor to the European “ice queen” archetype. At this juncture, her market value as a leading lady was at its zenith, with film distribution networks across the globe eager to capitalize on her skyrocketing fame.

However, Britt’s career took a historic turn when she chose to prioritize personal integrity over studio contract stability. In 1960, she entered a highly publicized relationship with Sammy Davis Jr., a member of the iconic “Rat Pack” and a titan of variety entertainment. In an era characterized by strict miscegenation laws and systemic racial segregation, their union was more than a romantic gesture; it was a radical act of social disruption.