Hollywood has lost one of its quieter yet deeply influential figures.
Actress May Britt, whose life bridged European cinema and classic American stardom, has died at the age of 91.
Her son confirmed the news on Thursday, sharing that Britt passed away from natural causes on December 11 at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center.
A Career That Spanned Continents and Genres
Best remembered for her striking screen presence, Britt built an impressive résumé that included The Blue Angel, Murder Inc., and The Young Lions.
Her performances blended elegance with boldness, helping her stand out during a fiercely competitive era in Hollywood.
While her time in mainstream films eventually slowed, her earlier work left a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike.
A Love Story That Challenged America’s Norms
Britt’s personal life drew just as much attention as her acting career.
She met legendary entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. in 1960 at the Mocambo nightclub on Hollywood’s Sunset Strip, a meeting that quickly changed both their lives.
Davis Jr. ended his engagement to Canadian dancer Joan Stuart soon after, and Britt later converted to Judaism, the faith Davis Jr. had embraced following a serious car accident years earlier.
Their engagement was announced while Davis Jr. was in England, and the couple married on November 13 at his Los Angeles home.
The Jewish ceremony was conducted by Reform Rabbi William J. Kramer, with Frank Sinatra—Davis Jr.’s close friend—standing as best man.
Despite their shared faith, the marriage sparked intense controversy at a time when interracial unions were still illegal in 31 U.S. states.
A Marriage Under Public Pressure
The backlash surrounding their wedding reflected a deeply divided America.
Anti-miscegenation laws were still in force across much of the country, though they would later be struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Even political considerations affected the couple’s lives.
At Sinatra’s request, Britt and Davis Jr. delayed their wedding until after the U.S. presidential election to avoid damaging John F. Kennedy’s campaign.
Despite this, they were later excluded from Kennedy’s inauguration over concerns their presence might offend Southern lawmakers.
Family Life and Heartbreak
The couple welcomed their daughter, Tracey, in 1961.
They later adopted two sons, Mark and Jeff, and raised their family in a Beverly Hills mansion once owned by Gone With the Wind producer David O. Selznick.
However, the marriage ended in divorce eight years later, following reports linking Davis Jr. romantically to singer and actress Lola Falana.
Tragedy struck again decades later when Tracey—who authored two books about her famous parents—died in November 2020 at age 59 after a brief, undisclosed illness.
From Sweden to Hollywood Stardom
Born Majbritt Wilkens on March 22, 1934, in Lidingö, Sweden, Britt was raised by her father Hugo, a postal clerk, and her mother Hillevi, a homemaker.
Her life took a dramatic turn at 18 while working as a photographer’s assistant in Stockholm.
Legendary Italian producer Carlo Ponti spotted her and offered her opportunities that soon led to film roles in Italy.
That chance encounter ultimately brought Britt to Hollywood, where she signed a lucrative contract with 20th Century Fox in 1957.
Early English-language roles included the Korean War epic The Hunters and the World War II drama The Young Lions, where her on-screen chemistry with Marlon Brando helped turn the film into a box-office success.
The Role That Defined Her Stardom
Britt’s most iconic performance came in 1959 when she starred as the provocative cabaret singer Lola-Lola in the remake of The Blue Angel, directed by Edward Dmytryk.
The casting surprised many, with widespread expectations that Marilyn Monroe would land the role.
Instead, Britt’s sultry performance and musical talent redefined the character for a new generation.
She continued to showcase those skills in Murder Inc., further cementing her reputation as a versatile performer capable of both dramatic and musical roles.
Love, Loss, and Life After Hollywood
Before marrying Davis Jr., Britt wed her first husband, Edwin Gregson, a Stanford-educated businessman, in 1958.
That marriage ended two years later.
After her divorce from Davis Jr., Britt shifted her focus, making regular television appearances, including a notable role on Mission: Impossible in 1969.
Reflecting on her marriage years later, she told Vanity Fair in 1999, “I loved Sammy, and I had the chance to marry the man I loved.”
Later Years and Lasting Legacy
Davis Jr. went on to marry dancer Altovise Gore in 1970, remaining with her until his death from throat cancer in 1990.
Britt stayed single until 1993, when she married Lennart Ringquist, an entertainment executive and horse breeder. The couple remained together until Ringquist’s death in 2017.
May Britt is survived by her sons, her sister Margot, and her grandchildren—Andrew, Ryan, Sam, Montana, Greer, and Chase.
Her life story, marked by artistic success, personal courage, and quiet resilience, remains an enduring chapter in Hollywood history.
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