Davis Family Genealogy & History

Jonathan Howsmon Davis, also known as JD, is a renowned American singer, songwriter, and musician, famously recognized as the lead vocalist of the nu metal band Korn. Co-founding Korn in 1993, Davis rose to prominence with his intense live performances and unique vocal style, which became the band's trademark. His career spans nearly three decades, marked by collaborations with artists across genres like metal, alternative rock, and electronic music. Davis has received numerous accolades, including two Grammy Awards, and his albums have sold over 40 million copies worldwide, with multiple platinum certifications in the U.S., Australia, and the UK.

Born on January 18, 1971, in Bakersfield, California, Jonathan Davis is the son of Holly Marie Chavez and Ricky Duane "Rick" Davis. His diverse ancestry includes English, German, Scottish, and Welsh roots. Davis has one full sister, Alyssa Marie Davis, and two half-siblings, Mark and Amanda Chavez, through his mother. His father, a keyboardist, and his mother, an actress and dancer, divorced when Davis was three. Despite a challenging upbringing marked by health issues and family dynamics, he found a passion for music and performance.

Viola Davis is an acclaimed American actress and film producer, recognized for her exceptional talent and numerous accolades, including the Triple Crown of Acting and EGOT. Notable roles include her Oscar-winning performance in "Fences," and her Emmy-winning role as Annalise Keating in "How to Get Away with Murder." Davis's career spans Broadway, film, and television, with memorable performances in "Doubt," "The Help," and "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom." An advocate for human rights and women of color, she co-founded JuVee Productions and was named a L'Oréal Paris ambassador in 2019.

Viola Davis was born on August 11, 1965, in St. Matthews, South Carolina, to Mae Alice Davis and Dan Davis. Raised in Central Falls, Rhode Island, she is the second youngest of six siblings. Her father worked as a horse trainer, while her mother was a maid and factory worker, and an activist during the Civil Rights Movement. Davis’s early life was marked by poverty, influencing her later advocacy work. She is also a second cousin of actor Mike Colter.

Geena Davis, born Virginia Elizabeth Davis on January 21, 1956, is a celebrated American actor known for her diverse roles in film and television. She gained prominence with performances in "Tootsie" (1982), "The Fly" (1986), and "Beetlejuice" (1988). Her portrayal in "The Accidental Tourist" earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Notable films include "Thelma & Louise" (1991) and "A League of Their Own" (1992). Davis won a Golden Globe for her role in "Commander in Chief" (2005–2006). Additionally, she founded the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media and received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 2019.

Geena Davis was born in Wareham, Massachusetts, to Lucille, a teacher's assistant, and William F. Davis, a civil engineer and church deacon. The family hails from Vermont, and Geena has an older brother named Danforth ("Dan"). Her early interests included music, and she played the piano, flute, and organ. She attended Wareham High School and later pursued studies at Boston University after beginning at New England College.

Bette Davis, born Ruth Elizabeth Davis, was an iconic American actress renowned for her intense acting style and willingness to portray unsympathetic characters. She won two Academy Awards for Best Actress and earned ten nominations, becoming the first woman to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Film Institute. Her career highlights include roles in "Of Human Bondage," "Jezebel," and "All About Eve," often cited as her best performance. Davis also co-founded the Hollywood Canteen and was the first female president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Bette Davis was born on April 5, 1908, in Lowell, Massachusetts, to Harlow Morrell Davis, a patent attorney, and Ruth Augusta Favór. She had a younger sister, Barbara Harriet. After her parents separated in 1915, Davis attended boarding school with her sister.