John Davidson, a captivating and gifted personality, was born in the year 1941 in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to a devout Baptist minister. He embodies the quintessential image of wholesome, youthful, and radiant attractiveness, a quality that has frequently been both a blessing and a source of frustration for him.
John's educational journey began in White Plains, New York, where he completed his high school education before furthering his studies at Denison University. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Arts, laying the foundation for a future career in the performing arts.
Following his academic pursuits, John ventured into the world of Broadway, making his debut in the short-lived musical "Foxy" in 1964. He shared the stage with renowned actors Bert Lahr and Larry Blyden at the iconic Ziegfeld Theater, marking the beginning of his illustrious career in the entertainment industry.
Bob Banner, a renowned TV producer, recognized the immense talent of John and decided to mentor him, propelling him into the spotlight with remarkable speed. Notably, John's breakthrough role was as "Matt" in the 1964 Hallmark Hall of Fame television presentation of the iconic musical "The Fantasticks", where he shared the stage with an illustrious cast featuring the esteemed Basil Rathbone, the acclaimed actor Ricardo Montalban, the seasoned comedian Stanley Holloway, and the gifted soprano Susan Watson.
John's career trajectory continued to flourish as he landed a recurring role on the popular television program "The Entertainers" in 1964, gradually increasing his visibility and reputation within the industry. This exposure paved the way for him to assume the hosting duties on the prime-time variety show "The Kraft Summer Music Hall" in 1966, ensuring that his face and voice remained prominently featured on the small screen.
Meanwhile, John's stage presence continued to impress audiences, earning him a Theater World Award in 1965 for his captivating portrayal of "Curly" in the iconic musical "Oklahoma!". This remarkable performance would become a hallmark of his career, with him reprising the role numerous times throughout the years, solidifying his status as a talented and versatile performer.
John showcased his aptitude for playing the leading man in various cinematic endeavors, notably co-starring alongside the illustrious Lesley Ann Warren in a pair of Disney productions that exuded a sense of sanitized charm, namely "The Happiest Millionaire" (1967) and "The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band" (1968). These films, set against the backdrop of a bygone era, featured the then-reigning "Cinderella" of the time, Lesley Ann Warren, who added an extra layer of sparkle to the cinematic experience.
In addition to his work in these Disney films, John also appeared in the 1973 motion picture "Coffee, Tea or Me?", a cinematic treat that paired him with the talented Karen Valentine. Furthermore, he co-starred alongside the esteemed Sally Field in the 1973 television sitcom "The Girl with Something Extra", playing the role of a newlywed alongside his on-screen partner. Despite its promising premise, the show unfortunately failed to garner widespread acclaim, leaving John to continue his pursuit of success in the entertainment industry.
John Davidson's professional trajectory in television was marked by a successful run as the host of his own daytime talk show, "The John Davidson Show", which debuted in 1969. In addition to his own program, John also made appearances in a series of mini-movie productions, further expanding his reach and versatility as a performer. His talents were also showcased through guest appearances on popular television shows, including "The Love Boat" and "Fantasy Island", both of which premiered in 1977. Despite his impressive resume and early success, however, interest in John's career began to wane over time.
John's professional trajectory underwent a significant transformation over the next decade, as his career experienced a resurgence of sorts, courtesy of his stint as the host of the popular television program "That's Incredible!" which premiered in 1980. The show's format, which was tailor-made to showcase John's effervescent personality, proved to be a resounding success, lasting a impressive four years, alongside his co-host Cathy Lee Crosby. Prior to this, John had already demonstrated his aptitude for self-deprecating humor, initially as a regular cast member on the long-running game show "Hollywood Squares" in 1965, and later as the takeover host of the same program in 1986, a role he occupied for several years. Furthermore, John also filled the emcee shoes vacated by the legendary Dick Clark on the syndicated game show "The $10,000 Pyramid" during the 1992-1993 season, a testament to his versatility and enduring appeal as a television host.
John's unwavering enthusiasm for music has been a constant throughout his life, with his primary passion being the creation and performance of melodies. This multifaceted talent has led him to produce a remarkable 12 solo albums, expertly navigating both the pop and country music genres. Furthermore, John is a skilled instrumentalist, proficient in playing the guitar and banjo, and has showcased his vocal range by singing in three distinct languages: English, French, and Spanish.
As a sought-after performer, John has consistently delighted audiences in nightclubs and concert halls across the nation, starring in numerous national tours and stock productions. Some of his most notable roles include "The Music Man," "110 in the Shade," "Paint Your Wagon," "Li'l Abner," "Camelot," "Carousel," "I Do! I Do!," and "Will Rogers' Follies," to name a few.
John's extensive theatrical career has spanned multiple decades, with notable appearances in legitimate plays. One such notable performance was in the off-Broadway comedy "High Infidelity", where he shared the stage with esteemed actresses Barbara Eden and Morgan Fairchild.
In 1996, John made a triumphant return to Broadway after a 32-year hiatus, starring in the iconic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical "State Fair". Two years later, he drew inspiration from his previous portrayal of Theodore Roosevelt in the musical "Teddy and Alice", and developed his one-man show "Bully", bringing the former president to life on stage.
In addition to his impressive stage work, John has made sporadic appearances in films, showcasing his versatility as an actor. One notable film credit includes the disaster epic "The Concorde... Airport '79", released in 1979. Another notable film appearance was in the critically acclaimed "Edward Scissorhands", released in 1990.
John, a devoted husband and father, has been blessed with a loving union with his second wife, Rhonda Davidson (formerly Rivera),whom he had the pleasure of meeting in the year 1983. This fortunate encounter has led to the birth of a child, Ashleigh Davidson, a precious addition to their family. In recent years, John has had the opportunity to share the stage with his daughter, Ashleigh, in a 2005 production of the classic musical "Shenandoah."
