Nathan Davis

Nathan Davis (May 22, 1917 – October 15, 2008) was an American actor. He was the father of director Andrew Davis, and appeared in many of his son's films. He was also three-time Jeff Award nominee for his stage work.

Early life Davis was born in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Romanian-Jewish immigrants, Rose (née Marcus) and Fred Davis. He served in Europe during World War II and performed on the local stage and in radio productions after the war. Davis was also a pharmaceutical sales rep by trade but pursued acting after being fired from his sales job in the late '70s.

Acting career Davis started acting in the late 1970s. He appeared on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood in 1975 and in films such as Dunston Checks In, Thief, Poltergeist III, and many others. He often appeared in films directed by his son Andrew, notably as the grandfather to Shia LaBeouf's character in the Disney film Holes.

He was nominated for a 1980 Jeff Award for Actor in a Principal Role in a Play for his performance in Buried Child at the Northlight Theatre. He was again nominated for The Sunshine Boys at the National Jewish Theater, and a third time in 2001 for 2 1/2 Jews at the Apple Tree Theatre.

Personal life He was married to Metta (née Talmy). They had three children: Chicago musician Richard "Richie" Peter Davis, Hollywood film director Andrew Davis, and Jo Ellen Davis Friedman.

Death Davis died from emphysema and complications of pneumonia in Chicago at age 91. Filmography

Film Year Title Role Notes1978 A Steady Rain The Bartender Stony Island Lewis 1979 Dummy Policeman 1981 Hudson Taylor Guard On the Right Track Mario Thief Grossman 1983 Risky Business Business Teacher 1984 Windy City Mr. Jones 1985 Code of Silence Felix ScaleseDirected by his son Andrew Davis 1986 One More Saturday Night Desk Clerk Tough Guys Jimmy Ellis 1987 Burglar Mr. Paggif Flowers in the Attic Grandfather Foxworth 1988 Poltergeist III Reverend Henry Kane/Polo 1989 The Package Soviet Press SecretaryDirected by his son 1990 Shaking the Tree Grandpa Sullivan 1995 Steal Big Steal Little Harry Lordly, Attorney of Record for Bonnie MartinDirected by his son 1996 Dunston Checks In Victor Dubrow Chain Reaction Morris GrodskyDirected by his son 2001 Almost Salinas Zelder Hill 2003 Holes Stanley Yelnats IIDirected by his son 2006 Let's Go to Prison Old Juror

Television Year Title RoleN otes1981The Children Nobody WantedOrvilleTV movie 1982 Will: G. Gordon LiddyBrian FinkleTV movie 1984 Too Close for Comfort Mr. RosenbergEpisode: "The Enemy Above" 1986 Hill Street Blues Aaron LevineEpisode: "A Case of Klapp" 1987 Crime Story Izzy 'The Dancer' Abrams2 episodes Wiseguy Don "Joey Bags" Baglia Murder Ordained Doctor 1988 Sable Philip LazloEpisode: "Mob" 1990 Father Dowling Mysteries MalkoEpisode: "The Visiting Priest Mystery" 1991 Cheers Mr. QuincyEpisode: "Carla Loves Clavin" 1995 Frasier OttoEpisode: "The Innkeepers" 1997 ER Mr. NovotnyEpisode: "The Long Way Around" 1999 Becker Milton FowlerEpisode: "Larry Spoke"