January 2025

Clifton Davis is a versatile artist – actor, singer, composer, producer and minister – who has captivated audiences worldwide for over 40 years. He is known for his five-year portrayal of Reverend Rueben Gregory on the beloved comedy series “Amen.” Davis stars as Vernon Dupree on BEYOND THE GATES. 

Davis began his acting career in New York City with the Broadway production of “Hello, Dolly!” After six years and five Broadway shows – including a Tony nomination for “Two Gentlemen of Verona” – he transitioned to Hollywood where his career flourished. 

Davis would later return to the theater stage with starring roles in the acclaimed shows “Guys and Dolls,” “Pal Joey,” “Aladdin” and “Wicked.”

His television credits include 42 episodes of MADAM SECRETARY, BLUE BLOODS and his trailblazing role opposite Melba Moore in THE MELBA MOORE & CLIFTON DAVIS SHOW on the Network. Additionally, he starred in “Godfather of Harlem,” “Clipped,” “Iron Fist,” BILLIONS, “New Amsterdam,” THE GOOD FIGHT, “Political Animals,” “Mr. Box Office,” “The First Family” and “Murder in Manhattan,” among many others.

Davis’ feature film credits include “A Shot Through the Wall,” “Any Given Sunday,” “Halloweentown High,” “Kingdom Come,” “Max Keeble’s Big Move,” “Soldiers of Change,” “Prayer Never Fails” and “The Climb.”

Alongside acting, Davis found success as a Motown songwriter, earning a GRAMMY nomination for “Never Can Say Goodbye,” famously performed by The Jackson 5, and writing songs for the Supremes and the Miracles. He has a jazz vocal album, Never Can Say Goodbye, featuring the Beegie Adair Trio and Take 6.

Davis is a devoted advocate for social, civic and spiritual causes. He has received over 125 awards from organizations such as the SCLC, World Vision, UNCF and the NAACP. As a licensed Christian minister, his interdenominational ministry spans more than 35 years. For 26 years, he was a beloved host of TBN’s “Praise the Lord” and has hosted several notable gospel music specials, including “Gospel Superfest,” “Take It to the Bridge,” “The Stellar Awards,” “The Dove Awards” and “The Black Achievement Awards.”

Davis holds a BA in theology from Oakwood University and a Master of Divinity from Andrews University. He has received honorary Doctor of Letters degrees from Lincoln University, Paine College and Edward Waters College, a Doctor of Ministry from Trinity International University and a Doctor of Fine Arts from the University of Hartford. 

Davis is originally from Chicago and was raised on Long Island, N.Y. His birthday is Oct. 4. Follow him on social media @thecliftondavis.