Tommy Davidson was once a rising star in Hollywood, making millions laugh every week on *In Living Color*.
Known for his sharp impressions and quick wit, he stood out among comedy legends like Jim Carrey, Jamie Foxx, and the Wayans family. However, his career trajectory took an unexpected turn, leaving fans wondering what happened to the talented comedian.
Davidson’s journey to fame wasn’t easy. Abandoned as a baby, he was adopted by a white family and grew up moving across states before settling in Washington, D.C. His early life exposed him to racial tensions, especially during the 1968 riots following Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination.

Despite these challenges, Davidson discovered his natural talent for comedy at a young age, eventually winning an amateur night at the Apollo Theater and moving to Los Angeles to pursue his dreams. Performing as an opening act for icons like Luther Vandross and Anita Baker, Davidson quickly made a name for himself.
In 1990, *In Living Color* revolutionized sketch comedy, providing a platform for black talent. Davidson’s performances on the show solidified his place in Hollywood, leading to roles in films like *Booty Call* and *Woo*. However, behind the scenes, Davidson battled addiction to drugs and alcohol, which he later admitted nearly derailed his career.
He credited people like *In Living Color* creator Keenan Ivory Wayans for urging him to seek help. Despite returning to the show after a break, Davidson felt the magic was gone, and he struggled to reconnect with the cast.

Davidson’s relationship with Jamie Foxx, one of his co-stars, was particularly strained. In a candid interview, Davidson recounted an incident during the filming of *In Living Color*, where Foxx allegedly tried to forcibly remove Davidson’s costume during a sketch, leaving him humiliated. Davidson later revealed that he considered retaliating physically but chose restraint, knowing such an altercation could have long-term consequences.
The tension between Davidson and Foxx persisted when they worked together on the film *Booty Call*. Davidson claimed Foxx was determined to steal scenes and even challenged him to a basketball game, which ended with Foxx allegedly charging at him, leading to a near physical altercation.
In his memoir, *Living in Color: What’s Funny About Me*, Davidson described Foxx’s humor as “mercilessly mean” and accused him of using bullying tactics to gain favor with the show’s creator.
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Davidson also revealed an awkward encounter with Will Smith over a kissing scene with Jada Pinkett Smith in the film *Woo*. According to Davidson, Smith confronted him in his trailer, expressing his displeasure about the scene.
Davidson only learned years later that Smith’s anger stemmed from the producers adding the kiss without rehearsal, causing tension between the actors.
Despite these challenges, Davidson has remained resilient, using his experiences to reflect on the darker side of Hollywood.
His candid revelations about the industry have earned him both admirers and critics, but they highlight the pressures and struggles faced by black entertainers in the spotlight. Today, Davidson continues to perform, proving that his talent and honesty are his greatest strengths.
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