Because of the lifestyle, it has given me or afforded me an incredible quality of life, the chef shared with Atlanta Black Star. She began her music career writing songs that helped The Commodores get signed to Motown and penned The Chambers Brothers' 1967 hit Uptown (to Harlem). She went on to release five solo albums, mostly recorded between 1964 and 1975, that have gone on to influence music to this day. Betty has been the guiding light in everything we do at Light in the Attic. Ad Choices. In Miss D And Me: Life With The Invincible Bette Davis, Kathryn Sermak portrays the star of classics such as All About Eve, Now, Voyager and What Ever Happened To Baby Jane?, as eccentric and strong-willed but possessed of a heart of gold. The movie actress Bette Davis died at the age of 81. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Dudley Evans, The investigation of a womans body found in a car at The Old Normans Market property at the intersection of Hwy 70 and Gallaher Road east of Kingston is ongoing. Paul Davis, a singer and songwriter whose 1977 soft rock hit "I Go Crazy" had a record-setting run on the pop chart, died Tuesday. Several fans, friends, and supporters reacted and stated their condolences on social media websites following this tragic news. The Madea mastermind told whoever started the hoax to please stop you better be careful when you speak death over a child of God. She had this big metal waste basket and she would have her secretary get a piece of clothing from someone who had vexed her, crossed her in her view, she claims. She was frustrated, even shed some tears, but Davis said shes not letting a hacker get her down. The 100 Best Albums of 2022. Pulp Bassist Steve Mackeys Cause of Death is Behind Shadows, Hockey Community Mourns Coach Bo Hickeys Death at 77, The Real Story of Governor Nyesom Wikes Sons Death, Reality of Iconic Star Irma Serranos Cause of Death at 89, Is Tekashi 69 Dead at 24?; A Shocking Question Raised by Rumors, Author of Bullshit Jobs David Graebers Death Cause is Wired, Car Accident Was Demitra Roches Death Cause Reportedly, What We Know About Famed DJ Erick Morillos Death Cause. Police said one of the last places she was seen . The ORPD is leading this investigation as it is believed Ms. Davis was brought to this . did mike boone lone star law retire Menu. Davis, who had amassed a following of more than 133,000 people with her original Instagram page, compared the sudden change to life and death. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The newfound interest in Davis work led to a series of archival label Light in the Attic reissues honoring her legacy, including the first-ever printing of her unpublished 1976 fourth LP. I guess because in our society, we look at people that are past 50 and 60 as old; I mean, you know, when were in our 20s, we call somebody 30 old, she said. Brentwood police have not filed any criminal charges surrounding Davis' death as of Friday and said the incident is still under investigation. Davis certainly paid a heavy price for falling out with her daughter, the product of her short-lived third marriage to artist William Sherry. The did order an autopsy at the UT Forensics Center. Trending Miles and I broke up because of his violent temper, Betty denied the affair. Anthony Barboza/Getty Images. She told her: I hope that taught you a good lesson.. Miles credits Betty with helping to lay the seeds of his future musical discoveries by exposing him to psychedelic rock musician Jimi Hendrix and funk inventor Sly Stone, according to his book. Vandoliers Play Tennessee Concert in Dresses to Protest State's New Drag Bill EXCLUSIVE: Hitmaker Spencer Davis died on Monday, October 19 at the age of 81 and a friend of the musician has told that he was "ill for some time" Join Facebook to connect with Bretanie Lay and others you may know. In 1968, become the second wife of Miles Davis; the following year, Mabry, now performing under the name Betty Davis, would appear on the cover of the jazz greats Filles de Kilimanjaro, with Betty also the inspiration behind Miles. Whats Legendary Jazz Saxophonist Wayne Shorters Death Cause? Scott Mac Davis, singer . Shop high-quality unique Betty Davis Cause Of Death T-Shirts designed and . Amie Downs, communications director for Allegheny County where Davis lived, added that the cause of death was natural causes. She claims he would taunt her into revealing her dislike for him and her heavy consumption of vodka, whisky and painkillers only increased their clashes. Just before publication, Bede visited her mother at a New York hotel carrying a bible. Copyright 2023 Echovita Inc. All rights reserved. Thousands of fans took notice of the fit photos, and so did hackers. Bettys self-titled first album was released in 1973 for Woodstock promoter Michael Langs Just Sunshine Records, despite tracks she produced with Miles band during their marriage being shelved. It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of Betty Davis, a multi-talented music influencer and pioneer rock star, singer, songwriter, and fashion icon, Davis longtime friend Connie Portis said in a statement Wednesday. Please keep in mind that the family needs privacy; please respect them during this difficult time. She would tell interviewers that not only was she born near Salem in Massachusetts site of the notorious witch trials in the 17th century but that she was actually descended from one of the women, Mary Bradbury, who was convicted of Certaine Detestable arts, including taking animal form and casting evil spells on ships. Sermak, a 22-year-old psychology graduate, went to work for Davis in 1979. I learned that my life is more important than a platform, she said. Unfortunately, we are sad to announce Betty Davis death and inform her cause of death. Davis was a Sin City staple, having performed for many A-listers, including Mariah Carey, Miley Cyrus, Seth McFarland, Joe Jonas . Bette Davis, who won two Academy Awards and cut a swath through Hollywood trailing cigarette smoke and delivering drop-dead barbs, died of breast cancer Friday night at the American Hospital in . It was, everyone assumed, Hollywood hokum aimed at bolstering the stars image as a fierce and unconventional screen icon who refused to conform. Davis enlisted Greg Errico, the producer of Sly and the Family Stone, and a group of West Coast musical legends such as Larry Graham and Merl Saunders. Bishop William Frey, a close friend of . Davis died at the age of 23 claiming that the infection was serious. We are going to miss her so much. (The label will reissue Davis final and personal favorite album, Crashin From Passion, later this year.). These days, the physically active grandmother starts her days with a green drink and ELlive blue-green algae. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. And I dont think I understood the power of just that for a long time, and she really helped me internalize that., Related Stories . Romance in the Air, Story of AustralianGreat Singer Archie Roachs Cause of Death. Unfortunately, we are sad to announce Betty Davis' death and inform her cause of death. It happened for many years, Bede said. EXCLUSIVE: Hitmaker Spencer Davis died on Monday, October 19 at the age of 81 and a friend of the musician has told that he was "ill for some time" Join Facebook to connect with Bretanie Lay and others you may know. Mia Amber Davis, the plus-size model and "Road Trip" actress who unexpectedly passed away during routine knee surgery in May, died from a blood clot in her lungs, E! Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. (35 years old). Although the marriage only lasted one year, Betty is credited with introducing Miles to the rock music of the era, ultimately ushering in the trumpeters jazz fusion phase beginning with 1969s In a Silent Way and 1970s Bitches Brew. Data are based on death certificates for U.S. residents. Prepare a personalized obituary for someone you loved.. January 21, 1986 - She is also survived by several other relatives and many friends. After swearing to retire his beloved character Madea, Tyler Perry is bringing her back for A Madea Homecoming, the franchises 12th installment. He also admitted they used to drink heavily together and fight. Gail Davis died of cancer in Los Angeles on March 15, 1997, and is buried in Hollywood's Forest Lawn cemetery. He was 60. She would curse. Her work has also been sampled by rappers such as Ice Cube and Talib Kweli. Make a life-giving gesture Their bitter relationship is, says Bede, rooted in a traumatic childhood and a neglectful, foul-mouthed, pugnacious and egomaniacal mother who was habitually drunk by 10 am. The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time Las Vegas police are investigating the death of 43-year-old comedian and performer Donny Davis, who was found unresponsive after a night with several people at a luxury hotel on the Strip. Davis music, on the other hand, developed a cult following over the decades, inspiring singers like Erykah Badu and Janelle Monae. And the real . Its like she makes me want to listen to what shes saying. Her unbending DIY ethic and groundbreaking spirit will live on forever. Now running her own Christian mission from her Virginia home, Bede claims she and her family were among many victims of Daviss black magic. The room, filled with friends and family, gave only a small glimpse of the impact Donna Davis had on the Mid-South. I did all that I could to make the hacker uncomfortable because he was a little bit bold, Davis said. AGE 48 Brett Allen Davis. Armstrong was originally scheduled to enter his plea on Friday but delayed his decision and eventually pled "not guilty" to recklessly causing the death of Brittani Davis, who was the girlfriend of his brother, Tyler Armstrong. See all the fashion, celebrity interviews, and more from. He also suggested that she call the photo series Seven at 70., By posting one photo every single day, people just started tripping out, Davis said. It was her first step toward falling in love with Ernie Davis. Bretanie was a beautiful soul, a wonderful friend, great aunt, good sister & daughter. Online reports. Murdoch has survived scandal after scandal. Sadaria Davis, 15, was found May 11 on the floor of a vacant East Garfield Park apartment building in the 200-block of South Hamlin. So wrote the influential British film critic E. Arnot Robertson in 1935 after the fledgling star, then 26, gave the first of the famously intense performances that would become her hallmark, in a film called Dangerous. Woods said: That was probably one of the most inspiring parts about her story that I really latched onto over the process of creating my last project. #ripbettydavis, Another added: Betty Davis legit opened my eyes to music I never knew existed as a teenager. according to the Medical Examiner. Hisofficial cause of death is acute ethanol toxicity, and was ruled an accident. Betty Davis Forever., A fan wrote on Twitter: Devastated to hear weve lost the incredible Betty Davis. Atlanta Black Star is a narrative company. Just for obvious reasons her name is Bretanie Davis not Britanie. Following this period, Davis abruptly quit music, moving back to the Pittsburgh area where she lived for the next 40 years. According to the Dodgers, the former player has sadly passed away Sunday night in Phoenix at the age of 83. Great Author Bob Proctor Passed Away at 88, Autopsy Result Clarifying Prophet TB Joshuas Cause of Death, The Star Dakota Skyes Cause of Sudden Death is Unknown, Suicide Led to TikToker Leah Cantillons Death at a Young Age, Smokie Bassist Terry Uttleys Sudden Death at 70 Confirmed, Secret Behind Cesar Millans Juniors Cause of Death is Private, Nebraska State Senator Rich Pahls Passed Away, American ArtistJames Bama Unfortunately Passed Away, Tragedy of Football Player Sione Veikosos Cause of Death, EX Chargers Quarterback John Hadls Cause of Death at 82. TMZ.com. There is no photo or video of Bretanie Shacole Davis.Be the first to share a memory to pay tribute. The did order an autopsy at the UT Forensics Center. When Bede was eight, she claims Davis pretended to take an overdose, locking herself in her bedroom. March 1, 2021 She was 88. Tom Leonard In New York For The Daily Mail, Spicer says critics of his Emmy appearance should 'lighten up': Ex-White House Press Secretary says viewers took his cameo during a night of anti-Trump attacks 'too seriously', Trump takes a shot at the 'worst ever' Emmys: President gloats about abysmal viewing figures after celebs spent three hours bashing him and ex-Press Secretary Sean Spicer turned up, Johnny Carson's former home in a secluded Malibu neighborhood hits the market for $81.5MILLION, Las Vegas shooting victim Tina Frost, 27 - who lost an eye and has pieces of bullet embedded in her BRAIN - takes first steps after emerging from coma, Pavement where disabled woman gestured at cyclist before fatal crash, 'Vindication': Georgia Harrison on ex Stephen Bear's sentencing, Incredible footage of Ukrainian soldiers fighting Russians in Bakhmut, Pro-Ukrainian drone lands on Russian spy planes exposing location, 'Buster is next!' A true trailblazer, her shit holds up so extremely well. The renewed interest in Davis work resulted in a series of reissues from archival label Light in the Attic including the first-ever printing of her unreleased 1976 fourth LP that celebrated her legacy. The number of deaths and death rates can be obtained by place of residence (United States . In 1978, the daughter of Daviss great screen rival Joan Crawford earned millions from a tell-all book about her late mother, Mommie Dearest, which was made into a 1981 film starring Faye Dunaway. Gail Davis (born Betty Jeanne Grayson, October 5, 1925 - March 15, 1997) was an American actress and singer, best known for her starring role as Annie Oakley. Davis told Sermak she couldnt respect any man that allowed his mother-in-law to bankroll his family. Lying in bed, she says she suddenly felt tremendously scared. Please accept Echovita's sincere condolences. They were informed of his death by Tommy's daughter, Morgana. These cookies do not store any personal information. We are continuing to work on this story. She was the University of Florida Health biochemistry professor, Ph.D., whose world-renowned work on the specific structure of viruses led to advances in gene therapy . Echovita offers a solidarity program that gives back the funds generated to families. In the meantime, the vegan chef has started a new account, @babettedavischef. Here is all you want to know, and more! This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. An autopsy report released Friday confirms Brentwood High School football player Lucas Davis died from alcohol poisoning last month. If I had a fraction of what shes got, Id be married to a millionaire and be miles away from this f***ing town.. The cause of death remains unclear until the full autopsy report. AGE 48 Brett Allen Davis. Entertainment mogul Tyler Perry, the first African American to independently own a studio, is now a billionaire, according to Forbes magazine. Tracey Davis is the daughter of singer and entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. and actress May Britt who died on November 2, according to her husband Guy Garner. Tributes to Austin Davis . She gives the curious feeling of being charged with power which can find no ordinary outlet.. We have been told from an anonymous, but reliable source, and awaiting confirmation from the local authorities with the Roane County Sheriffs office for more details of the case. "Once we have completed the investigation we will consult with the (district attorney's) office on any potential criminal charges," said Assistant Chief Tommy Walsh. The teen was last seen aliveby a friendin the early morning, when Davis was sleeping and snoring, according to the case summary. A porn star was found dead in her home mere days after tweeting about spending the holidays by herself, adding to the string of deaths in the industry over the past two months. February 26, 2021 Authorize the publication of the original written obituary with the accompanying photo. There is no online registration for the intro class . This is so Out of Control Hilarious! We want to hear it. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Bretanie Shacole Davis to pay them a last tribute. Brittany Michelle Davis was 32 years old when she was last seen alive at Bucks Racks & Ribs a Greenville restaurant and entertainment venue in February 2020, police said in . Cos (Bill Cosby) would not be Cos, and Sidney (Poitier) would not be Sidney, if Sammy had not been Sammy . The 71-year-old actress gave her the job after asking her star sign and ensuring she knew how to make her breakfast, an egg boiled for exactly three minutes. According to Sermak, Daviss lawyer pleaded with her to wait until Davis was stronger. Copyright 2023 Penske Business Media, LLC. The money is the gravy." (Bette Davis) " "This has always been a motto of mine: Attempt the impossible in order to improve your work." (Bette Davis) " "Everybody has a heart. One of the downsides of her recent spike in online popularity is being targeted by hackers. According to him, Tracey loved and adored her kids more than anything, and they are shocked . After Ive gotten several calls from people giving me their condolences and I didnt know what they were talking about, I was sent this article thats going around, Perry wrote in his caption. And how I think the way that I naturally am, being in the industry I am, it asks me to step outside of that a lot, and I was trying to navigate that., Woods added, [I remember] instantly being struck by just the sonic quality of her voice, she says, also referring to the emotiveness of Davis singing. When I was told that it was over, I just accepted it, Davis told the New York Times in a rare interview in 2018. Actress Ann B. Davis, an American television legend who held "The Brady Bunch" together in her role as housekeeper Alice Nelson, died Sunday. Its like she makes me want to listen to what shes saying. Shanquella Robinson Update: Family Attorney Says Shanquellas Friends Are Not Locked Up Anywhere As U.S. Government Is Seemingly Stalling Extradition of Suspect to Mexico, Even Ray Charles Can See: Family Suspects Foul Play As Sheriff Delays Investigation Into Death of Black Florida Man Who Was Run Over By White Co-Workers Bulldozer, Its Nothing More Than a True Statement: Why Sheryl Lee Ralph Took a Commercial Break During Grammys, Clarifies Her Viral Declaration About the Kardashians Paying for Lips Like Hers. kevin costner whitney houston eulogy transcript. The cult funk singer passed away on February 9, 2022, at the age of 77. This weekend, Madea mogul Tyler Perry expands one of the largest film/TV studios in the country and pays homage to pioneering African American entertainers. We are going to miss her so much. Since the discovery of her body, McNeill has also been charged with first-degree murder and first-degree rape of a child. By 1,001 Views. Shed visit with her for a while then call over the governess.. Tommy Davis whose full name was Herman Thomas Davis Jr. was born on March 21, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York. Dudley Evans But that assumption is misplaced, according to astonishing new allegations from the stars only natural child, Barbara Hyman. Will Dominion-Fox News lawsuit be different? The fake report said Cassie Davis had succumbed to lung cancer at age 58. The agencies involved in the case are Roane County Sheriffs Investigators, and Oak Ridge Police as the female is believed to be from Oak Ridge. Today we cherish her memory as the sweet, thoughtful, and reflective person she wasThere is no other., The near-entirety of Davis musical catalog was recorded between 1964 and 1975, but her impact has been felt for decades. Pro Wrestler Super Mueco Passed Away after being Hospitalized. She, herself, came into the world like a witch, Davis told a biographer, claiming: A bolt of lightning hit a tree in front of the house the moment I was born.. UPDATE: Body was found on Friday. Brentwood High School football player Lucas Davis, Brentwood High School mourns after death of football player, Hundreds gathered to say goodbye to Lucas Davis, Cleveland Clinic blood alcohol content calculator, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Most of all, Betty was a friend, aunt, niece, and beloved member of her community of Homestead, Pennsylvania, and of the worldwide community of friends and fans. She added, At a time to be announced, we will pay tribute to her beautiful, bold, and brash persona. "He was a . When Davis arrived in Europe three weeks ago to receive an award at the San Sebastian Film Festival in northern Spain, news accounts said the actress gave a bravura performance at a news conference. She began demonic cackling and I watched her transform into a Satanic figure a Satanic face, long claws on the ends of her hands as she scraped at the glass, Bede said. Two more albums quickly followed: 1974s They Say Im Different and 1975s Nasty Gal. The Sheriff did identify the body as that of Bretanie Davis, 35, of Oak Ridge. In one of many video testimonies she has released on YouTube for fellow Christians, Bede recounts how her mother would sit on her bed and cast spells. Amber Davis Death - Amber Davis Obituary | Cause Of Death : At 12:20a.m., 17th of December 2020, Dead-Death learned about the unexpected death of Amber Davis.The news about this death has brought deep unhappiness to the hearts of Davis's friends, family and every concerned persons, and words cannot express how devastated they are at this . I hope everyone takes some time today to listen to her music and revel in her brilliance. I was so angry with Miles when he wrote that. Betty Davis, the funk music trailblazer and ex-wife of jazz legend Miles Davis, passed away on Wednesday at age 77. In Rolling Stones Icons and Influences edition in 2021, Jamila Woods mentioned Davis as a major influence on her music. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Services are scheduled for Ms. Davis for this evenin g. UPDATE: Body was found on Friday. While recordings Betty made with Miles band during their marriage were shelved at the time, she finally released her self-titled debut album in 1973 for Woodstock promoter Michael Langs Just Sunshine Records. Distraught, the little girl slept outside her door, waking the next morning to find her mother staring down on her looking triumphant. During his high school days, he was a basketball teammate of future . The poem is entitled 'I Am A Flower.' I am a flower like the buds on a tree," said Sanaii Davis, Davis' niece. 17:40 EST 19 Oct 2017 Ernie Davis' only real NFL footnote was that, as part of a trade between Washington and Cleveland in 1962 . Each death certificate contains a single underlying cause of death, and demographic data. Our hearts are incredibly heavy today. She was such a beautiful light that was extinguished too soon.. Memorial of Bretanie Davis The hacker locked her out of her six-year-old verified Instagram account, @chefbabette, and began posting content of his own, but Daviss team immediately alerted her Facebook followers about the security breach. Monique Samuels Divorce Rumors From Chris After 10 Years! Shop high-quality unique Betty Davis Cause Of Death T-Shirts designed and . Betty, working as a model in 1966, met jazz artist Miles Davis, who was 19 years older and was splitting from his first wife, dancer Frances Davis, and was seeing actress Cicely Tyson. Her first 3 solo records are sleazy, soulful, and raw. Would you like to offer Bretanie Shacole Daviss loved ones a condolence message? California-based vegan chef Babette Davis celebrated her 70th birthday by sharing with the world seven jaw-dropping photos showing off her phenomenal physique. While the date of the hoax story was given as Feb. 12, Google searches for Cassi Davis and Cassie Davis spiked Monday evening in North America and South Africa. The book betrayal broke Daviss heart, says Sermak. They divorced the following year, but she is credited with introducing him to rock and ushering in his more experimental era. Her unbending DIY ethic and groundbreaking spirit will live on forever. While none of the funk albums were a commercial success, Davis gained a cult following for her sexuality-laden lyrics, highlighted on songs like Shut Off the Light and If Im in Luck I Might Get Picked Up. Her candid, liberating attitudes trailblazed a path for artists like Prince and Madonna in the ensuing decade. 2023 www.tennessean.com. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 'She loved evil and hated everything nice and kind and gentle. Bede also claimed her stepfather, Daviss fourth husband, the actor Gary Merrill, was violent towards mother and daughter. The Sheriff did identify the body as that of Bretanie Davis, 35, of Oak Ridge. Gwinnett County Jail. Danielle Maggio, a close friend of Davis whose research as an ethnomusicologist focused on Davis work, confirmed the singers death to Rolling Stone. Davis died of natural causes in her hometown of Homestead, Pennsylvania, according to her close friend and ethnomusicologist Danielle Maggio and Allegheny County Communications Director Amie Downs who spoke with Rolling Stone. Copyright 2023, HousleyCreative / BBB Communications. There was no visible cause of death. As Mrs Hyman known as B.D or Bede told me this week, her manipulative and hard-drinking mother Bette did indeed believe she was a witch, and would cast spells on her enemies from her bed. Emergency responders tried multiple times to resuscitate Davis at the scene, but could not, according to the report. Davis was later found "without signs of life in a field behind a residence," the case summary says. Reach Elaina Sauber at esauber@tennessean.com, 615-571-1172 or follow @ElainaSauber on Twitter. Is Nanci Griffiths Cause of Death Related to a Health Problem? Unable to persuade her daughter to leave Hyman, the actress apparently placed a demonic curse on their family that led to their older son developing bipolar disorder and Bede being diagnosed with terminal cancer, which she miraculously survived. According to a post on the police department, officers are searching for Brittany Michelle Davis, 32, of Greenville, who was last seen on Feb. 12. The Las Vegas Metropolitan . She had split from Jordan Davis, lead singer of metal band Korn in 2016, but her cause of death still remains unclear. Please kindly scroll down and use the comment box to share your feelings about the heartbreaking news for tributes and prayers. house for rent waldport oregon; is thanos a villain or anti hero She also recounted how her mother would buy fish whole so she could gut them, ripping their innards out as she mumbled the names of people she wished to do the same to. According to a case summary in the autopsy report completed by Dr. Miguel Laboy, there was "probableuse of alcohol at this gathering.". Few took it seriously, least of all, one imagined, Bette Davis herself. Davis died of natural causes . what animal sounds like a cat screaming scleral lens inserter scleral lens inserter Murdaugh is heckled as he leaves court, Two Russian tanks annihilated with bombs by Ukrainian armed forces, Ukraine soldiers shoot down enemy drones with drones of their own, Dozens stuck in car park as staff refuses to open gate for woman, Missing hiker buried under snow forces arm out to wave to helicopter, Insane moment river of rocks falls onto Malibu Canyon in CA, Fleet-footed cop chases an offender riding a scooter, Isabel Oakeshott clashes with Nick Robinson over Hancock texts. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Then she began reinventing her, hiring a celebrity stylist to give Sermak a new hairstyle, and a butler to teach her etiquette after she committed the faux-pas of cutting up her salad. Goes Out newsletter, with the week's best events, to help you explore and experience our city. Editors picks He was twice divorced and is survived by his third wife, Lise Gerard, and their children, Noah and Cody, and a son, Scott, from his first marriage, to Fran Cook. The affectionate portrait by Sermak who became, in effect, the actresss surrogate daughter and was left much of her fortune, is at odds with Bedes devastating claim, which first emerged nearly 30 years ago, that her mother was a violent alcoholic who staged fake suicides to scare her children and encouraged her underage daughter to pursue a sex life. Bette Davis, the two-time Oscar winner whose toughness, huge eyes and haughty, cigarette-smoking style made her a movie industry legend, died Friday of cancer at age 81, her longtime lawyer Harold Schiff said Saturday. I was so happy that he had me do it that way, because I wasnt going to do it that way.. After a 13-month battle, Ernie Davis gave in to severe monocytic leukemia, the deadliest type of blood disease.