Phyllis Davis was one of the loveliest faces in Hollywood during the late 60s-early 80s. She was best known for her role as Beatrice Travis, the smart and loyal secretary of private detective Dan Tanna, on the hit TV series Vega$. She also appeared in several films and other TV shows, such as Beyond the Valley of the Dolls, The Love Boat, and Fantasy Island. She had a charming personality and a captivating smile that won the hearts of many fans and co-stars. Sadly, she passed away on September 27, 2013, at the age of 73, after a long battle with cancer. Here is a tribute to her life and career.
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Early Life and Career
Phyllis Davis was born on July 17, 1940, in Port Arthur, Texas. She grew up in Nederland, Texas, where her parents ran a mortuary business. She recalled that she and her two younger brothers had to be very quiet on the second floor of their home when a funeral service was being held downstairs. She graduated from Nederland High School in 1958 and attended Lamar University. She worked as a secretary and a flight attendant for Continental Airlines before moving to Los Angeles in 1965 to pursue an acting career. She enrolled in acting classes at the Pasadena Playhouse and landed her first roles in Elvis Presley movies.
Breakthrough and Success
Davis’s breakthrough came when she auditioned for the comedy anthology series Love, American Style in 1969. She wore a bathing suit and was hired on the spot. She appeared in guest roles on the show for five seasons. She also starred in several feature films, such as The Big Bounce, Sweet Sugar, Terminal Island, The Day of the Dolphin, and The Choirboys. In 1975, she played Scarlett O’Hara in Train Ride to Hollywood, a musical spoof starring the R&B band Bloodstone. She said that she had a ball playing the iconic character from Gone with the Wind.
Davis’s most famous role was as Beatrice Travis on Vega$, which ran from 1978 to 1981. She co-starred with Robert Urich, who played Dan Tanna, a Las Vegas private investigator who solved crimes with the help of his secretary Beatrice and his friends Bobby (Bart Braverman) and Binzer (Greg Morris). Davis appeared in all 69 episodes of the show and became a household name. She said that she loved working with Urich and that they had a great chemistry on screen. She also enjoyed filming in Las Vegas and meeting celebrities who guest-starred on the show.
Later Years and Death
After Vega$ ended, Davis continued to act in TV movies and shows, such as The Wild Women of Chastity Gulch, Magnum P.I., The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, Hotel, Matt Houston, Mr. Mom, Beverly Hills Cop III, Exit to Eden, and Under Siege 2: Dark Territory. Her last acting credit was in 1995. She also appeared as a panelist on Match Game and a contestant on Battle of the Network Stars.
Davis had a long-term relationship with actor Dean Martin in the 1970s and another one with jockey Laffit Pincay Jr. in the 1980s. She never married or had children. She lived in Henderson, Nevada, where she was involved in charity work and animal rescue.
Davis kept her battle with cancer very private. She did not reveal much about her diagnosis or treatment to the public or even to her friends. She died on September 27, 2013, at the age of 73. Her death was confirmed by her friend and former co-star Bart Braverman. She is interred at Palm Mortuary Memorial Park in Henderson.
Legacy and Influence
Phyllis Davis was a talented and versatile actress who could play comedy, drama, action, romance, and horror. She was also a beautiful and graceful woman who radiated warmth and charm. She left behind a legacy of memorable performances and a loyal fan base who admired her work and personality.
Davis influenced many actresses who followed her footsteps in playing strong female characters on TV. One of them is Linda Purl , who played Pam Beesly’s mother on The Office . Purl said that she was inspired by Davis’s role as Beatrice Travis on Vega$. She said that Davis was “a wonderful actress” who “had such style”.
Davis also inspired many people with her kindness and generosity. She supported various causes such as animal welfare , children’s education , veterans’ affairs , and cancer research . She donated money , time , and items to various charities and organizations . She also adopted several dogs from shelters and cared for them until they found new homes.
Phyllis Davis was a star who shone brightly on screen and off. She will always be remembered and missed by her fans, friends, and family. Rest in peace, Phyllis Davis.
