Why did Sammy Davis Jr lose his eye? Was Sammy Davis Jr blind?

Sammy Davis Jr was an American singer, actor, comedian, and dancer who began his career in Vaudeville with his father Sammy Davis Sr., and the Will Mastin Trio.

Sammy Davis Jr. lost his left eye in a car accident that occurred on an early November morning in 1954, while he was driving his lime green Cadillac from Las Vegas to Hollywood for a recording session. Two women and Davis’ valet Charlie Head rode with him.

As Davis was driving through the Cajon Pass, a car suddenly stopped in front of him, apparently in preparation for a turn. Davis was not able to stop in time. His Cadillac crashed into the car and his face smashed into the cone in the middle of his steering wheel.

After examining his patient, the city’s eye and ear surgeon Fred Hull broke the news that Davis’ left eye was so badly damaged it would have to be removed. Davis was not blind, but he did lose his left eye.

Sammy Davis Jr returned to the stage a mere weeks after his accident wearing an eye patch or prosthetic. Sammy Davis Jr had a starring role on Broadway in Mr. Wonderful with Chita Rivera (1956).