Daniel Davis, with his signature salt-and-pepper hair and that unmistakable wry smile, really made a name for himself on television during middle age—thanks in large part to his memorable role as Niles, the sharp-tongued British butler and cook, on the popular CBS sitcom The Nanny (1993–1999). But long before audiences came to know Daniel Davis in that iconic role, he had already built an impressive career on stage. Hailing from Arkansas, Daniel Davis has amassed a rich and varied theatrical resume over the years. He performed with the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival, toured nationally in Coco alongside the legendary Katharine Hepburn—a standout moment in Daniel Davis’s early career—and took on the off-Broadway production of Futz. On Broadway, Daniel Davis stepped into the role of Salieri in Amadeus, portraying the repentant composer with depth and nuance. Beyond that, Daniel Davis has been a consistent presence in classical theater, appearing in numerous productions with both the American Shakespeare Festival and the American Conservatory Theatre, further solidifying Daniel Davis’s reputation as a versatile and accomplished actor across stage and screen.
When it comes to Daniel Davis’s filmography, one standout performance comes from The Hunt for Red October (1990), which is widely regarded as his highest-rated movie. Fans and critics alike have praised his role in this acclaimed thriller, contributing to its strong reception over the years. On the other hand, Daniel Davis also appeared in Havana (1990), a film that didn’t resonate as well with audiences or reviewers—making it his lowest rated movie to date. While both films were released in the same year, they ended up on opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of critical and popular response. It’s interesting to see how Daniel Davis was involved in such contrasting projects during that period, showcasing his range even when the overall success of the films varied significantly. Overall, Daniel Davis continues to be recognized for his contributions, especially in works like The Hunt for Red October, where his performance truly shined.