Who is Beyond the Gates’ Clifton Davis?

Beyond the Gates’ Clifton Davis smiling. | Image Source: JPI
Beyond the Gates’ Clifton Davis smiling. | Image Source: JPI

Beyond the Gates, the first new soap opera since 1999’s Passions, has been releasing information about the cast, writers, and production team. Among the many renowned actors is Clifton Davis, who has appeared in over 60 films and TV shows and on Broadway. As he journeys into the soap world to play Vernon Dupree on the new show, let’s look at his life.

He’s multi-talented

Clifton Davis talking to Lawrence Fishburne in Clipped. | Image Source: Hulu
Clifton Davis talking to Lawrence Fishburne in Clipped. | Image Source: Hulu

On Instagram, Davis shared a video in which he and his castmates in the Dupree family implored the fans to tune in when the show premieres on February 24, 2025. Joining him were Daphnée Duplaix, who plays Dr. Nicole Dupree, Karla Cheatham Mosley, aka Dani Dupree, and his on-screen wife Anita Dupree, played by Tamara Tunie.

He captioned it, “Beyond the Gates is now on social media, bringing you exclusive content and a look behind the scenes! Follow us @beyondthegatescbs and stay tuned for our series premiere on 2.24.25. Join us as we dive deep into untold stories that will inspire, challenge, and move you. Don’t miss out—follow us today and be part of the journey! #BeyondTheGates #FollowUs #SaveTheDate.”

Davis is not only an actor but also a producer and an accomplished songwriter. He was born and raised in Chicago, and fine-tuned his singing skills at the Pine Forge Academy in Pennsylvania. He would later find his place on Broadway, appearing in such plays as Hello Dolly, and Two Gentleman of Verona for which he earned a Tony nomination in 1972. He’s also appeared in such beloved plays as Aladdin and Wicked.

Davis' big claim to fame was writing the song Never Can Say Goodbye, which became a hit for the Jackson 5 in 1971. His major television credit was co-starring with The Jeffersons alum Sherman Hemsley on the hit sitcom Amen from 1986 to 1991.

Davis' first TV credit was on the short-lived soap opera A World Apart in 1971. From there, he would appear in quite a few shows, including Police Story, Vega$, Living Single, and Blue Bloods. His first feature film credit was 1972’s racially charged Together for Days, in which he played the lead.

Perhaps his most popular film role was that of Mayor Tyrone Smalls in 1999’s Any Given Sunday. Still working hard, Davis’ recent projects include the streaming shows Billions and Clipped.

Davis took a sabbatical from Hollywood in 1981, earning college degrees in divinity and theology, and became a licensed minister. Ironically, the next role he got after completing his higher education was on Amen.

We’re looking forward to what Davis brings to the table on Beyond the Gates!

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Edited by Erin Goldsby