Few entertainers can claim success in music, television, Broadway, and ministry with the same credibility. Clifton Davis has done exactly that. From writing a Motown-era classic to starring in one of NBC’s most beloved sitcoms, his career spans more than five decades.
In 2026, fans continue to search for answers about Clifton Davis’s age, net worth, wife, and what he is doing today. Here is the complete, fact-checked story behind his remarkable journey.
Who Is Clifton Davis in 2026?
Clifton Davis is an American actor, singer, songwriter, and ordained minister best known for starring in the NBC sitcom Amen and for writing the hit song Never Can Say Goodbye for the The Jackson 5.
At 80 years old in 2026, Davis remains active in stage performances and ministry work. His ability to transition from pop music success to television fame and then to Broadway longevity has made him one of the most versatile figures in American entertainment.
Early Life and Education
Clifton Duncan Davis was born on October 4, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, and raised primarily in New York. His parents were Toussaint L’Ouverture Davis and Ethel Davis. He is American by nationality.
Growing up in church deeply influenced his musical foundation. He later attended Oakwood University, a historically Black Seventh-day Adventist institution in Alabama, where his faith and artistic ambitions developed side by side.
Unlike many actors who arrive in Hollywood through drama school, Davis entered the industry through songwriting.
From Songwriter to Television Star
Writing “Never Can Say Goodbye”
Before television fame, Davis made his mark in the music industry. In 1971, he wrote Never Can Say Goodbye, which became a breakout hit for The Jackson 5. The song climbed the Billboard charts and solidified Davis as a serious songwriter in the Motown era.
The track’s long-term royalty success contributed significantly to his financial stability. It has since been covered by multiple artists, extending its commercial lifespan across decades.
That early win gave Davis something invaluable: industry credibility.
Breakout Role in Amen
Davis achieved mainstream recognition when he starred as Reverend Reuben Gregory in Amen, which aired from 1986 to 1991. Acting alongside Sherman Hemsley, Davis portrayed a compassionate and principled church leader navigating community issues with humor and dignity.
The series became a cultural staple for Black audiences and remains syndicated decades later. His performance positioned him as a household name and strengthened his public image as both entertainer and spiritual figure.
Broadway and Stage Achievements
Long before and long after Amen, Clifton Davis built an impressive theater résumé.
He earned a Tony Award nomination for his role in Two Gentlemen of Verona, showcasing his vocal strength and stage presence. Decades later, he continued performing in major productions including Aladdin and Wicked.
What makes Davis unique is his longevity. While many actors fade from Broadway as they age, he remained active into his seventies and eighties, proving that stage talent does not expire.
Film and Television Career Beyond Amen
Though Amen remains his most recognized television role, Davis maintained a steady presence across multiple decades.
He appeared in popular series such as Madam Secretary and Blue Bloods, demonstrating range in both drama and political storytelling.
He also briefly hosted Family Feud in the late 1980s, adding another dimension to his public persona.
Rather than chasing headlines, Davis built a reputation for consistency and professionalism.
Clifton Davis’s Personal Life
Clifton Davis is married to Monica Durant. He has children and maintains a relatively private family life despite decades in the spotlight.
Faith remains central to his identity. As an ordained Seventh-day Adventist minister, he has balanced entertainment with spiritual leadership throughout his career. That dual calling helped shape the authenticity he brought to roles like Reverend Gregory.
Clifton Davis Net Worth in 2026
As of 2026, Clifton Davis’s estimated net worth is approximately 3 million dollars.
His income sources include:
- Songwriting royalties from Never Can Say Goodbye
- Television earnings from Amen and guest roles
- Broadway salaries
- Public appearances and ministry engagements
There are no widely documented major business ventures or investment portfolios associated with Davis. His wealth primarily reflects decades of consistent creative work rather than high-profile entrepreneurial ventures.
Public Challenges and Resilience
In 2018, Davis was accused of sexual misconduct by an actress. He denied the allegation, and the matter did not result in criminal conviction. The situation drew media attention but did not permanently derail his career.
He continued to perform on stage and appear publicly afterward, demonstrating professional resilience during a period when many entertainment careers faced heightened scrutiny.
What Is Clifton Davis Doing Now?
In 2026, Clifton Davis continues to make select stage appearances and participate in faith-based events. While he no longer maintains the high-volume acting schedule of earlier decades, he remains respected within Broadway and church communities.
Online searches frequently reflect curiosity about whether he is still alive, still acting, or still married. The answer is yes. He remains active, engaged, and present in public life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clifton Davis
How old is Clifton Davis in 2026?
He is 80 years old, born on October 4, 1945.
What is Clifton Davis’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is about 3 million dollars in 2026.
Did Clifton Davis write Never Can Say Goodbye?
Yes. He wrote the hit song for The Jackson 5 in 1971.
Is Clifton Davis married?
Yes, he is married to Monica Durant.
What happened to Clifton Davis after Amen?
He continued acting on Broadway and television while remaining active in ministry work.
Is Clifton Davis still acting?
Yes, though primarily in select stage and guest television roles.
Biography Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Clifton Duncan Davis (@thecliftondavis) |
| Date of Birth | October 4, 1945 |
| Age (2026) | 80 years old |
| Profession | Actor, Singer, Songwriter, Minister |
| Education | Oakwood University |
| Spouse | Monica Durant |
| Children | Yes |
| Net Worth | Approx. 3 million dollars |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents | Toussaint L’Ouverture Davis and Ethel Davis |
| Known For | Amen, Never Can Say Goodbye, Broadway roles |
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Final Thoughts
Clifton Davis represents a rare kind of entertainer. He did not rely on a single breakout moment to define his career. Instead, he built layers of credibility across music, television, and theater.
From penning a Motown classic to leading a sitcom congregation and commanding Broadway stages, his story is one of adaptability and endurance. In an industry often obsessed with youth and reinvention, Davis proves that talent, faith, and consistency can sustain relevance for more than half a century.
In 2026, his legacy continues to resonate not because of flashy headlines, but because of meaningful work that has stood the test of time.
Ahsan Ullah is an entertainment writer at WhoFame.com, covering celebrity biographies, career highlights, and verified public information. His work focuses on accuracy, clarity, and reader-friendly reporting of pop culture topics.
