Geena Davis
'Thelma & Louise,' 'A League of Their Own,' gender advocacy
Geena Davis (born January 21, 1956) is an American actress, filmmaker, and prominent advocate for gender equality in entertainment. Born Virginia Elizabeth Davis in Wareham, Massachusetts, she emerged as a major Hollywood figure in the 1980s and 1990s with memorable performances in both comedic and dramatic roles. Her breakout role came in 'Beetlejuice' (1988), followed by the iconic 'Thelma & Louise' (1991), which became a cultural landmark film and established her as a leading actress. She earned critical acclaim for roles in 'A League of Their Own' (1992) and 'The Long Kiss Goodnight' (1996), demonstrating her versatility across genres. Beyond her acting career, Davis founded the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, an organization dedicated to researching and improving the representation of women in film and television. She has become a prominent voice advocating for more diverse and meaningful roles for women in the entertainment industry and has leveraged her platform to effect systemic change. Davis's commitment to both her craft and to advancing women's representation has made her a respected figure in Hollywood, influencing industry practices and cultural conversations about representation.
Davis Wade
College football quarterback, Mississippi State
Davis Love III
Professional golfer, 1997 PGA Championship winner
Miles Davis
Jazz trumpeter, 'Kind of Blue,' musical innovator
Sammy Davis Jr.
Singer, dancer, actor, Rat Pack member, civil rights pioneer
Davis Cup
Tennis player, Davis Cup founder
Entertainment
American
1956
Thinking about the name
Davis
English origin
“Originally a patronymic surname meaning 'son of David' in English tradition, Davis has fully transitioned into a given name with strong contemporary appeal. Its use as a first name reflects the modern trend of using surnames as given names, offering sophistication and a sense of heritage.”