Brad Davis (actor)

Brad Davis (November 6, 1949 – September 8, 1991) was an American actor, best known for his leading roles in the 1978 film Midnight Express and the 1981 film Chariots of Fire.

Davis was born Robert Creel Davis in Tallahassee, Florida, and began his acting career in regional theatre. He gained wider recognition for his role as Billy Hayes in Midnight Express, for which he won a Golden Globe Award. He also appeared in films such as Querelle and on television in shows such as Roots and Miami Vice.

Openly bisexual later in his life, Davis was married to Susan Bluestein from 1976 until his death. They had one daughter. Davis died of complications from AIDS in 1991. Despite this being the cause of his death, he publicly attributed it to cancer to protect his career and prevent discrimination against his family. He was an advocate for AIDS awareness and prevention.