Davy Jones Bio

Maintaining his allure as a sexy icon through generations of fans, Davy Jones first invaded teen hearts as the international idol of millions in the 1960s Emmy Award winning television classic The Monkees. Since the show hit the small screen, Davy has triumphed as both a serious actor and a comedian on the theatrical stage; as a rock musician, composer and artist; and, true to his first love, as an extremely able horseman.

Davy continues to ride and train his beloved racehorses to be winners. In 1996, he won his first race in England on his prized horse, Digpast. "I've always thought if all the show business success hadn't happened, I'd have been a world champion jockey. It's in my blood. I've always dreamed of going back to England — riding a few winners," he says.

Davy was born in Manchester, England on December 30, 1945. He began entertaining at 11 years old as Ena Sharples' grandson on the still-running ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. His performance was so memorable, theatrical agents sought him out as he was working as an apprentice jockey in Newmarket and took him to London where he portrayed Dickens' mischievous Artful Dodger in the West End production of Oliver! Later, at the age of 16, Davy found himself the toast of New York where he originated the Artful Dodger role on Broadway and was nominated for a Tony Award.

As a result, Davy was offered a contract with Columbia Pictures/Screen Gems Television, and The Monkees was created shortly after. "Ward Sylvester, the executive producer of The Monkees, was my manager at the time. We looked for different types of guys to be part of his idea for this TV show," Davy says. "Then Micky, Peter, Mike and I were put together in one scene and everyone said, 'That's it ... magic! We'll use you four!" Also a musical group, The Monkees' album sales surpassed all records, and they continue to be best-sellers 30 years later.

The theater remains in Davy's blood. Coming full circle in "Oliver!", he most recently received raved reviews for starring in the complex role of Fagin. He has also starred in productions of The Boyfriend, Harry Nilson's The Point, and appeared as Jesus in Godspell, which played in London's West End . Perhaps the most celebrated television appearance in Davy's long career as a heartthrob is The Brady Bunch episode, "Getting Davy Jones." Not only was he Marcia Brady's dream prom date, but the episode is on e of the most frequently aired reruns in television history. As a result, Davy reprised that role in the 1995's "The Brady Bunch Movie".

Davy is also an accomplished writer and humorous storyteller. He recently completed the second edition of his autobiography, Davy Jones: Daydream Believin', which updates his life and career to the present. Davy's talents extend to short stories, poetry, and photography. Davy also teaches seminars throughout the country where he gives motivational speeches and converses on many subjects including his diverse experiences in show business as well as techniques used in all aspects of entertainment.

A regular on the charity sports circuit, Davy's proudest effort for charity was a successful completion of the London Marathon in 3 hours, 40 minutes. Combining all facets of his diverse talents, Davy sees himself as both a Daydream Believer and a cowboy. Recounting the first time he rode a horse, he says, "A lot of people call me 'Cowboy'. But the first time I was on horseback, I had a lump in my throat the size of my fist, and my heart was almost bouncing me out of my saddle. However, as I grew used to it on that ride, I thought, 'Oh, my God, it's going to happen ... I'm cantering!' And I've been a cowboy ever since."

From www.davyjones.net