Davis was born in Atlanta, graduated from Northwestern University, and studied in London. His first professional acting job was at the Royal Court in London. He got his Equity card at a dinner theatre near Chicago, and made his Broadway debut in "Butley" with Alan Bates. Years of Regional Theatre followed: including Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Hartford Stage, The McCarter Theatre, The Shakespeare Theatre (D.C.), Berkshire Theatre Festival, Cleveland Playhouse, Syracuse Stage, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Red Bull Theatre (NYC). In 1979, he was a member of the British-American Repertory Company, touring both countries in plays by Tom Stoppard. In 1980, while playing Hamlet as a Guest Artist at Florida State University, he met his wife, costume designer, Ingrid Price. He also enjoys working on camera, whether in student films, TV shows, or feature films. He is also a photographer and filmmaker.