Bruce Davis, who served as Executive Director of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, died September 5 in Los Angeles at age 83. He was instrumental in developing the Margaret Herrick Library and the Academy Film Archive.
Davis began his career with the Academy after chairing the theater department at Juniata College in Pennsylvania. He initially oversaw public programming before being named Executive Director in 1989, a role he held until his retirement in 2011. During his tenure, he focused on film preservation, working with the city of Beverly Hills and Academy president Robert Wise to secure the building that would become the Margaret Herrick Library. He also oversaw the acquisition of the 1948 television studio in Hollywood, which was transformed into the Academy Film Archive.
Following his retirement, Davis authored “The Academy and the Award,” a book detailing the origins and history of the Oscars. He was remembered at the Academy for his wit, writing skills, and a weekly “Friday Lunch” tradition where staff from different departments would gather for conversation.
Born in Washington D.C., Davis developed an early passion for film. He founded the film department and led the theater department at Juniata College, and also studied filmmaking at Columbia University. He is survived by his wife, Joann, and four daughters: Brangien Davis (Daniel Spils), Alexandra Davis, Archer Davis (Tom Brown), and Roxanne Davis. Donations in his memory may be made to Juniata College.
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