Clifton Davis wanted to act in a show that many could relate to
Clifton Davis played the role of Clifton Curtis for 39 episodes on That’s My Mama. His character was crucial to the series as he was the charming, young barber navigating life while living with his mother.
Not only did he love his role, but he respected it and thought it was important to society at the time.
Although he believed his series was a unique standout, it drew natural comparisons from TV fans to Good Times and Sanford and Son, both of which featured Black families like his did. But according to a 1974 interview with The Sioux City Journal, there was a difference.
"The difference is in the warmth of the show," Davis said. "In television language, it's a situational comedy, but I think it's something a little different. It's a warm family show. In the show, everybody loves each other. And all of us really enjoy doing the show."
His co-stars helped spread the love. With a cast that included Theresa Merritt, Theodore Wilson, and Lynne Moody, there was plenty of warmth on set. He said that everyone who worked on the show was committed to making it great. See Also
That is a special combination that came through on-screen in a way many people hadn’t seen in other TV series at the time.
According to the interview, That’s My Mama was Davis' first big venture in television. Before acting, he was mainly focused on singing and was good at it too. But when That’s My Mama came along, he knew he had the chance to do something different while putting Black families on the map.
Although it might have been expected, Davis thought that his show had high chances of success, even if society was telling him otherwise. And although the series only lasted for one season, the impact is still seen today.
"Candidly, I think That’s My Mama will be a hit," Davis said. "If everybody watches it, they have to like it. I think it gets better as it goes along."
Back to the warmth, he thought that is what really set his series apart from the many others on television. It was a real warmth that couldn’t be duplicated unless all the cast members felt the same way about each other and their message.
"We try to do a 'people show' that's warm," Davis said. "My mother could be everybody's mama. I think that sons everywhere can identify with me. The conflict between us comes in her viewpoint and my liberal attitude."