Doug Davidson — A Biography
Born Douglas Donald Davidson in Glendale, California. Doug was just 23 years old when he began acting, landing his first role in the movie Fraternity Row in 1977. He scored the role of Paul Williams on the #1 soap, The Young and the Restless a year later.
Davidson credits Jeanne Cooper for teaching him to hone his craft and character. He said her dressing room door was always open for advice or just a coffee chat. The CBS set was his home away from home through the years. He even met his wife, Cindy Fisher, on the show.
Doug has had other roles over the years on films and television, such as The Initiation of Sarah, I’ll Take Manhattan, Mr. Write, Diagnosis Murder, L.A. Johns, and Dreaming of Joseph Lees. But it is hosting that holds a special place in Davidson’s heart.
For six years, from 1998-2003, Davidson hosted the Tournament of Roses Parade for CBS. Doug was the master of ceremonies for the Miss California Pageant and hosted the Kenny Rogers Cerebral Palsy Telethon. He hosted the New Price is Right for a few months in 1994. He also holds the record for most appearances on Family Feud, besides the actual host.
Through the years, the character of Paul Williams, under Doug’s sharp portrayal, has evolved from a young party boy to the beloved go-to private detective, finally earning him an Emmy statuette in 2013.
Davidson resides in Los Angeles with his wife Cindy, daughter Calyssa and son Caden.
Follow him on Instagram @dougdavidsonyr and on Twitter @DougDavidsonYR.
The Young and the Restless (YR) airs weekdays on CBS. Check your local listings for airtimes. For more about what’s coming up in Genoa City, check out all the latest that’s been posted on Y&R spoilers.
Fast Facts
- October 24, 1954 — Birthdate
- Has two older sisters.
- Met his wife, Cindy Fisher, on the set of Y&R in 1980. They were married on May 27, 1984, at the Santa Barbara Biltmore Hotel.
- Hobbies include traveling, running, tennis, sailing, and playing the bagpipes.
- He enjoys contributing much of his time to various charities, including the YMCA.
- He and his wife have teamed up to serve as National Honorary Chairpersons for WE-TIP, a non-profit anonymous tip line that aids in crime prevention.
- Majored in marine biology, at Occidental College.
- Credits the late Jeanne Cooper for helping him hone his acting skills.
- He met singer Rick Springfield as a young man in his acting class and they have been BFFs ever since.
