David Hampton was a notorious American con artist who rose to fame in the 1980s for duping a group of wealthy individuals in Manhattan out of thousands of dollars by pretending to be the son of acclaimed actor Sidney Poitier. Born on April 28, 1964 in New York, Hampton's criminal activities and manipulative ways would eventually inspire a play and film, Six Degrees of Separation, starring Will Smith.
Before fame found him, Hampton moved to New York City in 1981 with dreams of making it big. Little did he know that his talent for deception would lead him down a darker path. In an audacious move to gain entry into the exclusive nightclub Studio 54, Hampton concocted a scheme to pass himself off as Sidney Poitier's son. The ruse worked, and he soon found himself surrounded by the glittering lights of high society.
Hampton's ability to weave intricate lies and manipulate those around him quickly earned him a reputation as a charming and persuasive individual. He convinced Melanie Griffith to let him stay at her house and even persuaded her to give him money, all under the guise of being the son of a famous actor.
Despite his criminal activities, Hampton was raised as the eldest son of an attorney, a fact that baffled many who knew him. How could someone with such a seemingly privileged upbringing resort to such dishonest tactics? It was a question that would puzzle both his family and the authorities who eventually caught up with him.
Hampton's fall from grace was swift and dramatic. His web of lies began to unravel, and the truth of his deceitful ways was exposed for all to see. The play and film, Six Degrees of Separation, immortalized his story, shedding light on the depths of his deception and the impact it had on those he fooled.
David Hampton's legacy serves as a cautionary tale, a reminder of the dangers of believing in the facade of wealth and fame. His story is a stark reminder that not everything is as it seems and that the allure of success can often lead to ruin. In the end, Hampton's legacy is one of deception, manipulation, and the quest for power at any cost.