Legendary Actor & Trailblazer Sidney Poitier Family Releases Statement After Tragic Death
When you hear the name Sidney Poitier, you think trailblazer. Sidney Poitier began back in 1955 film “Blackboard Jungle”. He soon followed that with “The Defiant Ones”, making him the first Black performer to land an Academy Award nomination. He was also the first Black performer to win the Academy Award for best actor for “Lillies of the Field”.
Sidney eventually won an Oscar for his performance in “Lilies of the Field“, becoming the first Black actor to win the Oscar for Best Actor.
The iconic figure was tragically passed away at 94 years old on January 7th at his home in Los Angeles.
Sidney Poitier’s family has released a statement in the wake of his tragic death.
Statement from the Poitier family:
There are no words to convey the deep sense of loss and sadness we are feeling right now. We are so grateful he was able to spend his last day surrounded by his family and friends. To us Sidney Poitier was not only a brilliant actor, activist, and a man of incredible grace and moral fortitude, he was also a devoted and loving husband, a supportive and adoring father, and a man who always put family first. He is our guiding light who lit up our lives with infinite love and wonder. His smile was healing, his hugs the warmest refuge, and his laughter was infectious. We could always turn to him for wisdom and solace and his absence feels like a giant hole in our family and our hearts. Although he is no longer here with us in this realm, his beautiful soul will continue to guide and inspire us. He will live on in us, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren—in every belly laugh, every curious inquiry, every act of compassion and kindness. His legacy will live on in the world, continuing to inspire not only with his incredible body of work, but even more so with his humanity.
We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to every single one of you for the outpouring of love from around the world. So many have been touched by our dad’s extraordinary life, his unwavering sense of decency and respect for his fellow man. His faith in humanity never faltered, so know that for all the love you’ve shown him, he loved you back.
Sidney Poitier knocked down doors for Black actors to follow. Landing major roles that personified a Black man with grace and intelligence during the height of the Civil Rights Movement will live on forever.