He broke through racial barriers as the first Black actor to win an Oscar for the role he played in Lilies of the Field (1963) and would go on to inspire thousands of young actors for generations to come.
Everyone has heard the stories that before Poitier very few actors of colour, particularly those who were Black, were given the opportunity to tell a Black person’s story and break away from on screen stereo types of the time. His rise as an actor during the 1950’s and 60’s mirrored the evolution of racial attitudes during the civil rights movement and a deepening hunger for the arts to turn to stories of change, empowerment and progress. He was the performer who carried that flame and who will always be remembered for his courage, honesty and influence.
Poitier once remarked: “I made films when the only other Black on the lot was the shoeshine boy, I was kind of the lone guy in town.” Social media has been flooded with love and gratitude this giant of the big screen.
Through his groundbreaking roles and singular talent, Sidney Poitier epitomized dignity and grace, revealing the power of movies to bring us closer together. He also opened doors for a generation of actors. Michelle and I send our love to his family and legion of fans. pic.twitter.com/zkYKFSxfKA
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 7, 2022
Sidney was my inspiration, my guiding light, my friend. Sending love to Joanna and his family. pic.twitter.com/0UzVIyeJZV
— Morgan Freeman (@morgan_freeman) January 7, 2022
If you wanted the sky i would write across the sky in letters that would soar a thousand feet high..
To Sir… with Love
Sir Sidney Poitier R.I.P.
He showed us how to reach for the stars— Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) January 7, 2022
