A documentary chronicling the extraordinary life of trailblazing actor Sidney Poitier is on the way following news of his death. The Oscar winner died on Friday at the age of 94. Peep Hollywood’s heartfelt tributes and more inside….
On Thursday (Jan. 6th), beloved acting legend Sidney Poitier died at the age of 94, weeks before his 95th birthday (Feb. 20th). He wowed us all during his 71-year career, which included iconic roles in A Raisin in the Sun, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner and Uptown Saturday Night.
A documentary (that was already in the works) about the career and life of the legendary actor - who was the first Black actor to win the Best Actor Academy Award - is in production. According to Variety, media mogul Oprah Winfrey is the executive producer for the Apple Originals Films project and the Potier family is also participating.
“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,” Poitier’s family said in a statement.
“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.”
“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,” the statement concluded.
Lady O and Apple have been working on the documentary for more than a year, so they likely captured good interviews with the late actor before his death.
Variety reports:
The documentary comes from Harpo Productions and Network Entertainment. Reggie Hudlin will serve as director. Hudlin’s previous directorial credits include 90’s films like “House Party” and “Boomerang,” as well as episodes of TV series like “The Last O.G.” and “Black Monday.” He is also a prolific producer across film and television, serving as a regular executive producer for the NAACP Image Awards since 2013. Hudlin directed the 2019 documentary “The Black Godfather,” which examines the life of music producer Clarence Avant.
Sir Poitier is survived by his wife - Joanna Shimkus - six daughters, eight grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. One his daughters, Gina, died in 2018.
Since news of his death, Hollywood has been pouring out tributes to the famed actor who helped pave the way for black actors in the industry. Along with online tributes, fans have covered his Hollywood Walk of Fame star with flowers.
Fellow Oscar winner Morgan Freeman, 84, took to social media to pay tribute to his friend, writing, "Sidney was my inspiration, my guiding light, my friend. Sending love to Joanna and his family."
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
Sidney Poitier was the first Black man to win an Oscar for Best Actor in 1959 for his work in “The Defiant Ones.” Denzel Washington followed in his footsteps and became the second Black man to win the award in 2002 for his role in Training Day. During his acceptance speech, Denzel acknowledged Sidney, bringing him to his feet.
"It was a privilege to call Sidney Poitier my friend,” Denzel told ET after learning about Sidney’s passing. “He was a gentle man and opened doors for all of us that had been closed for years. God bless him and his family."
EMMY winner Joe Morton thanked Sir Poitier for his good works in a heartfelt tribute:
To Sir, With Love,
For years you, alone, bore the pressure, pride, and prejudice of being Hollywood's Black Everyman. As you became more visible, so did Black America. Your grace, talent, and intelligence persevered as a vanguard for other Black artists.
Thank you #SidneyPoitier pic.twitter.com/dLfJPOpBp3— Joe Morton (@JOEtheMORTON) January 9, 2022
Tributes from POTUS Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg, Ava DuVernay, Tyler Perry, Lee Daniels, Tracee Ellis Ross, Don Cheadle, Debbie Allen and more!
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
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
“I'm on the porch of our little home on Cat Island in the Bahamas. Evening turns the sky a bright burnt orange. My mother and father fan the smoke from green palm leaves. My sister Teddy takes me in her arms to rock me to sleep.”
Rest in triumph, Mr. Poitier. Thank you forever. pic.twitter.com/j29bDNEqVl
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) January 7, 2022
“The last time I saw Sidney was at a golf course in LA. I saw him across the room and walked toward him with my hand out to shake his. Ignoring my hand, he opened both of his arms wide and embraced me warmly. Then he let me go and held me at arm’s length staring me in my eyes and said in his signature cadence, ‘I dig what you do, my man.’ I almost fainted," said actor Don Cheadle in a statement.
You opened the door for us all. We will forever speak your name, #SidneyPoitier! pic.twitter.com/WycHpmzoG3
— Debbie Allen (@msdebbieallen) January 7, 2022
Mr. P was everything to me! My North Star and guiding light. The very personification of elegance, eloquence, effortless grace and humanity, I have admired and emulated him my entire life. Without Sidney Poitier, quite simply, there would be no LeVar Burton.#RIP#OG#MrP
— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) January 7, 2022
Sidney Poitier leaves more than just a trailblazing career in Hollywood. He established a legacy that broke down stereotypes and opened doors for Black actors who would follow in his footsteps. We honor his legacy and send strength to his loved ones during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/LiQnGG1J2C
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) January 7, 2022
Sidney Poitier
Poor People's Campaign, Resurrection City, Washington, D.C., May 1968
Powerful beyond the stage and screen. pic.twitter.com/hEKRxGvoM2
— Be A King (@BerniceKing) January 7, 2022
On the BBC: my tribute to this great man, Sir Sidney Poitier. (Listen at 48:20) https://t.co/2tzaQy5Sty pic.twitter.com/OlNp6v7GKA
— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) January 7, 2022
So this our new normal, huh? Every week we’ll be losing a legend?! This is what it is now?! Dammit! I hate this.
And yes, I know 94 is a long life but I’m sad, okay? I wanted him and @IAmCicelyTyson and @BettyMWhite & #GarryMarshall and #MamaFran here forever. https://t.co/1mOEElBrVy
— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) January 7, 2022
May he REST IN POWER!
Photos: Elliott Cowand Jr/Shutterstock
source: theybf
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