Sidney Poitier news: Barack Obama and Halle Berry lead tributes after Oscar-winning actor dies 94
Actor has died aged 94
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Tributes have begun pouring in for Sidney Poitier who has died aged 94.
The Bahamian-American actor – best known for his films Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner and In the Heat of the Night – was the first Black man to win an Oscar for Best Actor.
Poitier took home the prize for his role as Homer Smith in the 1963 drama Lilies of the Field.
Following the news of his death, which was announced by the Bahamian Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell, fans and fellow stars have begun remembering Poitier on social media.
The Independent’s Geoffrey Macnab paid tribute to Poitier, a singular actor whose profound influence and legacy will be everlasting.
Viola Davis says ‘no words can describe how your work radically shifted my life'
Academy Award-winner Viola Davis has shared a lengthy tribute to Poitier on Instagram.
“This is a big one. No words can describe how your work radically shifted my life. The dignity, normalcy, strength, excellence and sheer electricity you brought to your roles showed us that we, as Black folks, mattered!!!” she wrote.
The How to Get Away with Murder star continued: “It was an honor [sic] for my husband and I to share lunch with you at Spagos. You told us, ‘If your dreams do not scare you, they’re not big enough’!
“I put this quote on my daughter’s wall. Rest well Mr. Poitier. Thank you! Thank you for leaving a legacy. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
Marvel’s Mark Ruffalo pays tribute to Poitier on Twitter
Marvel star Mark Ruffalo has shared a tribute post to Poitier on Twitter.
“Immediately dispelling the perverted, obscene, and misinformed notion of white supremacy in every beautifully human, artistic and dignified way = Sidney Poitier,” wrote Ruffalo.
The Hulk actor wrote his caption alongside a Twitter post by Martin Luther King Jr’s daughter Bernice King, in which she remembers Poitier as “powerful beyond the stage and screen”.
Elijah Wood says ‘so long’ to Sidney Poitier
Elijah Wood has said “so long” to the late actor on Twitter.
The Lord of the Rings star wrote: “So long to the groundbreaking titan, Sidney Poitier.”
He accompanied the post with a black and white photograph of Poitier.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt remembers Sidney Poitier as ‘an absolute legend'
Joseph Gordon-Levitt has paid tribute to the late acting icon.
In a Twitter post, the Don Jon star wrote: “Sidney Poitier. An absolute legend. One of the greats.”
Barack Obama fondly remembers Sidney Poitier who 'epitomised dignity and grace’
Former US president Barack Obama has remembered Poitier for his “groundbreaking roles and singular talent”.
Obama paid tribute to the late actor in a Twitter post.
“Through his groundbreaking roles and singular talent, Sidney Poitier epitomized [sic] dignity and grace, revealing the power of movies to bring us closer together,” he wrote.
The 60-year-old continued: “He also opened doors for a generation of actors. Michelle and I send our love to his family and legion of fans.”
He shared the post on Twitter alongside a photograph of himself and former first lady Michelle Obama together with Poitier.
On 12 August in 2009, Obama presented Poitier with the Medal of Freedom at the White House in Washington.
Oprah Winfrey says ‘the greatest of the ‘Great Trees’ has fallen'
“For me, the greatest of the ‘Great Trees’ has fallen: Sidney Poitier,” wrote the talk show host.
“My honor [sic] to have loved him as a mentor. Friend. Brother. Confidant. Wisdom teacher.”
She continued: “The utmost, highest regard and praise for his most magnificent, gracious, eloquent life. I treasured him. I adored him. He had an enormous soul I will forever cherish. Blessings to Joanna and his world of beautiful daughters.”
Winfrey accompanied the post with a photograph of her and Poitier hugging.
Poitier is survived by his wife Joanna Shimkus, with whom he shares two daughters, Anika and Sydney.
The late actor also has four daughters – Beverly, Pamela, Sherri and Gina – with his former wife Juanita Hardy.
Reese Witherspoon says she was ‘lucky enough to spend some time with Sidney Poitier'
Reese Witherspoon has shared a tribute to the late Oscar winner on Twitter.
“Today we lost a legend. I was lucky enough to spend some time with Sidney Poitier,” wrote the Big Little Lies star.
“As a long time fan, I cherished hearing his incredible stories of how he changed perceptions in Hollywood. His incredible performances are filled with dignity, strength, truth and deep humanity.”
Witherspoon accompanied her post with a photograph of Poitier and herself.
British actor David Harewood remembers Sidney Poitier’s ‘defiance, grace and style'
Homeland star David Harewood has paid tribute to Poitier on Twitter.
“Gotta get my s*** together. Gotta walk onstage tonight and remember who started this crazy fever dream,” wrote Harewood.
“Sidney Poitier’s defiance, grace and style changed me – and shaped my life as an actor.”
The 56-year-old is currently starring in the Young Vic’s production of Best of Enemies, in which he plays the American conservative author and political commentator William F Buckley Jr.
Sidney Poitier: The charming trailblazer who continually challenged stereotypes
After the Academy Award winner’s death, film writer Geoffrey Macnab pays tribute to a singular actor whose profound influence and legacy will be everlasting.
Sidney Poitier: The charming trailblazer who continually challenged stereotypes
After the Academy Award winner dies at 94, Geoffrey Macnab pays tribute to a singular actor whose profound influence and legacy will be everlasting
Kerry Washington mourns the loss of ‘an elegant King'
Kerry Washington has remembered Poitier following news of the actor’s death.
The Scandal star took to Twitter to thank Poitier “for not only opening the door, but for walking in this world with endless grace and excellence, so that today, still, we follow behind you, reaching toward the example that you set”.
She added: “Rest In Peace and in Power. We love you.”
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