Contents
Sidney Poitier is a late American actor, film director, and diplomat. Sidney Poitier was the first black actor and the first Bahamian to win the Academy Award for Best Actor.
Early life
Sidney Poitier came into the world on February 20, 1927, in Beverly Hills, California, United States of America. Furthermore, he died at the age of 94 and has dual American-Bahamian nationality.
He has the zodiac sign of Pisces and believes in the Roman Catholic religion. Furthermore, he belongs to the African American ethnicity. He is the son of Reginald James Poitier (father) and Evelyn Poitier (mother). Sidney’s parents were both farmers.
Furthermore, he grew up in poverty and showed signs of becoming a criminal. Later, his father sent him to live with his brother Cyril Poitier in New York. He used to work as a dishwasher to manage his life. Growing up poor, he was unable to receive any formal education. Additionally, a Jewish waiter taught him to read and taught him to read after work hours.
Death
About him January 6, 2022, He died at his home in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 94 years. Furthermore, his death was revealed and confirmed by Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Bahamas. He died of cardiopulmonary failure, Alzheimer’s disease and prostate cancer, according to his death certificate obtained by TMZ.
Career
Initially, Sidney Poitier joined the American Negro Theater but struggled due to his inability to sing and also his strong Bahamian accent. For several months he trained hard to overcome his weaknesses.
In the Broadway production ‘Lysistrata’ she played the lead role and her performance was highly appreciated. Furthermore, he became a popular theater actor and soon began receiving offers for several films. He played the role of a doctor named Dr. Luther Brooks in the 1950 film called ‘No Way Out’.
Subtitle: Sidney Poitier in the movie Heat of the Night (Source: The Hollywood Reporter)
After appearing in several supporting roles in films, he landed his breakthrough role in the 1955 social commentary Blackboard Jungle, a film based on a novel of the same name by Evan Hunter.
In the 1958 film ‘The Defiant Ones’ he played the role of Noah Cullen, an escaped prisoner in the film. He appeared alongside Ruby Dee, Claudia McNeil, Diana Sands and Roy Glenn in the 1961 drama film ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. The film was based on the play of the same name by Lorraine Hansberry.
Other film appearances and direction.
In 1963, he played Homer Smith in the film Lilies of the Field, produced and directed by Ralph Nelson. With his performances in the film, he was appreciated by critics and won several awards and recognitions.
He appeared in the 1965 hit film ‘A Patch of Blue’. The film was about the relationship between a black man and a blind white girl, and the challenges they face when they fall in love in a racially segregated United States.
Additionally, he appeared in the 1967 mystery drama film ‘In the Heat of the Night’ and played police officer Virgil Tibbs. Additionally, the film was followed by two sequels: They Call Me MR. Tibbs! in 1970, and The Organization, in 1971, where he reappeared in both films.
Additionally, he made his directorial debut in 1972 in the western film Buck and the Preacher, in which he also played the role of a trail guide. Additionally, he directed several other successful films, including the comedy ‘Stir Crazy’ in 1980. Additionally, he appeared on television and film starring in Shoot to Kill (1988) and Sneakers (1992).
Awards
Throughout his career, he has won several awards and distinctions. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for the film Lilies of the Field in 1963.
Additionally, she received an Honorary Academy Award in 2002 “for her extraordinary performances and unique screen presence and for representing the industry with dignity, style and intelligence.” She shared her years of wisdom for future generations in 2008’s Life Beyond Measure: Letters to My Great-grandson.
Caption: Sidney Poitier receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom from former US President Barack Obama (Source: Academy of Achievement)
In addition, this actor was named Knight Commander of the British Empire in 1974, which gives him the right to use the title “sir”, although he chooses not to do so. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by former US President Barack Obama in 2009.
In 2011, he was honored by the Film Society of Lincoln Center, earning the organization’s Chaplin Lifetime Achievement Award. From April 1997 to 2007 he was appointed ambassador of the Bahamas to Japan. In addition, he also served as Bahamas Ambassador to UNESCO from 2002 to 2007.
Net worth 2023
This American actor’s net worth was estimated to be around $20 million at the time of his death. He earned this amount of money as an actor, film director and diplomat.
civil status
Talking about his personal life, Sidney Poitier was married twice in his life. Firstly, he married Juanita Hardy on April 29, 1950. With the marriage, the couple has four daughters named Beverly, Pamela, Sherri and Gina. However, the couple divorced in 1965.
Caption: Sidney Poitier with his wife, Joanna Shimkus (Source: People)
Following the divorce, he married actress Joanna Shimkus on January 23, 1976 and they remained married until his death. With the marriage, the couple has two daughters named Anika and Sydney Tamila.
Body measurements
Talking about his body statistics, he stands 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs around 97 kg. Additionally, she has dark brown hair with blue eyes and wears a 10 US shoe size.
Social media
This legendary and award-winning actor is no longer in his world, which is why he is not active on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
Sidney Poitier Fans Also Viewed
Categories: Biography
Source: vcmp.edu.vn