Tributes were paid on Friday morning after the death of Hollywood legend Sydney Poitier At the age of 94.
Poitier — the first black man to win a Best Actor Oscar — left behind an illustrious career that was celebrated by many A-list stars in condolence messages.
The Foreign Minister of the Bahamas, Fred Mitchell, confirmed his death on Friday morning. The cause of his death is not yet known.
Major Friday tributes to Halle Berry, Whoopi Goldberg, Viola Davis, Jeffrey Wright, Anika Noni Rose and many more.
‘RIP, sir. ‘With love’: Sidney Poitier honored by stars Halle Berry, Whoopi Goldberg and Jeffrey Wright pay tribute to ‘historic actor’ after his death at 94 (pictured in 1964)
Berry, 55, was the first black actress to win a Best Actress Oscar in 2002, as she posted a touching tribute to the star on Instagram along with a photo of the talented thespians together.
She wrote: “A little part of myself is lost when my friends are gone,” wrote Sidney Poitier in his book LIFE BEYOND MEASURE. My dear Sydney, a great deal of my soul cries at your passing.
‘In your eighty-four years on this planet, you left an indelible mark with your extraordinary talent, paving the way for black people to see and be heard in the fullness of who we are. You were a distinguished pioneer; Your life was well lived.’
Berry continued to talk about growing up while admiring him and how thrilling it was when they finally met.
‘You are and will always be the true measure of a man’: 55-year-old Berry was the first black actress to win a Best Actress Oscar in 2002, as she posted a touching tribute to the star on Instagram featuring the talented thespian together
She wrote: ‘I grew up idolizing you and will always remember the day I first met you. This is the only time in my life I’ve been speechless! There I sat, my words glued together, and you were as gracious and charming as you will be during our decades of friendship.
‘Rest in peace, dear Sydney. You are the true measure of a man and always will be.’
Golden Globe and Emmy winning actor Jeffrey Wright was one of the first stars to react, tweeting: ‘Sydney Poitier. What a milestone actor. one of a kind. What a handsome, graceful, warm, truly majestic man. RIP, sir. with love.’
Oscar winner Whoopi Goldberg tweeted a touching message, containing lyrics from the theme song to Poitier’s 1967 film To Sir, With Love.
‘If you want the sky I write in letters a thousand feet high in the sky.. to sir… with love,’ she wrote, ‘Sir Sidney Poitier RIP he showed us how to reach the stars. ,
Outpouring: Tributes poured in on Friday morning after Hollywood legend Sidney Poitier died at the age of 94
A 1967 British drama film based on social and racial issues in an indoor school in the city, in which Poitier played the role of teacher Mr. Mark Thackeray.
Oprah Winfrey wrote on her social media platform: ‘To me, the biggest fall out of “Great Trees”: Sidney Poitier. It is my honor to love him as a mentor. Friend. brother. Confidant. Wisdom teacher.’
He continued: ‘The utmost, highest regard and admiration for his most splendid, gracious, eloquent life. I treasured it. I loved her He had a huge soul that I will always cherish. World blessings to Joanna and her beautiful daughters.’
To Sir With Love: Oscar winner Viola Davis posts a tribute to Instagram
Dreamgirls star and Tony winner Anika Noni Rose tweeted: ‘RIP Sidney Poitier. Thank you for being so kind, for every door you broke and the slap you got in return.’
Oscar winner Viola Davis said, ‘It’s a big deal. ‘No words can describe how your work fundamentally changed my life.’
The dignity, normalcy, power, excellence and sheer power you brought to your roles showed us that we, as black people, matter!!! It was an honor for my husband and I to share lunch with you at Spagos.’
Star-studded tribute: The actor started trending on social media from Friday
‘You told us, “If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough”! I put this quote on my daughter’s wall. Rest easy Mr. Poitier.’
‘Thank You! Thanks for leaving a legacy. Let the flights of the angels sing to you for your rest.’
Actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt wrote: ‘Sydney Poitier. An absolute legend. One of the greats.’
Paying tribute: Mourners on the Hollywood Walk of Fame start laying flowers by their star
It should come as no surprise that the Bahamian-American star saw such a large number of tributes from fellow cast members.
Poitier’s phenomenal acting career won him an Oscar in 1964 for his role in Lily of the Field and earned two more Academy Award nominations, ten Golden Globe nominations, two Primetime Emmy Award nominations, six BAFTA nominations, eight Laurel nominations and a screen actor . Guild Award nomination.
Married twice, he had four daughters with his first wife, Juanita Hardy, and two with his second wife, Joanna Shimkus.
Star: Poitier in Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner with Katherine Houghton
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