Sidney Poitier: Family Speaks After Death Of Black Acting Pioneer

The family of the late Sidney Poitier has released a statement following the passing of the legendary star.

The actor who was said to have broken down Hollywood's racial barriers died on Friday, January 7, 2022, at the age of 94 and tributes have continued to pour in following the news.

Speaking on the icon's demise, his family disclosed that they were grateful that he spent his final days in the company of family and friends.

They said that even though he was no longer with them, they would continue to be guided by his "beautiful soul".

Sidney Poitier

"There are no words to convey the deep sense of loss and sadness we are feeling right now. We are so grateful he was able to spend his last day surrounded by his family and friends.

"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.

"He is our guiding light who lit up our lives with infinite love and wonder. His smile was healing, his hugs the warmest refuge and his laughter was infectious. 

Poitier

"We could always turn to him for wisdom and solace and his absence feels like a giant hole in our family and our hearts. 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", the statement reads.

Poitier with wife Joanna Shimkus

Sidney Poitier was a Bahamian-American actor born on February 20, 1927. He was also a director, activist, and ambassador.

In 1964, he became the first black person and the first Bahamian to win the Academy Award for Best Actor.

His career spanned four decades and he received two Academy Award nominations, ten Golden Globe nominations, two Primetime Emmy Awards nominations, six BAFTA nominations, eight Laurel nominations, and one Screen Actors Guild Award.

Poitier was the Bahamian Ambassador to Japan from 1997 to 2007. He is survived by a wife, six daughters, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.