The world has lost yet another amazing talent. One who not only paved the way through such an oppressive time in an oppressive industry, but someone whose talents and accomplishments only speak for themselves. First reported by Deadline, Here is what the family of Sidney Poitier, had to say about their emotional loss.
Statement from the Poitier family:
“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.
“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.
“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.”
For those who do not know of the actor, Poitier was a trailblazer in not just black film, but also in performing in films about stories dealing with segregation during a time where it was prevalent to be segregated in America. Dramedy films like Guess Whos Coming To Dinner, which followed the story about a white woman (Katharine Hepburn) who brought her black boyfriend (Poitier) home to meet her parents for the first time, is a prime example of Poitier's work in the late 60's. In 1964, he was the first black person and first Bahamian to win the Academy Award for Best Actor in the film Lilies In The Field.
Since before and thereafter, Sidney Poitier has had a long career of acting, which traveled well into the early 2000's. He will be very missed in the world of film and entertainment.