Iconic Actor Sidney Poitier Dies At 94

Oscar-winning actor Sidney Poitier has died at age 94.

According to the AP, Latrae Rahming, the Director of Communications for the Prime Minister of Bahamas, confirmed on Friday (January 7th) that Poitier died at his home in Los Angeles.

Poitier's great friend, Harry Belafonte, released a statement, which said, “For over 80 years, Sidney and I laughed, cried and made as much mischief as we could. He was truly my brother and partner in trying to make this world a little better. He certainly made mine a whole lot better.”

Poitier, known for being Hollywood's first Black movie star and uplifting the Black community in his movie roles, was honored on social media by many including Morgan Freeman and Oprah Winfrey.

Morgan Freeman tweeted, “Sidney was my inspiration, my guiding light, my friend. Sending love to Joanna and his family.”

Oprah also wrote, “For me, the greatest of the 'Great Trees' has fallen: Sidney Poitier. My honor to have loved him as a mentor. Friend. Brother. Confidant. Wisdom teacher. 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.”

Sidney Poitier won an Oscar in 1963 for Lilies of the Field.

He also starred in a host of films including In the Heat of the Night, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner and his most famous To Sir, With Love in 1967.