But that early failure only lit a fire under him.
He notoriously turned down the stereotypical and often very derogatory parts that were usually reserved for Black actors.
Refusing to be limited and defined solely based on his race, he instead sought to play nuanced roles.
Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Its been an enormous responsibility.
And I accepted it, and I lived in a way that showed how I respected that responsibility.
I did that from the beginning.
Photo: Friedman-Abeles, New York viaWikimedia Commons, Public domain
I’ll always be following in your footsteps.
There’s nothing I would rather do, sir.
Its his goodness that changed the world, and it will live on forever.
Photo: s_bukley/Depositphotos
Scroll down to see more heartfelt tributes to the revolutionary film star and cultural icon Sidney Poitier.
Trailblazing actor Sidney Poitier died on January 6, 2022, at the age of 94.
He also opened doors for a generation of actors.
When we say on the shoulders of giants he is one of the biggest.
Evening turns the sky a bright burnt orange.
My mother and father fan the smoke from green palm leaves.
My sister Teddy takes me in her arms to rock me to sleep.
Rest in triumph, Mr. Poitier.
Thank you forever.pic.twitter.com/j29bDNEqVl
Ava DuVernay (@ava)January 7, 2022
Mr. P was everything to me!
My North Star and guiding light.
My dear Sidney, an enormous part of my soul weeps at your passing.
We will always hold you in our hearts and forever speak your name.
pic.twitter.com/hIKYCqM245
Debbie Allen (@msdebbieallen)January 7, 2022
Sidney Poitier.
What a landmark actor.
One of a kind.
What a beautiful, gracious, warm, genuinely regal man.
He said little girl what do you want I muttered can I have your autograph.
From that day he always called me little girl and asked if I wanted his autograph.
It was something we laughed about.
He was my hero & great friend.
Thank you & may you rest in infinite power, Sir Sidney Poitier.
Thank you Mr. Poitier for a life well-lived.Rest, Good and faithful servant.
Thank you Sidney Poitier.
Rest In Peace and in Power.
The doors you opened and paths you created will continue to make way for those with a dream.
You showed the world that with vision and grace, all is possible.
I am because of him.
He blazed a tremendous path for thespians such as me.
I am forever grateful.
