Sidney Poitier, 94, died from ‘heart disease’, Alzheimer’s dementia, and prostate cancer. His death certificate confirms this.
Poitier, who in 1964 was the first African-American actor to be awarded an Academy Award as Best Actor in a Dramatic Performance, died at home in Beverly Hills.
TMZ reports that the legal document confirming his passing had also listed his occupation as an actor, with other 76 years in the business.
Fred Mitchell (Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bahamas) confirmed Poitier’s death on Jan. 7, 2007.
Sir Sidney Poitier, Oscar-winning Hollywood actor and star has passed away at the age of 94. His 1964 film Lilies Of The Field, in which he won the Oscar for Best Actor (above) made him a historical figure.
His cause of death at the time was unknown. However, it has now been revealed that it was due to heart failure and his fight with Alzheimer’s disease.
Poitier’s pioneering acting career earned him an Oscar nomination in 1964 for Lilies of the Field.
He had two wives, Juanita Hardy was his first wife and Joanna Shimkus his second. They also had four daughters.
Poitier can be seen in his last photograph, February 20, 2021 as he celebrates his 94th birthday with his daughter. He is right, celebrating his 92nd Birthday in 2019.
Barack Obama wrote a touching tribute to the star’s “singular talent” in an emotional post.
Sidney Poitier was a symbol of dignity and grace through his roles. He also showed us how movies can bring us closer. A new generation of actors was also opened by him. Michelle and me send our love and support to his family, and legion fans,” Obama posted on Twitter.
Following his 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom, he presented his tribute to Michelle along with a photograph of Michelle with Poitier taken in the Oval Office.
Many famous people from all over the globe shared their memories of Poitier and praised him. President Joe Biden said that Poitier’s work ‘carried so much dignity and power that it changed how the world looks.
Oprah Winfrey shared a picture of her hugging Poitier and wrote: “The greatest of all the Great Trees” has fallen.”
Oprah Winfrey and Denzel Washington were the stars of the Hollywood tributes. Whoopie Goldberg and Harry Belafonte also participated. Tyler Perry wrote that he will always be remembered for the grace and class he showed throughout his life.
Perry added, “All I can do is to thank you” for Perry’s life and for his example.
He began an affair for nine years with Diahann Carroll during his first marriage. They met while working together in 1959’s Porgy and Bess. Both Carroll and Poitier were divorced after the scandal. However, their second marriage, to Shimkus, was stronger, lasting for 45 years before his death.
Barack Obama pays tribute to Sidney Poitier (who died at 94).
Poitier won a BAFTA fellowship for 2016 but was not able to attend due to illness.
Poitier won the Kennedy Center Honor for 1995. In 2009, he was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama.
In 1974, Queen Elizabeth II awarded him the Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
Many people paid tribute to Poitier upon hearing of his passing. Lenny Kravitz, a musician, wrote that Poitier “showed the whole world that vision and grace are possible.”
Biden stated in his statement, “Sidney wasn’t just one of our greatest actors.”
Biden said, “He set a course for the Nation, and left a legacy that continues to touch every aspect of society today.”
Harry Belafonte, Poitier’s friend and contemporary great Harry Belafonte released a statement on Friday to remember their remarkable times together.
Sidney wrote that Sidney and he had been together for over 80 years. He was my partner and brother in making this world better. He made my day a lot easier.
Sidney Poitier, Joanna Shimkus and their second spouse attend an event at Hotel Bel-Air California in 2011,
Poitier’s first marriage saw him start a nine year affair with Diahann Carroll, whom he became acquainted when they were working together in 1959 on Porgy and Bess.
Denzel Washington told the Hollywood Reporter: ‘It was a privilege to call Sidney Poitier my friend. His gentle nature opened up doors that were closed for many years for us all. God bless his family.
Oprah posted a photo showing herself hugging Poitier. She wrote, “The greatest of the Great Trees has fallen.”
He deserves the utmost respect and admiration for his remarkable, graceful, and inspiring life. I loved him. I adored him. Winfrey said, “He was a tremendous soul. I will never forget him.”
On Twitter, actor Billy Dee Williams said: “You were an incredible beautiful and kind soul that changed the lives so many people’s lives, and a hero for all.” We will be missing you. The world is a better place for having you in it.
‘Sidney Poitier. Your last sunset with us, is the dawn for many generations rising on the pathway of light that you blazed. Debbie Allen, actor and director wrote on Twitter that she will keep you close to her heart and continue to speak your name.
Questlove, musician posted an Instagram picture titled “One of the most important actors of his generation,” “We all have our Poitier years. Uptown Saturday Night is the movie that I remember watching growing up in the 1970s. Rest in Peace. We are grateful.
Poitier and Pearl Bailey at Porgy and Bess 1959, a legendary career
In 1967’s Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner he played a black man with a white fiancée in a groundbreaking role
Poitier authored three autobiographical works and published in 2013 ‘Montaro Caine’, a novel which was part mystery, part sci-fi.
Poitier, who was knighted in 1974 by Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, served as ambassador for the Bahamian to Japan and UNESCO (the U.N. cultural agency). From 1994 to 2003, he was also on the board of directors for Walt Disney.
Poitier, the Presidential Medal of Freedom was given by President Barack Obama in 2009.
Poitier was present to award the best director award at the 2014 Academy Awards. It marked Poitier’s 50th birthday.