BY CYNTHIA HORNER
The loss of a great human being takes a toll on all of us, but the recent passing of the iconic actor Sidney Poitier hits close to home. As a child, I was inspired by his influence on the silver screen, and although I never had any inclination to pursue a career in motion pictures, I was mesmerized by his electrifying performances and his positive, trailblazing influence on the world at large.
Mr. Poitier, who was born on February 20, 1927, died on January 6, 2022. We express our condolences to his family and extended family, and will mourn his loss for years to come.
Right On! Digital obtained an exclusive statement from the Poitier family which. reads as follows:
“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.’
STARS HONOR THE LATE SIDNEY POITIER:
SOME OF HIS MOST MEMORABLE FILMS:
THE DEFIANT ONES
PORGY AND BESS
LILLIES OF THE FIELD
A RAISIN IN THE SUN
THE LONG SHIPS
THE BEDFORD INCIDENT
A PATCH OF BLUE
TO SIR, WITH LOVE
IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT
LITTLE NIKITA
THE JACKAL
