Sidney Poitier

Sidney Poitier (February 20, 1927 – January 6, 2022) was a groundbreaking Bahamian-American actor, film director, activist, and diplomat. Known for roles that defied racial stereotypes, Poitier rose to prominence in a time of significant social change in America. In 1964, he became the first Black actor and first Bahamian to win the Academy Award for Best Actor. He received numerous other accolades including two Golden Globe Awards, a BAFTA Award, and a Grammy Award, and was also honored with nominations for two Emmy Awards and a Tony Award. Poitier was ranked among the 'American Film Institute's 100 Stars' in 1999 and is remembered as one of the last surviving stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood cinema. Born prematurely in Miami, Florida during his parents' visit from the Bahamas, Poitier obtained U.S. citizenship. His acting journey began in New York City, where he joined the American Negro Theatre and landed his breakthrough film role in Blackboard Jungle (1955). Poitier's later roles in films like The Defiant Ones (1958), Porgy and Bess (1959), A Raisin in the Sun (1961), and A Patch of Blue (1965) helped shape the representation of African Americans in film. He also ventured into directing with films like Buck and the Preacher (1972) and A Warm December (1973). Besides his film career, Poitier has served as the Bahamian Ambassador to Japan and received honorary recognition from Queen Elizabeth II in 1974.