Veteran actress Cicely Tyson dies at age 96
The actress who has been working for over seven decades became widely known for her representation of strong African-American women
Cicely Tyson, the pioneering Black actress and style icon who was widely known for defending black people and shattering racial stereotypes through dramatic arts, has died on Thursday (28 January 2021) at age 96.
Miss Tyson’s death was confirmed by her family via her manager Larry Thompson.
“With heavy heart, the family of Miss Cicely Tyson announces her peaceful transition this afternoon. At this time, please allow the family their privacy,” a statement issued through Thompson said.
The actress with over seven decades of experience became widely known for her representation of strong African-American women.
Tyson gained an Oscar nomination for her role as the sharecropper’s wife in “Sounder,” she also won a Tony Award in 2013 at age 88. Tyson also received three Primetime Emmy Awards, four Black Reel Awards, one Screen Actors Guild Award, an honorary Academy Award, a Peabody Award among others.
Having featured in award-winning movies like ‘Sounder’, ‘The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman’, ‘Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All’, ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman’, ‘The Help’, ‘A fall from Grace’ and trending series ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ including stage plays, Miss Tyson won the hearts of many movie lovers leaving some sense of humor and heart warming speeches.
Few weeks to her demise, Miss Tyson published her book titled ‘Cicely Tyson, Just as I am’ which won the hearts of her fans and book lovers.
Reactions from celebrities
Tributes are pouring on social media from celebrities who have been working with Miss Tyson.
Multiple award-winning movie producer and screen actor Tyler Perry revealed he was about watching one of the late veteran actress’s movies ‘Miss Jane Pittman’ when he had a call about the sad news.
“I was sitting at the table working when I got this overwhelming feeling to watch Miss Jane Pittman. I hadn’t seen the movie in years. I didn’t even understand the feeling to turn it on, but I did anyway. Not 12 minutes into the movie my phone rang…”
Award-winning actress Taraji P. Henson also wrote: “WOW…what a life!! 🙏🏾 Rest In Peace Cicely Tyson, you paved the way for SO many of us and I can’t express my gratitude enough! A true icon, legend, and showstopper—you will be truly missed ❤️’
More tributes are still pouring in memory of the late veteran actress.
Andrew Sepah
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