Sidney Poitier on the set of “Lilies of the Field” in 1963 | Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images By Keyaira Boone ·Updated January 8, 2022
Sidney Poitier passed away on January 6. The legendary actor, director and philanthropist, who was the first Black man to win an Academy Award for Best Actor was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather.
His family has released the following statement expressing their sentiments and responding to the outpouring of love from those impacted by his legendary life.
From the family of Sidney Poitier:
“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.”
Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Poitier family at this difficult time.
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The post The Sidney Poitier Family Is Speaking Out About The Loss Of The Legendary Actor appeared first on Essence.
