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Tributes pour out for Sidney Poitier after news of his death at 94
KENNELL KRISTA/SIPA

Tributes pour out for Sidney Poitier after news of his death at 94

By Megan Armstrong  |  Last updated 1/7/22

Sidney Poitier died at 94 years old, press secretary for the deputy prime minister of the Bahamas confirmed Friday, according to such outlets as People and The Hollywood Reporter.

Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis addressed the loss in a press conference, and part of his remarks were relayed by THR: 

"My dear friends, it is with great sadness that I learned this morning of the passing of Sir. Sidney Poitier. The boy who moved from the tomato farm on Cat Island, to moving and becoming a waiter in the United States, a young man who not only taught himself to read and write but who made words and thoughts and feelings central to his career. The man who expressed his rage against racial injustice through quiet dignity. The humanitarian, who used a steely determination, to not just better himself, but better the world he lived in."

After playing Homer in 1963's "Lilies of the Field," Poitier became the first Black man to win an Oscar for best actor at the 36th Academy Awards. He held that title until Denzel Washington won the award for 2001's "Training Day." Washington won best actor at the same ceremony the Academy gave Poitier an Honorary Award.

Poitier leaves behind six children, all daughters. The iconic actor and filmmaker was first married to Juanita Hardy from 1950-65, and then remarried to Joanna Shimkus in 1976. They remained together until his passing.

Once news of Poitier's death became public, tributes began pouring in from every corner of Hollywood. See some below.

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