Cicely Tyson was an American actress who is best known for her powerful roles in productions such as Sounder, The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, and Roots.
Personal and Family Life
Cicely Tyson was born on December 19, 1924, in Harlem, New York City. She grew up in a deeply religious family with parents from Nevis in the Caribbean. Her father, William, worked as a carpenter and painter, while her mother, Theodosia, was a domestic worker. Tyson was married twice, first to Kenneth Franklin and later to jazz musician Miles Davis.
Career Highlights
Cicely Tyson began her career in the fashion industry after being discovered by a fashion editor. She transitioned into acting in the late 1950s, gaining recognition for her compelling performances on stage and screen. Among her most notable achievements are her two Emmy Awards for The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman and her Academy Award nomination for Sounder.
Death and Legacy
Cicely Tyson passed away on January 28, 2021, in Manhattan, New York City. Throughout her life, she was known for portraying strong and positive images of Black women, making a lasting impact on the film and television industry. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of actors and actresses.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Fried Green Tomatoes | 1991-12-27 | Sipsey |
| Hoodlum | 1997-08-27 | Stephanie St. Clair |
| The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter | 1968-07-31 | Portia Copeland |
| Samaritan: The Mitch Snyder Story | 1986-05-19 | Muriel |
| Bustin’ Loose | 1981-05-22 | Vivian Perry |
| Always Outnumbered | 1998-03-21 | Luvia |
| Odds Against Tomorrow | 1959-10-15 | Jazz Club Bartender (uncredited) |
| Idlewild | 2006-08-25 | Mother Hopkins |
| Why Did I Get Married Too? | 2010-04-02 | Ola |
| The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman | 1974-01-31 | Jane Pittman |
| The Help | 2011-08-09 | Constantine Jefferson |