Cicely Tyson (Photo: via Getty Images)
Roommates, incredibly sad news to report, as legendary actress Cicely Tyson has passed away at 96. The legendary Emmy- and Tony-winning actress reportedly died on Thursday afternoon, as confirmed by her longtime manager.
@Variety released a statement from Cicely Tyson’s manager, Larry Thompson, as the news of her death broke from media outlets. “I have managed Miss Tyson’s career for over 40 years, and each year was a privilege and blessing. Cicely thought of her new memoir as a Christmas tree decorated with all the ornaments of her personal and professional life. Today she placed the last ornament, a Star, on top of the tree.”
Cicely Tyson made her film debut with a small role in 1957’s “Twelve Angry Men,” however, her official debut was with Sidney Poitier in the 1959 film “Odds Against Tomorrow,” followed by “The Comedians,” “The Last Angry Man,” “A Man Called Adam” and “The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter.” Refusing to participate in blaxploitation films, she waited until 1972 to return to movies courtesy of the classic drama “Sounder,” which garnered several Oscar nominations, including the one she received for Best Actress in 1973. She would receive an honorary Oscar for her iconic career in 2018.
Although she had multiple films under her belt, the majority of her deacdes-long career was from television performances. In addition to “Miss Jane Pittman,” she also gave show-stopping performances in TV movies such as,“Roots,” “The Wilma Rudolph Story,” “King: The Martin Luther King Story,” “When No One Would Listen,” “A Woman Called Moses,” “The Marva Collins Story,” “The Women of Brewster Place,” “The Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All,” the TV adaptation of “Trip to Bountiful” and most recently “How To Get Away With Murder.”
Throughout her career Cicely Tyson was notable for refusing to play the stereotypical roles of drug addicts, prostitutes or maids, which she believed were demeaning to Black women and openly spoke about her decision in interviews. She will certainly be missed by not only her loved ones, but her fans throughout the world.
We want to send our condolences to her loved ones during this difficult time.
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