Farewell to the world of cinema and the Bahamas from Sidney Poitier, Hollywood’s first color film star who died Friday in the Caribbean, her parents’ home where she spent her childhood.
The entire Bahamas mourns, and our deepest sympathy goes to his family. As we mourn, we celebrate the life of a great Bahamian, cultural icon, actor and film director, businessman, civic and rights activist, and diplomat. In his statement, Poitier praised Philip Davis, Prime Minister of the Bahamas. The Prime Minister added, “We respect not only what he achieved, but also who he was. For his strong personality, his determination to stand up and be a person, and the way he planned and conducted his life.”
Social media has been filled with messages reminding us of the actor, director, and civil rights activist.
“He showed us how to reach the stars,” Hollywood actress Whoopi Goldberg wrote on Twitter.
“The fun and wit this man has shown all his life is setting an example to me, not just as a black man, but as a human being I will never forget. All I can say is thank you for your whole life,” actor, director, producer and screenwriter Tyler Perry wrote on Instagram.
According to Lenny Kravitz Poitier showed the world that anything is possible. “Your shining light will never fade,” said the musician. “The doors you have opened and the path you have created will continue to guide those who have their dreams.”
There are no words to describe how your work has changed my life. The dignity, strength, excellence and sheer energy with which you played your roles showed that we Blacks matter!!! It was an honor Viola Davis wrote on Instagram.
Among those who remembered Sidney Poitier, who died at the age of ninety-four, were American actor and director Debbie Allen, musician and film director Questloff, and actors George Takei and Keith Powell.
