Sidney Poitier’s family released a poignant statement Friday night, remembering him as their “guiding light who lit up our lives with infinite love and wonder.”
It continued. “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 incredible work and humanity will continue to inspire the world.
Poitier, the pioneering actor/director who was the first Black leading man to be bankable in Hollywood, passed away Thursday at the age of just 94. One of the world’s most celebrated actors, he broke multiple racial barriers in his decades-long career, including when he became the first Black actor to win the Academy Award for his role in 1963’s “Lilies of the Field.”He was awarded an Honorary Academy Award three years later for his work.
In addition to his work in Hollywood, he served as the Bahamas’ ambassador to Japan from 1997 to 2007 (he held dual citizenship with the U.S.). In 2009, he was also presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama.
Below is the complete statement.
“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 lighthouse, who lights up our lives with infinite love. 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.“
