Sidney Poitier‘s family is remembering the beloved Oscar-winning actor following his death.
The star died at the age of 94, the Bahamian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Office confirmed to Fox News Digital on Friday. Prime Minister of the Bahamas Philip Davis also held a press conference on Friday morning where he remembered the film icon as an “actor and film director, an entrepreneur, civil and human rights activist and, latterly, a diplomat.”
Following tributes from countless celebrities and high-profile figures across the world, his family is remembering the groundbreaking actor on Friday not just for his professional achievements, but also as a man “who put family first.”
“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,” the statement shared with Fox News Digital begins.
It was there where Poitier was given the role of understudying Belafonte in “Days of our Youth.” Poitier made his public debut while filling in one night. Afterward, he earned a small role in the Greek comedy “Lysistrata.” Poitier continued to perform in plays until 1950 when he made his film debut in “No Way Out.”
As one of the most beloved stars of Hollywood’s golden era, Poitier made his mark with films like “A Raisin in the Sun,” (1961) “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” (1967) and “Uptown Saturday Night,” (1974), among others.
Fox News’ Stephanie Nolasco and Nate Day and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Melissa Roberto covers entertainment at Foxnews.com. You can reach her at Melissa.Roberto@fox.com.
Leave a Reply