Bahamian-American actor Sidney Poitier has died aged 94. He was the first black actor to receive an Oscar for best male actor.
–
Several British and American media report the death of Sidney Poitier. Poitier was the first black actor to receive an Oscar for best male lead. He received that award in 1964 for his role in the film Lilies of the Field. He was one of the first black actors in Hollywood’s mainstream film industry. He played in the movies, for example Guess who’s coming to dinner in In the heat of the night. From the 1970s he also frequently occupied the director’s chair. Poitier was born in Miami but grew up in the Bahamas.
The death was confirmed to international media by Fred Mitchell, Secretary of State in the Bahamas. The Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Chester Cooper, said: “There is sadness because he is gone and we cannot tell him how much he means to us. There is also joy because he did so much to show the world that noble intentions can change the world. We lost an icon, a hero, a fighter, a national treasure.’
The cause of his death is not yet known.
– .
