NEWS: Oscar-Winning Actor and Disney Board Member Sidney Poitier Has Passed Away

Earlier today, it was reported that actor Sidney Poitier, a pioneering Black actor and media executive, had passed away at the age of 94.

©New York Times

Known for his roles in films like Lillies of the Field and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, he broke major barriers when he was the first Black actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor.

Former Disney CEO Bob Iger, who had worked with Poitier during the performer’s time as a Disney board member, shared a brief, touching statement on Poitier’s character, calling him the “most dignified man” he’d ever met.

Former @disney board member Sidney Poitier was the most dignified man I’ve ever met. Towering…gentle…passionate…bold…kind…altogether special. pic.twitter.com/1ccPjqabkz

— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) January 7, 2022

Beyond his historic acting career, Sidney Poitier was an activist, diplomat, and leader, serving on Disney’s Board of Directors from 1994 to 2003. In his lifetime, Poitier received knighthood, a Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Kennedy Center Honor.

Sidney Poitier will be sorely missed and is survived through his wife Joanna Shimkus, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren. Our hearts go out to his family during this time.