Sidney Poitier , Family, Novels, Awards, Net Worth, Death

Sidney Poitier was a Bahamian and American actor. He was an actor, director, producer, and diplomat who broke the color barrier in the United States. He was the first African American to win an Oscar for best actor. Poitier was one of the last major stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood Cinema. He grew up in the Bahamas but moved to Miami at the age of 15 and to New York at the age of 16. He joined American Negro Theater and portrayed the role of a high school student in the film Blackboard Jungle.

In addition to classic roles, he also worked and directed comedy movies. He worked in successful movies which dealt with race and race relations. He was granted a Knighthood by Queen Elizabeth in 1974. In 2009 he was awarded the  Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the US, by President Barack Obama. In 2016, he was awarded the BAFTA Fellowship for outstanding lifetime achievement in film.

BirthFebruary 20, 1927
Birth NameSidney L. Poitier
NationalityAmerican, Bahamian
OccupationActor, Film Director, Diplomat
Years Active1946- 2009
SpousesJuanita Hardy Joanna Shimkus
DeathJanuary 6, 2022

Early Life:

Sidney Poitier was born on February 20, 1927, in Miami, Florida. He was born to Evelyn and Reginald James Poitier. They both were farmers who owned a farm on Cat Island. They used to sell tomatoes. His father also worked as a Cab driver in Nassau. He was born unexpectedly in Miami while his parents were there on business. He was three months premature child and was not expected to survive.

His birth in the United States entitled him to US citizenship. He lived with his family in on Cat Island until he was 10. Then they moved to Nassau, where he was exposed to the modern world. He was raised Catholic but later became an agnostic.

At the age of 15, he was sent to Miami with his elder brother’s family, where he didn’t adjust due to racism. At 16, he moved to New York City, looking to become an actor.

Personal Life:

Poitier was married to Juanita Hardy from April 29, 1950, until 1965. He raised his family in Stuyvesant, New York. In 1959, he began his nine-year affair with actress Diahann Carrel. He married Canadian actress Joanna Shimkus on January 23, 1976, and they remained together till Poitier’s death. He was blessed with a family of six children. He had four daughters with his first wife and 2 daughters with his second wife.

Children:

Career:

Poitier joined the American Negro Theater but was rejected by audiences. To refine his acting skills, he spent the next six months dedicating himself to achieving theatrical success. Poitier never signed a loyalty oath.

Military Career:

During  World War II, in November 1943,  he lied about his age and enlisted in Army. He was assigned to a Veteran’s Administration Hospital in New York. He was trained to work with psychiatric patients. He feigned mental illness to obtain the discharge.

Acting Career:

In his second attempt at the theater, he was noticed and given a lead role in the Broadway Production Lysistrata, through which he got an invitation to understudy Anna Lucasta.

In 1949, he had to choose between leading roles on stage and an offer to work in the film No Way Out as the role of a doctor. His performance in Edge of The City leads to his fame. Poitier enjoyed working for the big director William Wellman in Good Bye, My Lady. He praised Wellman for his elegant directing skills.

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Famous Movies:

Cause of Death:

Poitier died at his home in Beverly Hills, California, on January 6, 2022, at the age of 94.  He was suffering from Cardiopulmonary Failure, Alzheimer’s disease, and prostate cancer.

Net Worth of Sidney Poitier:

Sidney Poitier had an estimated net worth of around $20 million at the time of his death in 2022. His net worth reflected the success he achieved throughout his remarkable acting career, which spanned over 60 years, and contributed significantly to his financial standing.

Rewards And Honors:

I am not a Sidney Poitier:

“I Am Not Sidney Poitier” is a novel written by Percival Everett, an American author known for his diverse and thought-provoking literary works. The novel was first published in 2009 and is a satirical and philosophical exploration of race, identity, and cultural stereotypes.

The story revolves around the life of the protagonist, Not Sidney Poitier, who shares a name with the famous actor Sidney Poitier but is not related to him. Not Sidney goes on a journey of self-discovery, grappling with his identity and the expectations placed upon him due to his name. The novel is filled with wit, humor, and clever references to Sidney Poitier’s iconic roles and the complexities of racial identity in America.

Percival Everett’s “I Am Not Sidney Poitier” has been praised for its sharp commentary on race, as well as its engaging narrative and well-crafted characters. It is a unique and thought-provoking work that challenges conventional norms and invites readers to question societal assumptions.

The Measure of a Man Sidney Poitier:

“The Measure of a Man” is a memoir written by Sidney Poitier, the acclaimed actor and filmmaker. Published in 2000, the book delves into Poitier’s life, career, and personal journey, providing insights into his experiences and reflections on various aspects of his life.

In “The Measure of a Man,” Poitier shares his upbringing in the Bahamas, his struggles with poverty and racism, and his rise to become one of the most respected actors in Hollywood. He reflects on the challenges he faced as a black actor during a time of racial tension and segregation in the United States.

The memoir also explores Poitier’s philosophy on life, success, and the importance of integrity. He discusses his commitment to representing positive and realistic portrayals of African-Americans on screen, as well as his advocacy for civil rights and social change.

“The Measure of a Man” offers readers a deep and personal understanding of Sidney Poitier’s life and values. It is regarded as an inspiring and introspective account that provides valuable insights into the experiences and perspectives of one of the industry’s trailblazing figures.

FAQS:

He had a height of approximately 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm). Poitier’s tall stature and commanding presence added to his on-screen charisma and made him a memorable figure in the film industry.

Sidney Poitier has been married twice in his life. Here are the details of his marriages:

After his divorce from his first wife, Juanita Hardy, in 1965, not much information is readily available about her public life. Juanita Hardy largely maintained a private life following her separation from Sidney Poitier. As a result, details about her current whereabouts or activities are not widely known.

Sidney Poitier achieved two significant Oscar wins during his career.

Poitier is buried in Western Cemetery in Nassau, New Providence District, Bahamas.

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