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Sir Sidney Poitier Dies Aged 94

breaking news

Sir Sydney Poitier has passed away aged 94, according to reports.

The Hollywood star, who was the first black man to win the Best Actor Oscar, reportedly passed away on the morning of January 6.

So far, his cause of death has yet to be revealed.

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Hollywood stars shared their condolences to the star’s family. Credit:@WhoopiGoldberg

The sad news was confirmed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fred Mitchell.

He was married twice and had four daughters with his first wife, Juanita Hardy, and two with his second wife Joanna Shimkus, as well as eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

The Oscar-winning actress Whoopi Goldberg tweeted a message, referencing lyrics from the theme song of his 1967 film To Sir, With Love.

She penned: “If you wanted the sky I would write across the sky in letters that would soar a thousand feet high.

“To Sir, with Love, Sir Sidney Poitier R.I.P. He showed us how to reach for the stars. My condolences to his family and to all of us as well.”

Fans of the star also took to Twitter to share their sadness. One wrote: “Some thoughts on Sydney Poitier’s In The Heat of the Night.

“Poitier is a mammoth in cinema. An important study as to how black representation transformed throughout old and new Hollywood. RIP.”

Another added: “Remembering Sidney Poitier. The first black actor to receive an Academy Award for best actor.
“His legacy will live on at my alma mater Arizona State University. Proud of the Sydney Poitier New American Film School, with ASU’s ‘commitment to inclusivity and diversity.'”
“A massive loss,” said a third. “Sydney Poitier is a gentleman and an icon. Do yourself a favour and check out his amazing work. Rest In Peace, Mr Poitier.”
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Written by Aimee Walker

Aimee is a senior content editor at IGV who specialises in finding the best original stories, trending topics and entertainment news. She graduated from Birmingham City University with a degree in Media and Communications.