Philadelphia, PA - Oscar-winning actor Sidney Poitier has died. He was 94. The late star, who was born in Jamaica, was the first African-American to win an Academy Award for his performance in Lilies of the Field. Known for his versatility and likability, he starred in several high-profile films, including The Color Purple and The Green Hornet. He was a role model to many, and the only African-American entertainer to win a major film award.
Sidney Poitier Passed Away at 94
A man of great talent, Sidney Poitier was one of the most popular black actors of the last century. He played a lovable but troubled black man in the classic movie "Annie Hall." He had a long and distinguished career in the industry, including starring in the critically acclaimed film "An American in Paris." He was also the first Black person to be nominated for an Academy Award for best actor.
He had an unconventional life, and many of his roles were controversial. He acted in more than a hundred movies. He received multiple awards, including the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. In 1995, he married Bahamian actress Joan Carroll, whom he had met while on a family vacation in the Bahamas. While there, he met and became enamored with Carroll, who was married to a musician named Monte Kay. He later married Joanna Shimkus and they welcomed two daughters.
