Paul Wilson, one of our wonderful librarians, again graciously offered to write a wonderful blog on the recently passed Ms. Cicely Tyson. Cicely Tyson was not only long lived but had a prolific career as an actress who was still actively working up until the day she passed away. Tyson's work spans several decades and we can all aspire to be as active in our twilight years.
Ms. Cicely Tyson, written by Paul Wilson:
On January 28, 2021, the world lost a shining star, Cicely Tyson. The pioneering actress who transcended stage, film, and television passed away at the age of 96. Born in 1924 to Caribbean immigrants, Tyson accomplished a great deal in a seven-decade career. As a multi-faceted performer, she utilized her talent on stage and on screen, both big and small, to break racial barriers and conquer negative stereotypes of black people -- in particular black women.
A lifetime of career success was recognized in 2015 when she was awarded the Kennedy Center lifetime achievement award and again in 2016 when then-President Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.
Just days before her death, Cicely Tyson released her anticipated memoir, Just as I Am. This Black History Month, though she is gone, let's not forget the talent and spirit of one Cicely Tyson -- an actor whose depth of craft captured the hearts and minds of generations of film fans.
Filmography - Available to Request in the Library Catalog
- The Trip to Bountiful
- Alex Cross
- The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman
- Because of Winn-Dixie
- Fried Green Tomatoes
- The Help
- Idlewild
- Relative Stranger
- Roots
- The Rosa Parks Story
- Sounder
- Why Did I Get Married Too?
Add a comment to: Celebrate Black History Month: Ms. Cicely Tyson