Cicely Tyson dies at 96
Former presidents, celebrities, and Oprah all sent out tributes to Tyson after hearing of her passing
NEW YORK, N.Y. (KLKN)- After acting for over 60 years, Cicely Tyson died at the age of 96 on January 29, 2021.
Tyson’s family announced her death through her manager, Larry Thompson, who has not provided any additional information on her death.
“With heavy heart, the family of Miss Cicely Tyson announces her peaceful transition this afternoon. At this time, please allow the family their privacy,” the statement issued through Thompson said.
Cicely Tyson’s fame took off in the early 1970s when Black women finally started receiving starring roles in Hollywood. She wasn’t the kind of actress who took roles for the money, Tyson liked to be choosier.
“I’m very selective as I’ve been my whole career about what I do. Unfortunately, I’m not the kind of person who works only for money. It has to have some real substance for me to do it,” Tyson told The Associated Press in 2013.
A number of former presidents and Oprah Winfrey sent out tributes to the actress after hearing of her passing.
In her extraordinary career, Cicely Tyson was one of the rare award-winning actors whose work on the screen was surpassed only by what she was able to accomplish off of it. She had a heart unlike any other—and for 96 years, she left a mark on the world that few will ever match. pic.twitter.com/JRsL3zlKtP
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 29, 2021
Hillary and I mourn the passing of Cicely Tyson. She brought complex characters to life with dignity and heart, and humanity and depth, always remaining true to herself. Our thoughts and prayers to all who were inspired and empowered by her performances and extraordinary life.
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) January 29, 2021
Cicely Tyson 🙏🏾🕊 pic.twitter.com/5TO7LL2mlx
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) January 29, 2021
Her memoir, “Just As I Am”, was published this week.
Excited to see my book, #JustAsIAm, on @BookSparks 2021 Winter Reading Challenge – Let’s kickoff the new year with this winter’s hottest books! #WRC2021 https://t.co/7w4oDP6Bvl pic.twitter.com/aDzRtnz0UZ
— Cicely Tyson (@IAmCicelyTyson) January 28, 2021
Some of Tyson’s biggest flicks were “Sounder” (1972) for which she gained an Oscar nomination and an Academy Award nomination, “The Help” (2011), and “King” (1979).
At the age of 88, she won a Tony for best leading actress in “The Trip to Bountiful”. ‘
Tyson will be remembered for being an actress who paved the way for other Black women in the spotlight.
