Cicely L. Tyson
December 18, 1924 – January 28, 2021
ICONIC ORGANIC ACTRESS, three Emmy Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a Tony Award, an Honorary Academy Award, and a Peabody Award. and ACTIVIST
Cicely Tyson: A Trailblazing Career and Legacy
Cicely Tyson’s Early Life
Born on December 19, 1933, in Harlem, Cicely Tyson was the daughter of religious and Caribbean parents, Frederica and William Tyson. Her father, a hardworking carpenter and painter, held various jobs to support his family.
A Bold Pursuit of Dreams
Cicely Tyson embarked on her journey with dreams of a modeling and acting career. However, when she revealed her aspirations to her parents, her mother took a bold step by asking her to leave home. Despite this initial challenge, Tyson remained steadfast in her pursuit of her passion and vision.
Emergence in Modeling and Acting
During the two years away from home, Tyson’s determination led to a transformative discovery. She was spotted by a photographer for Ebony magazine, marking the beginning of her successful career as a fashion model. Subsequently, she transitioned into acting, debuting in the NBC series “Frontiers of Faith” in 1951. Her first film role came in “Carib Gold” in 1956, but her true talents found greater expression in television.
Television and Film Success
Tyson’s television career included notable appearances in series like “East Side/West Side” and the soap opera “The Guiding Light.” In 1961, she achieved a significant milestone by joining the original cast of French playwright Jean Genet’s “The Blacks,” which became the longest-running off-Broadway non-musical of the decade, boasting 1,408 performances. She also shared the screen with Sammy Davis Jr. in “A Man Called Adam” (1966) and starred in the film adaptation of Graham Greene’s “The Comedians” (1967). Tyson featured prominently in “The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter” (1968) and played a memorable role in the miniseries “Roots.”
Award-Winning Performances
Cicely Tyson’s remarkable acting career was highlighted by her unforgettable portrayal in “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman.” Her outstanding performance earned her two Emmy Awards in 1974, including the historic win for Lead Actress in a Drama, making her the first Black woman to achieve this accolade. She continued to shine on television, notably in the legendary miniseries “Roots” (1977) and “The Women of Brewster Place” (1989).
In addition to her television success, Tyson made significant contributions to film, with roles in “Fried Green Tomatoes” (1991), “The Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All” (1994), “The Grass Harp” (1995), and “Hoodlum” (1997).
Later Career and Awards
In 1997, Cicely Tyson took on the iconic role of Scrooge in the USA Network production “Ms. Scrooge,” showcasing her versatility as an actress. Two years later, her powerful performance in “A Lesson Before Dying” earned her another Emmy nomination. She continued to captivate audiences in Tyler Perry movies such as “Diary of a Mad Black Woman” (2005), “Madea’s Family Reunion” (2006), and “Why Did I Get Married Too?” (2010). Tyson also delivered a pivotal performance in the Oscar-nominated film “The Help” (2011).
Legacy and Marriage
Cicely Tyson’s legacy transcends her remarkable career. She married legendary jazz trumpeter Miles Davis on November 26, 1981, in a ceremony conducted by Atlanta mayor Andrew Young at actor Bill Cosby’s home. The couple divorced in 1988. Tyson also became a member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority.
A Queen of the Craft and Iconic Role Model
Cicely Tyson was a passionate visionary dedicated to revealing the truth in stories and touching the hearts of millions. Her commitment to her craft remained uncompromised, making her a leader who shattered barriers and built bridges for all to cross. Her love for her race and life was unparalleled. Tyson’s contributions as an iconic lady and role model left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.
As someone who had the privilege of meeting her three times in my life, I can attest to her regal presence and unwavering impact. Cicely Tyson will forever be remembered as a Queen, ruling with pure truth, humility, and power.
Cicely Tyson’s Passing
Cicely Tyson passed away on Thursday, January 28, 2021, at the remarkable age of 96. Her legacy lives on, inspiring generations of artists and storytellers to come.
Her Awards
1962 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Performance FOR MOON ON A RAINBOW SHAWL
1972 National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actress in SOUNDER
1974Primetime Emmy Award for Best Lead Actress in a Drama
1974 Primetime Emmy Award for Actress Of The Year – SpecialThe Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman
1977 AND 1978 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture FOR A HERO AIN’T NOTHIN BUT A SANDWICH
1986 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series THE MITCH SNYDER STORY
Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or a Movie OLDEST CONFERDERATE LIVING WIDOW TELLS ALL
1997NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special
1999NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special
2006 Black Movie Award for Hall of Fame Distinguished Career Achievement Award
2006 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture FOR DIARY OF A MAD BLACK WOMAN
2007 TV Land Anniversary Award FOR HER ROLE IN ROOTS
May 17, 2009, she received an honorary degree from Morehouse College
2010 SPINGARN MEDAL
2011 The BET Honors Award for Theatrical Arts
2011 AWARDS FOR THE HELP
2012 Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture FOR THE HELP
2012 Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Acting Ensemble FOR THE HELP
2013 Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Actress in a Play FOR THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL
2013 Tony Award for Best Lead Actress in a Play FOR TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL
May 21, 2014, she was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Columbia University
2015 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special
2015 Kennedy Center Honors for her contributions to American culture, paving the way for African Americans in the industry.
Cicely Tyson School of Performing and Fine Arts, a magnet school in East Orange, New Jersey, was renamed in her hono