The world has lost an icon.
Cicely Tyson died Thursday (January 28) at age 96, reports AP News.
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“With heavy heart, the family of Miss Cicely Tyson announces her peaceful transition this afternoon,” said Tyson’s manager Larry Thompson in a statement. “At this time, please allow the family their privacy.”
Tyson broke barriers throughout her career. She secured the first recurring role for a Black woman in the 1960s drama series, “East Side/West Side,” and has dominated the big screen for decades.
In roles that span from a 110-year-old former slave in the hit 1974 television drama, “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman,” to Constantine Jefferson in “The Help.” Tyson graced the big screen for decades and continued acting well into her 80s and 90s.
The award-winning actress won 2 Emmys for “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman,” and was awarded the 2016 Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
“Cicely’s convictions and grace have helped for us to see the dignity of every single beautiful memory of the American family,” said President Barack Obama during the ceremony.
Tyson also received an honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards in 2018.
“This is a culmination of all those years of haves and have nots,” said Tyson at the time.
Her memoir, “Just As I Am,” just hit shelves 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
“I have managed Miss Tyson’s career for over 40 years, and each year was a privilege and blessing,” said her manager, Larry Thompson in a statement. “Cicely thought of her new memoir as a Christmas tree decorated with all the ornaments of her personal and professional life. Today she placed the last ornament, a Star, on top of the tree.”
Cicely Tyson was an icon and one of the best actresses to ever hit the stage. She will remain with us through her greatest gift and the legendary films she blessed us with.
Our thoughts are with all of her loved ones during this time.
