Sidney Poitier, who was regarded as Hollywood’s first black matinee idol, has passed away aged 94. His Academy Award for the 1963 flick Lilies of the Field made him the first black actor to win the coveted award in the best actor category.
The actor rose to prominence during the civil rights movement. He was regarded as one of the highest paid celebrities in Hollywood during that era, and a top box office draw even ranked him fifth among male actors of that time period, such as Richard Burton, Lee Marvin, Paul Newman, and John Wayne.
However, racial discrimination never allowed him to make it to the bracket as a romantic lead. His colleagues from the entertainment industry and even beyond mourned his loss, with current and former presidents of the United States expressing their grief. According to Obama, Poitier epitomised grace and dignity.
