Cicely Tyson

Cecily Louise 'Cicely' Tyson (December 19, 1924 – January 28, 2021) was a renowned American actress with a career that spanned over seven decades. Tyson was acclaimed for her portrayals of complex and strong-willed African-American women. Her vibrant and enduring acting career bestowed her with several awards including three Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, and a Peabody Award. She was also nominated for the prestigious BAFTA Award and Golden Globe Award. She was recognized with the Kennedy Center Honors in 2015, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016, and the Honorary Academy Award in 2018. Tyson was not only bound to the silver screen but also had significant roles on Broadway, making her last appearance in the revival of The Gin Game (2016) opposite James Earl Jones. Tyson was born in the Bronx, New York City, and was the daughter of immigrants from Nevis in the West Indies. She began her career as a fashion model and was discovered by a photographer for Ebony magazine. Her first acting role was in the 1956 film Carib Gold. Tyson played groundbreaking roles in films such as Sounder (1972), Fried Green Tomatoes (1991), and The Help (2011). Tyson was also known for her roles in television productions and series including Roots (1977), The Trip to Bountiful (2013), and How to Get Away With Murder (2015–2020).