Sidney Poitier: life, career, and cultural impact

Sydney Poitier -- Oscar-winning actor of celebrated films such as Cry, the Beloved Country (1952), Lilies of the Field (1963), and to Sir, With Love (1966) - was born in Florida of Bahamian parents. He studied to be an actor at the American Negro Theater in New York in the 1940's. After his graduation a few years later he began working in the film industry and starred in many celebrated films such as Cry, the Beloved Country and The Blackboard Jungle in 1955. He received an academy award for his role in The Defiant Ones, which was produced in the same year.

Sydney Poitier is renowned for his portrayal of characters that personify depth and sensitivity. His portrayal of these characters was instrumental in combating and counteracting racial stereotypes of black people and in particular black actors in the 1950 and 1960's. His roles in which he was cast also depicted people of high moral caliber and standing.

The choice of his movie characters have contributed greatly to his reputation, not only as an acclaimed actor but also the way in which Sydney Poitier is perceived by the public. He usually portrays individuals that display strength of character and integrity, who prove that one person can make a difference. It is also important to note that Poirier's actual persona outside the film studio is very similar in many respects to these upright characters he portrays on screen.

Some other examples of his roles include In the Heat of the Night and Separate but Equal. The essence of these portrayals was to demonstrate to audiences that it is possible and feasible for one person living life with moral correctness and dignity could make a positive difference in the world. The portrayal of these exemplary qualities in his film roles made him a role model for many people over the last two decades. Poitier was recently acclaimed for his acting ability and received an honorary Academy Award. In 1963 he won as Oscar for his role in Lilies of the Field.

Possibly one of his most enduring contributions to society and to the film world was his championing the black rights and racial equality. His pioneering work and efforts paved the way for other black actors like Will Smith and Denzel Washington who are both well-known names in the film industry today. An indication of his private character outside the studio can be gleaned from his early years when he endured racial prejudice.

... he also has felt the sting of segregation in 1940s Florida and discrimination in his early New York and Hollywood years and the continual bigotry that all blacks in America often endure. Yet, he speaks of these happenings matter-of-factly, without bitterness.( Thomas. B)

After winning the Oscar for best-actor in Lilies of the Field, Sydney Poitiers' career took on a new impetus and he became a box-office success in the United States. Another indication of his integrity was that he refused to play roles that conflicted with his conscience or inner morality. For example, he objected to certain elements in the script of In the Heat of the Night and initially declined the part. However, the producer agreed to make the necessary changes.

One of the reasons that he gives for his strong sense of right and wrong is the example that his father set him.

My father was a poor man, very poor in a British colonial possession where class and race were very important," Poitier said. "But my dad also was a remarkable man, a good person, a principled individual, a man of integrity." I decided in my life that I would do nothing that did not reflect positively on my father's life. That is where I got the 'I will not do this ... I will not do that.' I just said no! (Thomas. B)