Remembering Cicely Tyson: A Trailblazer and Icon Passes Away at 96

Cicely Tyson, one of the world’s most adored actresses, passed away on January 28th, 2021. Both her admirers and her coworkers were shocked to learn of her passing at the age of 96. Tyson blazed a trail for upcoming generations of Black performers and actresses.

Tyson, who was born in 1924 in Harlem, New York, started her career as a model before she made her acting debut in the 1950s. She swiftly established herself in Hollywood and on Broadway, receiving praise from critics and winning several accolades along the way.

Tyson was a trailblazing figure in the entertainment sector who disregarded conventions and shattered barriers. She was a social justice fighter who made use of her platform to draw attention to pressing problems affecting the Black community.

Her family announced her peaceful transition this afternoon in a statement that was made public after she passed away: “With heavy heart, the family of Miss Cicely Tyson announces her. Please respect the family’s need for privacy at this time.

Fans, coworkers, and friends responded to the news of Tyson’s passing with a flood of condolences and tributes. On Twitter, Tyson’s co-star on the hit show “How to Get Away with Murder,” Viola Davis, tweeted, “I’m saddened. My heart is simply shattered. I adored you a lot! To me, you were everything. In a world where there is still a veil of invisibility for us dark chocolate girls, you helped me feel loved, seen, and cherished. You authorised me to dream.

Barack Obama, the former president, also paid tribute to Tyson on Twitter, writing: “In her incredible career, Cicely Tyson was one of the rare award-winning actors whose work on the screen was only topped by what she was able to do off of it. Few will ever match the impact she had on the world for 96 years thanks to her one-of-a-kind heart.

It is impossible to overestimate Tyson’s influence on the entertainment sector and the general public. She was a real icon, and future generations will be motivated by her legacy. Although her passing is a great loss, her legacy will endure thanks to the many lives she touched and the art she produced.

Let’s remember Cicely Tyson for the amazing person she was and the ground-breaking legacy she leaves behind while we grieve her passing. Her skill, bravery, and unrelenting dedication to social justice have inspired us all and will continue to do so.