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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…
Bibliography
Thomas. B. Sydney Poitier. Prime Times. 1999. Accessed December 7, 2004. http://www.mailtribune.com/primet/archive/1999/91499p1.htm
This play, the first by a black playwright to show on Broadway, was a moving reflection of black family life that had great popular appeal (Sidney pp). Poitier's performance was such a critical success that he was asked to star in the movie adaptation in 1961 (Sidney pp). In 1963, his performance in "Lilies of the Field" won him the Academy Award for Best Actor, the first black man
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