Actor Affion Crockett Thanks Sidney Poitier For Paving The Way For Black Stars

In the wake of the legendary actor and film director Sidney Poitier’s death, many celebrities and famous people have reacted to the devastating news and shared their fond memories and views of the late icon. 

One of these celebrities was Affion Crockett, a famous actor, dancer, and comedian. In an exclusive address to TMZ, he shared that he remembered the late Poitier as a “king” and thanked him for his contribution to the success of Black entertainers.

Read more to find out more on what Crockett said about the late film icon and how people are reacting to the news of Poitier’s passing. 

On January 6th, news broke that Sidney Poitier had passed away, which shook the world. According to a statement released by his family, Poitier spent his final days surrounded by his family and friends and was very loved until the end. He was 94 years old when he died. 

Poitier was a legend in Hollywood, and he broke many racial barriers in the industry. His acting in the film “The Defiant Ones” earned an Oscar nomination, a feat that no other black man in a lead category had ever achieved, and five years later, he completed the task by winning the award for his role in “Lilies of the Field.”

During the peak of racial segregation in the US, Poitier was a regular Hollywood TV feature, and he used his popularity to push for the equality of Black people. He acted in movies like “Heat of the Night,” a film about a black policeman confronting racism during a murder investigation, and “A Raisin in the Sun,” a movie about a black man who goes on the run after accidentally killing a white woman.  

He also featured in classics like “Guess who is coming to dinner” and “The Blackboard Jungle” and directed several successful films. A Broadway play about Poitier’s life and career was announced in December 2021.

After news of Poitier’s death broke, many celebrities who admired or respected him and his legacy have posted or shared their tributes to the icon. Crockett was asked about how he feels about the news of Poitier’s death, and he replied that he remembers the late actor as a “king.”

He thanked Poitier for his efforts in kicking open the door and paving the road for Black entertainers in Hollywood and said that he wouldn’t have a platform today if Poitier hadn’t changed the landscape of how Hollywood and the world viewed Black men.

Crockett also emphasized that Poitier was more than just a trailblazer and was also a prolific actor and orator. He shared that he always marveled at how he carried himself and his craft. In concluding, he recited one of Poitier’s famous movie lines from the iconic movie “In the Heat of the Night.”

Journalist and TV host Oprah Winfrey is another of many celebrities who have made a tribute to Poitier and recognized the impact he left on the film industry, America, and the world. She said, “For me the greatest of the ‘Great Trees’ has fallen,” and added that Poitier had an enormous soul that she will forever miss and cherish.

Viola Davis, the first black American to win an Oscar, an Emmy, and a Tony Award, also made an Instagram tribute where she said: “No words can describe how your work radically shifted my life. The dignity, normalcy, excellence, and sheer electricity you brought to your roles showed us that we, as Black folks, mattered… Thank you! Thank you for leaving a legacy. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”

In a tweet made by former US President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, the couple honored Poitier and said he “epitomised dignity and grace.” The statement also read that “He opened doors for a generation of actors. Michelle and I send our love to his family and legion of fans.”

Several other political celebrities and world leaders have also paid tribute to Poitier, including US President Joe Biden and his vice, Kamala Harris. They made an official statement which was shared with the press by the White House.

It read, “Sidney was more than just one of the finest actors in our history. His iconic performances... held a mirror up to America’s racial attitudes in the 1950s and 1960s. With unflinching grandeur and poise, his singular warmth, depth, and stature on-screen - Sidney helped open the hearts of millions and changed the way America saw itself….”