Will Smith Shares Emotional Tribute To Sidney Poitier: 'Your Legacy Is Eternal'

Will Smith paid an emotional tribute to historic acting legend Sidney Poitier KBE.

Poitier was the first African American and Bahamian to accept an Oscar for Best Actor in 1964. He was born on February 20, 1927, and gave up the ghost on January 6, 2022.

The "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" actor considers the late Hollywood personality a source of inspiration who paved the way for his career to flourish.

On Saturday, January 8, Smith paid tribute to Sidney Poitier's memorable time on earth in an emotional Instagram post.

The "In The Heat of The Night" actor died at 94-years-old and is survived by his loving spouse Joanna Shimkus and five daughters. His 6th daughter Gina Poitier passed away in 2018.

Smith believes that Poitier made his Hollywood presence possible. He gushed about the Academy Award winner for Best Actor in "Lilies of the Field," writing:

"An icon, legend, visionary, and true pioneer. Thank you Sidney Poitier for breaking down barriers, creating the path and making it possible for there to be a Will Smith!"

The Golden Globe winner for the "King Richard" movie concluded that Poitier's legacy is eternal and prayed that he rests in power.

On January 6, the world mourned Poitier after a close source confirmed that he gave up the ghost.

The Blast shared that the late legend was one of the longest surviving cinematic personalities. Information of the actor's passing was confirmed by NBC news.

The cause of the "A Raisin In The Sun" actor's death is yet to be known. He is remembered as a three-time Golden Globe Award winner.

In addition to his Golden Globes, late Poitier also won a Grammy and was nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards.

The "Measure of a Man" author recounted his experience as a struggling Black theatre actor in New York City when "Broadway had almost nothing for a black man."

Despite this, Poitier made sure to turn down roles that portrayed African Americans in a negative light. He was also Japan's Bahamian ambassador from 1997 to 2007.

"The Defiant Ones" actor went on to direct movies such as "Let's Do it Again" in 1975 and 1980's "Stir Crazy," which starred the late Richard Pryor.

Poitier's family keeps his memory alive by remembering him as a man who gifted the world much love and laughter.

The Blast revealed a personal statement from the family of the "They Call Me Mister Mr. Tibbs!" actor who expressed their feelings over his passing.

The statement read that there are no words to convey the deep sense of loss and sadness over Poitier's demise.

The family is grateful that the icon spent his final day with his family and friends. He was called "a brilliant actor, activist, and a man of incredible grace and moral fortitude."

Poitier was praised as a devoted and loving husband who put his family first and lit up their lives with infinite love and wonder.

The family also appreciated everyone touched by his unwavering sense of decency and respect for their outpour of love and support worldwide.