Sydney Poitier paid tribute to her dad Sidney Poitier following his death at age 94 on January 6.
The “Death Proof” star, 48, took to Instagram to share a picture of herself hugging the late Bahamian-American actor, along with an emotional tribute.
Expressing Her Grief
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“There are no words for this. No real way to prepare for this,” Sydney wrote, adding, “No prose beautiful enough, no speech eloquent enough to capture the essence of my dad. We know his accomplishments are many and that he quite literally changed the landscape for everyone who came after him.”
She continued, “He blazed a trail through rough and hostile terrain so those coming behind him could have a bit more ease on the journey.”
Sydney also mentioned how good her father was, and that his goodness radiated to everyone he met.
He Was ‘GOOD’
“We know how graceful and wise he was. How powerful his strength of character and moral fortitude. But what I really want people to know is how GOOD he was,” she noted.
She added, “I know people know he was good, but I don’t think they know the depth of his goodness. That it permeated every cell of his being. The sort of goodness that prevented him from killing even the tiniest of bugs. NOT A ONE.”
The actress also shared she’s a “wizard at removing a spider with a shot glass and a piece of paper because of him.”
Sydney stated that her dad had a “deep reverence for all life, and a true awareness of our interconnectedness,” explaining that he, “knew on a cellular level that if he hurt anyone or anything, he hurt everyone and everything. He treated anyone who crossed his path as his equal and offered them his full presence. He was GOOD.”
Losing A Legend
The “Carter” star noted that she’s not only grieving because she lost her father but also because “the world lost so much goodness,” as she compared the actor to a lighthouse — “Warm and bright. No matter the storms whipping around him, he stood unwavering shining his light.”
She continued, “We thought we were taking care of him. I see now that the truth is he was still taking care of us,” adding, “He was reminding us, particularly in these uncertain times, of the power of GOODNESS. That even when the body is fading and things seem to be falling apart around us, the goodness remains.”
Sydney also shared that the “pain of losing” her dad felt “unbearable at times,” then she remembers “that even though his physical body is gone now, his goodness lives on.”
Fans Show Some Love
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The share prompted an outpouring of support and remembrances for the actor. Many others shared condolences for Sydney for losing her dad.
“Beautifully said Sydney. Your father radiated ‘goodness’ ❤️” one wrote.
“The legacy your incredible father leaves isn’t just his body of professional work but his other role as ‘Dad.’ We’ve seen firsthand how equally successful he was with you, our awesome Syd,” added another one.
“May his memory be a blessing. We share in your loss,” a third comment read.
