After 96 years, more than half gifting the world with her extensive talents, Cicely Tyson has peacefully transitioned. The tragic news was announced by her manager Larry Thompson on behalf of her family late Thursday afternoon.
He did not provide any additional details concerning her passing.
Tyson was discovered by an Ebony magazine photographer, launching her career as an affluent fashion model. From her first role in NBC’s 1951 series Frontier of Faith to more recent films such as the 2011 award-winning film The Help, she has continuously paved the road for Black women in Hollywood.
During her role in the 1963 series East Side/West Side opposite George C. Scott, Tyson became the first actress of color to become a regular in a television drama.
She earned a diverse collection of awards including; Oscar Awards, Emmys, Screen Actor Guilds, and many more. She also was a part of the selective group of actors, musicians, athletes, and innovators who were awarded the Medal of Freedom in 2016 from the 44th President Barack Obama.
The highly awarded actress and fashion model was a staple figure in the Black community, and she surely will be missed.
Tiara Cooper
