Sidney Poitier - Bio, Age, Chinese Zodiac Sign & Timeline
| Born | February 20, 1927 |
|---|---|
| Died | January 06, 2022 (age 94) |
| Birthplace | Miami, Florida, USA |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Chinese Zodiac | Rabbit |
| Generation | Greatest Generation |
| Known For | First Black actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor; roles in 'Lilies of the Field,' 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner,' 'In the Heat of the Night,' and 'To Sir, with Love.' |
Intro
Sir Sidney Poitier was a Bahamian-American actor, film director, and ambassador who became the first Black actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor. He is a pioneering figure in American cinema, renowned for breaking down racial barriers and for his roles in films that tackled social issues.
Early Life & Background
Sidney Poitier was born in Miami, Florida, while his Bahamian parents were visiting the United States. He grew up on Cat Island in the Bahamas but returned to Miami at age 15 and then moved to New York City at 16, where he began his acting career with the American Negro Theater.
Career Highlights
- Won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1964 for 'Lilies of the Field' [1][2].
- Starred in groundbreaking films addressing race relations, including 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner' (1967), 'In the Heat of the Night' (1967), and 'To Sir, with Love' (1967) [1][2][3].
- First Black man nominated for a Best Actor Oscar in 1958 for 'The Defiant Ones' [1].
- Directed successful films, such as 'Stir Crazy' (1980) [1].
- Served as Bahamian ambassador to Japan from 1997 to 2007 [2].
- Received an Honorary Academy Award in 2002 for his overall contribution to American cinema [1].
Trivia
- Poitier was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1974 [1].
- He is the oldest living and earliest surviving Best Actor Academy Award winner [3].
- In 1995, he received the Kennedy Center Honor [1].
FAQs
People also ask
When was Sidney Poitier born?
Sidney Poitier was born the 20 February 1927.
Where is Sidney Poitier from?
Miami, Florida, USA.
On His Birth-Day
About February 20th, 1927, in brief:
- Historical events: A significant day of births featuring several influential cultural figures: Sidney Poitier, an iconic African-American actor and director who broke racial barriers in Hollywood; Roy Cohn, a controversial lawyer known for his role in the McCarthy Era; Ibrahim Ferrer, a renowned Cuban singer from the Buena Vista Social Club; and Hubert de Givenchy, the legendary French fashion designer.
- Day of the week: February 20th, 1927 was a Sunday
- Zodiac Sign: Pisces (in western zodiac), Rabbit (in Chinese zodiac)
- Moon Phase: Waning gibbous
- Popular movie: California directed by Michele Lupo
Check the link for more news and curiosities on February 20th, 1927.