Early Life and Modeling Career
Cicely Tyson was born in 1924 in Harlem, New York to immigrant parents from the Caribbean island of Nevis. As a child, she helped support her family by selling shopping bags on the street.
In high school, Tyson sang in her church choir and played piano and organ. After working briefly as a secretary, she began modeling and appeared in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and more.
Breakthrough Television and Film Roles
Tyson started acting in 1951 but faced limited opportunities for Black women at the time. Her big break came in 1972 with the film Sounder, for which she received an Oscar nomination for her moving performance.
Tyson also made history as the first Black actress with a lead role in a TV drama series in East Side/West Side (1963-64).
Portraying Strong Black Female Characters
Though she was frequently offered stereotypical roles that she refused, Tyson sought out dignified portrayals of Black women.
This included acclaimed performances as Harriet Tubman and Coretta Scott King on television and in films like The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman.
Receiving An Honorary Oscar
In 2018, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presented 95-year-old legend Cicely Tyson with an honorary Oscar trophy.
This made her the first Black actress to receive the honor for career achievements and contributions to film. Luminaries like Tyler Perry and Ava DuVernay paid tribute to Tyson’s trailblazing path for women of color in Hollywood.
Additional Accolades and Impact
Beyond her Oscar, Tyson won three Emmys, a Tony, and many other distinctions including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.
She inspired generations with her elegance and by embracing natural Black beauty standards. The pioneering actress continued working into her 90s before passing away in early 2021. But Cicely Tyson’s enduring legacy lives on.
