Sidney Poitier Biography: Height, Ethnicity, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Children, Wife, Films, Obituary

Sidney Poitier was a Bahamian-American actor, film director, and diplomat who broke racial barriers in Hollywood, becoming the first Black actor to win an Academy Award for Best Actor.

His influence extended beyond film. He was also a civil rights advocate and a cultural icon who paved the way for future generations.

Profile

• Full Name: Sidney L. Poitier
• Stage Name: Sidney Poitier
• Born: February 20, 1927
• Died: January 6, 2022 (aged 94)
• Birthplace: Miami, Florida, USA
• Nationality: Bahamian-American
• Occupation: Actor, Film Director, Diplomat, Author
• Height: 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm)
• Parents: Reginald James Poitier (father), Evelyn Poitier (mother)
• Siblings: Cyril Poitier
• Spouse: Joanna Shimkus
• Children: Anika Poitier, Beverly Poitier-Henderson, Sydney Tamiia Poitier, Pamela Poitier, Gina Poitier, Sherri Poitier
• Relationship: Married at the time of his passing
• Net Worth: $20 million

Early Life and Education

Sidney Poitier was born on February 20, 1927, in Miami, Florida, USA, while his Bahamian parents, Reginald James Poitier and Evelyn Poitier, were visiting the country.

He was the youngest of several siblings, including his brother Cyril Poitier. Raised on Cat Island in the Bahamas, he grew up in a modest farming household before his family relocated to Nassau.

With limited formal education in his early years, Poitier moved to Miami at 15 and later to New York City, where he worked various jobs before enlisting in the U.S. Army during World War II.

After his service, he pursued acting and trained at the American Negro Theatre. Poitier was of African Bahamian ethnicity and practiced Christianity. His self-discipline and perseverance led him to become a trailblazer in Hollywood.

Career

Sidney Poitier’s career was groundbreaking, making him one of the most influential actors in Hollywood history. He made his film debut in No Way Out (1950), playing a Black doctor facing racism, setting the tone for his career in socially significant roles. He gained further recognition with films like The Defiant Ones (1958), which earned him his first Academy Award nomination.

In 1963, Poitier made history as the first Black actor to win an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Lilies of the Field. Throughout the 1960s, he starred in iconic films such as Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, To Sir, with Love, and In the Heat of the Night, which addressed racial tensions in America.

Beyond acting, Poitier became a director, with films like Buck and the Preacher (1972) and Stir Crazy (1980). His influence extended beyond entertainment; he served as the Bahamian ambassador to Japan and was a vocal advocate for civil rights. His career paved the way for future generations of Black actors in Hollywood.

Awards and Nominations

Sidney Poitier received numerous accolades, including:

• Academy Award for Best Actor (Lilies of the Field, 1963)
• Honorary Academy Award (2002)
• Golden Globe Award
• BAFTA Award
• Kennedy Center Honors (1995)
• Presidential Medal of Freedom (2009)

Personal Life

Sidney Poitier was married twice in his lifetime. He first married Juanita Hardy in 1950, and they were together for 15 years before divorcing in 1965. He later married actress Joanna Shimkus in 1976, and they remained together until his passing.

Poitier had six children: Anika Poitier, Beverly Poitier-Henderson, Sydney Tamiia Poitier, Pamela Poitier, Gina Poitier, and Sherri Poitier. In the past, he was romantically linked to actress Diahann Carroll. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall.

Filmography

Some of his notable films include:

• The Defiant Ones (1958)
• Lilies of the Field (1963)
• A Patch of Blue (1965)
• To Sir, with Love (1967)
• Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967)
• In the Heat of the Night (1967)
• Uptown Saturday Night (1974)

Net Worth

At the time of his passing, Sidney Poitier’s estimated net Worth was $20 million. His wealth came primarily from his successful acting, director, and author careers.

As one of Hollywood’s most influential figures, he earned substantial income from starring in iconic films like Lilies of the Field, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, and In the Heat of the Night.

In addition to acting, Poitier directed several films, including Stir Crazy, which was a significant box-office success. He also authored multiple books, further adding to his earnings.

Beyond entertainment, he served as the Bahamian ambassador to Japan, demonstrating his influence beyond Hollywood. His legacy continues to inspire generations, both in film and civil rights.