There are many tributes to Cicely Tyson, who died at age 96.
The pioneer and award-winning actress is now remembered for her illustrious career that spanned seven decades.
Tyson’s death was announced by his family, through his manager Larry Thompson.
“With a heavy heart, Ms. Cicely Tyson’s family announces their peaceful transition this afternoon. At this point, please allow the family privacy,” according to a statement released by Thompson. No cause of death was provided.
Tyson was the first black woman to star in a leading role in a TV drama East side / West side in the 1960s. She also won two Emmys for her performance in the 1974 civil rights era film Miss Jane Pittman’s autobiography.
His memoir, “Just As I Am”, was published this week.
JC Olivera / Getty / WireImage
Prominent voices from across the entertainment industry and more have paid tribute to the acting legend.
“What impressed me every time I spent time with Cicely Tyson was not necessarily his star power – although that was quite evident – it was his humanity,” tweeted Michelle Obama. “Just entering a room, she had this way of elevating everyone around her.”
What impressed me each time I spent time with Cicely Tyson was not necessarily his stellar power – although it was quite evident – it was his humanity. Just entering a room, she had this way of elevating everyone around her. pic.twitter.com/o6VAV63wqd
– Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) January 29, 2021
She added on Twitter: “She was the embodiment of beauty, grace, wisdom and strength, carrying a flame that not only guided her for 96 innovative years, but lit the way for many of us.
“I will miss her a lot, but I smile knowing how many people she inspired, like me, to walk a little higher, speak a little more freely and live a little more as God intended.”
Mariah Carey echoed Obama’s sentiments, paying tribute to the “legendary” actress.
“Honoring the life of the legendary Mrs. Cicely Tyson, a queen who graced the world with her beauty, strength and talent. Thankful for her legacy and for the chance to read her raw truth. Rest in power,” she tweeted.
Honoring the life of the legendary Mrs. Cicely Tyson, a queen who graced the world with her beauty, strength and talent. Grateful for his legacy and for the chance to read his raw truth. Rest in power❤️ pic.twitter.com/To5i88D7ZF
– Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) January 29, 2021
“Cicely Tyson that you rest in power and dance with the angels,” added actress Rosanna Arquette.
Tyson was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016 by then President Barack Obama, who also praised the late actress.
“In her extraordinary career, Cicely Tyson was one of the rare award-winning actresses whose work on the screen was surpassed only by what she was able to accomplish outside of it,” Obama posted with a photo of the event. “She had a heart unlike any other – and for 96 years, she left a mark on the world that few will match.”
Rihanna also had kind words for Tyson, tweeting, “A true legend !! Rest in power Cicely Tyson.”
“I will always be with you, Lady Cicely,” wrote activist Bernice King. “Thank you very much.”
The daughter of the civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., added: “An elder … now an ancestor. What a recipient.”
Meanwhile, the Martin Luther King Jr. Center said “pioneer” was not a “sufficient description” of the iconic actress.
“The King Center joins the world to remember the life and legacy of #CicelyTyson,” says the tweet. “Pioneer is not a sufficient description. What a legendary, wise and matriarch artist. We salute you. Rest in power, Lady Cicely.”
Euphoria actress Zendaya expressed regret at the loss, tweeting: “This hurts, today we honor and celebrate the life of one of the greatest who ever did. Thank you Cicely Tyson. Rest with great power.”
Nicola Coughlan’s Bridgerton fame wrote: “Last year I had the privilege of visiting the group of How to escape murder In Los Angeles. I was lucky enough to watch Cicely Tyson shoot a scene and she was really fascinating. RIP to a real star. “
Gayle King of CBS shared a recent interview with the late actress and said, “Thanks Cicely Tyson … for everything …”