The world suffered a great loss when Cicely Tyson died [1] on Thursday. The Emmy and Tony-winning actor's manager, Larry Thompson, announced her death in a statement to Variety that read: "I have managed Miss Tyson's career for over 40 years, and each year was a privilege and blessing. Cicely thought of her new memoir as a Christmas tree decorated with all the ornaments of her personal and professional life. Today she placed the last ornament, a Star, on top of the tree." She was 96.
Cicely made her film debut with her role in 1957's Twelve Angry Men, and she starred in numerous American TV shows and movies, including Sounder, The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All, The Help, and How to Get Away with Murder. She also appeared in several Broadway plays, such as The Trip to Bountiful and The Gin Game. In 2018, she made history [2] by becoming the first Black woman to win an honorary Oscar, and two years later, she was honoured with the Peabody Career Achievement Award [3] for her decades-long career.
Throughout her career, Cicely solidified herself as a pioneer [4] for Black actresses by refusing to take on roles that were demeaning to Black women and addressing important social issues like gender and race. "I used my career as my platform in an effort to address these issues, and every now and then when I receive an achievement award I realise that I did make the right choices," she previously told People. "The sacrifices that I made as a result were worth it."
From Yara Shahidi [5] to Zendaya [6] to Shonda Rhimes, see how stars are remembering the icon ahead.
Zendaya
"This one hurts [7], today we honour and celebrate the life of one of the greatest to ever do it. Thank you Cicely Tyson. Rest in great power."
Octavia Spencer
"#CicelyTyson was a national treasure [8] who paved the way for so many of us. #RIP Ms. Tyson! It was truly an honour to work with you."
Laverne Cox
"To have gotten to be in the same room as you multiple times, is truly to have been in the presence of GREATNESS!!. There are no words [9], just all the feelings you've evoked in us all and the indescribable blueprint, legacy you leave for us all. Thank you REST IN POWER! #cicelytyson."
Viola Davis
"I'm devastated. My heart is just broken [10]. I loved you so much!! You were everything to me! You made me feel loved and seen and valued in a world where there is still a cloak of invisibility for us dark chocolate girls. You gave me permission to dream....because it was only in my dreams that I could see the possibilities in myself. I'm not ready for you to be my angel yet. But...I also understand that it's only when the last person who has a memory of you dies, that you'll truly be dead. In that case, you will be immortal. Thank you for shifting my life. Thank you for the long talks. Thank you for loving me. Rest well 💔💔💔."
Zoë Kravitz
"Rest in power cicely [11]. thank you for being such a bright light and inspiration in my life. i know you and grandma roxie are together now havin a big ol laugh."
Common
"I'm so sad to hear the news that trailblazing artist and cultural icon Cicely Tyson has passed away today. While she may be gone [12], her work and life will continue to inspire millions for years to come. God Bless. RP via @WeLeadWithLove."
Storm Reid
"The last time I was in Ms. Tyson's presence, I got to thank her [13]. For her light. Her legacy. Her astonishing inspiration. Her impact. She defied the odds. She has helped many of us recognise that our dreams can be realised if only we believe in ourselves. What a beautiful life she lived. Now may she rest. Godspeed 👑🕊"
Sherri Shepherd
"If only we could be as blessed as the prolific, vivacious and pioneering Cicely Tyson to live to be 96 and have had such a full life, accomplish so many awesome milestones and leave such an incredible body of work. She'll never be forgetten [14]! #CicelyTyson"
Oprah Winfrey
"Of all the times and experiences we shared together, this was one of my favourites: The weekend of the Legends Ball in 2005. The idea for the ball originated because I wanted to celebrate HER, and other remarkable Black women who carved a path and built a bridge for me and generations to follow. What a joy to honour her and feel her receive it! [15] I loved her hat so much, she sent it to me afterwards.
Cicely decided early on that her work as an actor would be more than a job. She used her career to illuminate the humanity of Black people. The roles she played reflected her values; she never compromised. Her life so fully lived is a testimony to Greatness."
Regina King
"QUEEN somehow just doesn't capture MS. TYSON. Her legacy has left an indelible mark [16]. She paved a way that created a space for girls like me to feel the light. Thank you GODDESS CICELY. Rest in power."
Ava DuVernay
"Your hugs I'll remember [17]. How your petite arms wrapped around me like mighty branches of a sunlit tree, strong and warm. Your laugh I'll remember. How it came easily and heartily and sounded like good music. Your work I'll remember. How your brave portrayals transformed the way the world witnessed Black women, whether they could accept what you shared or not. Your words I'll remember. How each time I hung up the phone, I'd write them down so as not forget the precious jewels of encouragement and wisdom you'd gifted me. Your love I'll remember. You loved me for some reason. You told me so often. I thank you for that forever and I'll carry your love with me as I go. Bless you as you journey ahead, Your Majesty. Until we meet again . . ."
Tyler Perry
"I was sitting at the table working when I got this overwhelming feeling to watch [The Autobiography of] Miss Jane Pittman [18]. I hadn't seen the movie in years. I didn't even understand the feeling to turn it on, but I did anyway. Not 12 minutes into the movie my phone rang. It was Oprah calling to tell me that Cicely had died. This one brought me to my knees! She was the grandmother I never had and the wisdom tree that I could always sit under to fill my cup. My heart breaks in one beat, while celebrating her life in the next. To think that she lived for 96 years and I got to be a part of the last 16 brings me great joy. She called me son. Well, today your son grieves your loss and will miss our long talks, your laughter from your belly, and your very presence. Always so regal, always so classy, always a lady, always a queen. Every time we would talk I would ask, 'How are you?' and you would say, 'I'm still here. He must have something he wants me to do.' Well, I think it's safe to say you have done all you were put here to do, and we are all better for it."
Tracee Ellis Ross
"Ms. Cicely Tyson. You leave us with so many gifts and treasures [19]. Thank you for all you shared with us. THANK YOU."
Billy Porter
"Legendary is an understatement [20] when it comes to the essence of who you are! Thank you for your existence, your brilliance & tireless efforts to push the culture forward. There will never be another but rest well knowing we will continue to burn the flame you lit. #RIPCicelyTyson"
Gabrielle Union
"We have lost a visionary [21], a leader, a lover, an author, an ICON, and one of the most talented actresses the world has ever seen. A life, a career, a fire to be celebrated forevermore! #RIPCicelyTyson 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🖤🖤🖤"
Taraji P. Henson
"WOW...what a life [22]!! 🙏🏾 Rest In Peace Cicely Tyson, you paved the way for SO many of us and I can't express my gratitude enough! A true icon, legend, and showstopper — you will be truly missed ❤️"