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Monday, February 20, 2012
AN
APPRECIATION
Sidney Poitier, At 85
Sidney Poitier in Martin Ritt's 1961 film "Paris Blues".
MGM/MPTV
by
Omar P.L. Moore/PopcornReel.com
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Monday,
February 20,
2012
TODAY IS SIDNEY POITIER'S BIRTHDAY. It's worth
saying that Mr. Poitier, an ambassador and shining black knight of greatness, is
a prince of American cinema.
Sidney Poitier is 85 years young. And his legend endures. He's a man
who continues to inspire millions of people around the world.
The word "iconic" only begins to describe him and what he means to American
culture, cinema and entertainment history.
With all of the legendary people who have passed over the last few weeks and
years, particularly those at a young age, including most recently Whitney
Houston, it's always worth celebrating those who are still with us and living.
Mr. Poitier, thankfully, is one of those people. He's a giant. And
it's good that he is standing tall, a pillar of strength, assurance and
confidence.
The actor-activist-director's heartfelt and inspiring second memoir, The
Measure Of A Man, encapsulates Mr. Poitier best. Rising from the
ashes of adversity and poverty in Miami, where he was born, and Cat Island in
the Bahamas, Mr. Poitier came to many stage auditions in New York City without a
penny in his pocket or a place to call home.
He made his way through. And received a push from a few along the way.
And he's here today, and for that I, for one -- and no doubt countless other
millions -- are grateful.
These days the happily-retired Mr. Poitier makes select public appearances, most
recently at last month's Golden Globe Awards. Mr. Poitier has directed
several films, such as "Uptown Saturday Night" and "Stir Crazy", and starred in
countless other memorable ones including the Oscar-winning drama "In The Heat Of
The Night", "For The Love Of Ivy", "To Sir, With Love", "The Organization",
"They Call Me Mister Tibbs!", "The Defiant Ones", "Guess Who's Coming To
Dinner", "Paris Blues", "A Raisin In The Sun", "Shoot To Kill", "Blackboard
Jungle" and "Lilies Of The Field", for which he won the only Best Actor Oscar a
black man had been awarded in the-then nearly 40 year-history of Academy Awards
back in 1964, a most turbulent American year.
I remember that Sidney Poitier's last big screen performance was in "The Jackal"
in 1997. The film, about the infamous Carlos The Jackal, wasn't
particularly memorable, but Mr. Poitier, in the few scenes he had, stood tall,
all six-foot-three of him. He commanded the screen, and still
affectionately commands the hearts of many.
When I think of Sidney Poitier I think of prestige, class, royalty, pride,
respect and a sense of humility. He is so utterly humble and thankful for
each and every day, and for everyone, in every way, who has helped him to where
he is today.
I am moved by Mr. Poitier's courage, grace and life story. If there was
anyone I could play on the big screen, it would be Sidney Poitier. (If I
had a dollar for every time someone said that I looked like him...)
When I think of Sidney Poitier I think of the advice he gave Denzel Washington
early in the latter's big screen career: "I'm not going to tell you what to
do...but I can tell you this: the first two to three or four films you do in
this business will dictate how you're perceived in this business."
When I think of Sidney Poitier I think: this family man is an absolute treasure.
I truly believe that the world is fortunate to have a gentleman of his stature
and grandeur.
When I think of Sidney Poitier I think of this
great, moving speech he gave at the Oscars ten years ago when
receiving an honorary Academy Award.
Happy Birthday, Sidney Poitier.
Zap2It
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