A former President of the United States, Barrack Obama, has described deceased film hero, Sydney Poitier, as one who used his talent to establish the genre as a unifier.
This is as iconic media personality, Oprah Winfrey, also saluted him in glowing words.
“Through his groundbreaking roles and singular talent, Sidney Poitier epitomized dignity and grace, revealing the power of movies to bring us closer together,” Obama tweeted.
Poitier, who was the first black actor to win an Oscars award, died on Thursday night at the age of 94, with his family saying he departed in a memorable circumstance.
They said in a statement, “There are no words to convey the deep sense of loss and sadness we are feeling right now. We are so grateful he was able to spend his last day surrounded by his family and friends.”
On her part, Winfrey said she was the greatest of the greatest.
“For me, the greatest of the “Great Trees” has fallen: Sidney Poitier. My honor to have loved him as a mentor. Friend. Brother. Confidant. Wisdom teacher. The utmost, highest regard and praise for his most magnificent, gracious, eloquent life. I treasured him. I adored him. He had an enormous soul I will forever cherish. Blessings to Joanna and his world of beautiful daughters,” she said in a Facebook post.
