Tyson was 96-years-old

The groundbreaking actor passed away on Thursday.

Just days after publishing her memoir 'Just As I Am', actor and black rights activist Cicely Tyson has passed away. The famed star was aged 96. No details surrounding her death have been released.

Cicely received an Oscar nomination for her role in the movie 'Sounder' in 1973, and won a Tony Award in 2013 at the age of 88 for the lead role in 'The Trip To Beautiful'.

Other movies and TV series that viewers will know her from are 'The Help', 'The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman', 'How To Get Away With Murder', and 'Fried Green Tomatoes'.

Beginning her career as a model, Cicely eventually fell into acting. In 1979, she became the first-ever black woman to host 'Saturday Night Live'. Her episode is still one of the most highly-rated episodes the comedy variety show has ever had.

Former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle both shared some kind words about Cicely from their Twitter accounts. Barack wrote: "She had a heart unlike any other—and for 96 years, she left a mark on the world that few will ever match."

While Michelle said: "Just by walking into a room, she had this way of elevating everyone around her."

Singer and actor Mariah Carey also shared a tribute to Cicely, wishing her a "Rest In Power".

Jada Pinkett Smith called her a "LEGEND".

While Kerry Washington said that Cicely Tyson had "A spectacular life".

Here's a scene from 'The Help' where Cicely's character Constantine Jefferson shares some wise words with Emma Stone's Skeeter.