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."
In her extraordinary career, Cicely Tyson was one of the rare award-winning actors whose work on the screen was surpassed only by what she was able to accomplish off of it. She had a heart unlike any other—and for 96 years, she left a mark on the world that few will ever match. pic.twitter.com/JRsL3zlKtP
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 29, 2021
While Michelle said: "Just by walking into a room, she had this way of elevating everyone around her."
What struck me every time I spent time with Cicely Tyson was not necessarily her star power—though that was evident enough—it was her humanity. Just by walking into a room, she had this way of elevating everyone around her. pic.twitter.com/o6VAV63wqd
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) January 29, 2021
Singer and actor Mariah Carey also shared a tribute to Cicely, wishing her a "Rest In Power".
Honoring the life of the legendary Ms. Cicely Tyson, a queen who graced the world with her beauty, strength and talent. Grateful for her legacy and for the chance to read her unvarnished truth. Rest In Power❤️ pic.twitter.com/To5i88D7ZF
— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) January 29, 2021
Jada Pinkett Smith called her a "LEGEND".
I have only one word that can describe Ms. #CicelyTyson ... LEGEND❣️Rest in love Cicely. We are going to miss you?✨
?: Alan Silfen pic.twitter.com/0k4cnHTUTt
— Jada Pinkett Smith (@jadapsmith) January 29, 2021
While Kerry Washington said that Cicely Tyson had "A spectacular life".
#CicelyTyson This is your story. Your song. Blessed Assurance. It’s what you gave us. A foretaste of glory!❤️ I love this video of you. A spectacular night. A spectacular life. Thank you for blessing us and for lighting way. I miss you already. So so much https://t.co/F73A9k9dT9
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) January 29, 2021
Here's a scene from 'The Help' where Cicely's character Constantine Jefferson shares some wise words with Emma Stone's Skeeter.