Legendary Icon Cicely Tyson Dies at 96: “Her Power and Grace Will Be With Us Forever”

“When Cicely Tyson was born, doctors predicted she wouldn’t make it three months because of a murmur in her heart. What they didn’t know, what they couldn’t know, was that Cicely had a heart unlike any other - the kind that would not only beat for 96 more years but leave a mark on the world that few could 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.

Cicely wasn’t exactly destined for Hollywood. When she was a child, her mother - a hardworking and religious woman who cleaned houses - didn’t even let her go to the movies. But once Cicely got her education, she made a conscious decision not just to say her lines but to speak her truth.

At a time when parts for actors who looked like her weren’t easy to come by, she refused to take on roles that reduced Black women to their gender or their race. Sometimes, that meant she would go years without work. But she took pride in knowing that whenever her face was on camera, she would be playing a character who was a human being - flawed but resilient; perfect not despite but because of their imperfections. Across all of her performances, in legendary productions ranging from Sounder to The Trip to Bountiful to The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, she helped us see the dignity within all who made up our miraculous - and, yes, messy - American family.

Michelle and I were honored when Cicely came to the White House to accept the Medal of Freedom, knowing she was one of the many giants upon whose shoulders we stood - a trailblazer whose legacy couldn’t be measured by her Emmys and Tony and Oscar alone, but by the barriers she broke and the dreams she made possible.

We are sending our thoughts and prayers to every member of Cicely’s family and to all of those who loved her. And while we are saddened that her heart finally came to a rest today, there is comfort in knowing that she will always live on in ours.”

On Jan. 29, LeVar remembered Cicely in an article for Variety. “She was quite simply one the most beautiful and talented women of her generation,” he said in the piece. “She played big both in life and on the stage in spite of her diminutive frame, but make no mistake, she could summon the fierceness of a prowling lioness at will.”

While reminiscing about their time in Roots, LeVar brought up how nervous he was to work with her. “During a lull, I saw what I was certain to be a sure fire way to score some approval points. An interloper, some gnarly bug, had made its way into the hut and in my mind did pose a threat to the one and only Cicely Tyson,” he added. “Her response was as unexpected as any I have ever encountered. She lit into me as if she had given birth to me, ‘Don’t you ever think that because you are bigger than a thing, or more powerful, that you have the right to take its life!’ . . . In true motherly fashion she impressed upon me in that moment, not only the sanctified nature of life but the responsibility of the strong to watch out for and protect the weak, as well.”

He finished off by saying, “While the sense of what we have lost in her passing will only come fully into focus through the passage of time, the impact of her life and legacy will always be that of a Royal, who walked among us and shined her regal radiance upon us.”

“Heartbreaking. I have been in the presence of Ms. Tyson many times, each time she was joyous and gorgeous. I’ve hugged her, knelt before her feet. I sang to her. When I did The Color Purple, she sent a book that told me to be proud of being a Black girl. This is a tough one. She’s the example and I am honored to have met her. May she rest in perfect peace!!?”

“Of all the times and experiences we shared together, this was one of my favorites: 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 honor her and feel her receive it! 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.”

“This one hurts, today we honor and celebrate the life of one of the greatest to ever do it. Thank you Cicely Tyson. Rest in great power.”

“I’m devastated. My heart is just broken. 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 ???.”

“QUEEN somehow just doesn’t capture MS. TYSON. Her legacy has left an indelible mark. She paved a way that created a space for girls like me to feel the light. Thank you GODDESS CICELY. Rest in power.”

“#CicelyTyson was a national treasure who paved the way for so many of us. #RIP Ms. Tyson! It was truly an honor to work with you.”

“Your hugs I’ll remember. 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 . . .”

“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, 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.”

“I was sitting at the table working when I got this overwhelming feeling to watch [The Autobiography of] Miss Jane Pittman. 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.”

“Ms. Cicely Tyson. You leave us with so many gifts and treasures. Thank you for all you shared with us. THANK YOU.”

“Rest in power cicely. 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.”

“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, her work and life will continue to inspire millions for years to come. God Bless. RP via @WeLeadWithLove.”

“Legendary is an understatement 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”

“The last time I was in Ms. Tyson’s presence, I got to thank her. For her light. Her legacy. Her astonishing inspiration. Her impact. She defied the odds. She has helped many of us recognize that our dreams can be realized if only we believe in ourselves. What a beautiful life she lived. Now may she rest. Godspeed ??”

“We have lost a visionary, 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 ?????????”

“WOW…what a life!! ?? 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 ❤️”

“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! #CicelyTyson”