Sidney Poitier

Sir Sidney Poitier, KBE ( born February 20, 1927 in Miami, Florida, USA ) is a Bahamian - American actor and director. He was the first African-American actor who was honored for a starring role with the Oscar.

  • 2.1 Films as Actor
  • 2.2 films as a director
  • 2.3 Awards and honors

Life and work

Poitiers family is originally from the Bahamas, where he also grew up. He was born in Miami (as well as the date of birth February 20, 1924 is referred to in some documents ), as his parents were just there for a visit. He was thus according to place of birth (jus soli ) a U.S. citizen. As a poor farmer's son, he was just a simple education and was sent at the age of 15 years from Miami to his brother. At 18, he went to New York, where he first came into contact with the theater. He played in Harlem in the America Negro Theatre. To enter there, he'd first need to free itself from its wide Bahamas tonguing. From there he managed to jump to Broadway. 1950 brought him the Hollywood producer Darryl F. Zanuck to film. Poitier was the first black American who was a movie star and played lead roles in Hollywood films. After his great success as an actor, especially in the 1960s, he began in the early 1970s in order to be directing.

About the manifestations of racism in the U.S. is the subtext of many films in which he played supporting roles. His sophistication in appearance and demeanor made ​​him a role model and box office magnets and earned him the admiration of many African Americans a, including Oprah Winfrey, who his autobiography The Measure of a Man chose to read tip of her TV book clubs in early 2007. The book is in 2001 in a German translation by Gabriele Haefs under the title My legacy. A sort of autobiography published.

1964 received Poitier for Lilies of the Field ( Lilies of the Field ) won the Oscar for Best Actor. He was the first black actor to receive this award. In 2002 he received an honorary Oscar for his life's work. 2012 presented Poitier Morgan Freeman Golden Globe for his life's work.

Accolade

Although born in the U.S. and therefore U.S. citizens, Poitier also possesses the citizenship of the Bahamas and thus the civil rights of the British Commonwealth because of his background. In 1974 he received the Order of Knight Commander of the British Empire (KBE ) for his acting achievements. Therefore, it Poitier is also permitted, "Sir" to call themselves.

2009 Poitier was honored by President Barack Obama with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Information Technology and Services

Since April 1997, Poitier Ambassador of the Bahamas in Japan, but its activity of Bahamas government was largely restricted to ceremonial duties. He himself resides not in Japan, it is represented. In addition Poitier represents the Bahamas as ambassador to UNESCO. His correct address as ambassador is " His Excellency Sir Sidney Poitier ".

Filmography

Movies as Actor

Films as a director

Awards and honors

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