LSAClassOf2000

January 7th, 2022 at 11:38 PM ^

I was very bummed when I heard about this earlier. We actually just finished up a rewatch (well, for me it is a rewatch, but my kids have never seen it) of "In The Heat Of The Night" as the back end of our Friday Night Double Feature at the house. 

Such an incredible actor, and he played his roles with an earnestness and intensity that would be incredibly difficult to replicate. 

Joined: 01/07/2011

MGoPoints: 130632

rob f

January 7th, 2022 at 11:53 PM ^

Truly a great actor and person, and one of the earliest actors I became a fan of.

I saw several of his movies back in my teen years while watching late-night TV when babysitting, something I did a lot of back then (as the 2nd oldest of 10 I had plenty of experience [but not much $$$].  Soon I was babysitting for several younger cousins, plus a few of my parents' friends kids who needed a sitter. 

With that being practically the only time I ever had total control over  the TV channels,  I immediately stopped turning the channel knob any time I heard Poitier's distinctive voice (unless a late-night rerun of "MANNIX!" was on).

To Sir With Love: Rest in Peace

Joined: 11/11/2010

MGoPoints: 194671

M-Dog

January 8th, 2022 at 12:41 AM ^

I saw Guess Who's Coming to Dinner as a kid when it first came out . . . . in a drive in movie theatre! 

I remember that vividly.  Nothing retro or throwback about a drive in movie theatre then, that was how we saw most movies as a family because it was cheap. 

Joined: 07/06/2008

MGoPoints: 257507

Blue Vet

January 8th, 2022 at 6:44 AM ^

Rest in peace, Mr. Poitier.

Denzel Washington said—in a current interview in Variety—that one of his unfulfilled ambitions was to work with Poitier. "'God bless him,' Washington says. 'He’s still here. But yeah, I missed that opportunity.'"

A great star paying homage to the great star who laid the groundwork for Black actors.

Joined: 05/08/2012

MGoPoints: 71184

True Blue Grit

January 8th, 2022 at 7:46 AM ^

He was truly one of the most impactful, groundbreaking actors of our time.  Many of his movie roles bridged the racial divide of the era the films were made in.  IMO he was underappreciated as an actor despite his great skills.  RIP Sydney.  

Joined: 01/21/2011

MGoPoints: 32373

notinmyhouse

January 8th, 2022 at 8:57 AM ^

Such a great actor. Didn't realize he was so old, he was always young looking.  But sadly, he doesn't have the impact that Betty White has on this forum room

Joined: 03/30/2021

MGoPoints: 1118

Grampy

January 8th, 2022 at 12:56 PM ^

He was also one of the unsung heroes of the Civil Rights movement, except his battlefield was the racist attitudes in the entertainment business of the 50’s and 60’s.  He refused to be a stock Black character and was determined to change how (predominantly) white audiences saw Black actors.  He took the slings and arrows associated with paving the way with grace and humanity.  Ironically, he became so associated with virtue and dignity that critics started chastising him for not being ‘human’ enough, i.e., no kissing or sex, as if he hadn’t done enough to change opportunities for Black actors.  He was a gentleman to the end, one who saw the world with clear eyes and grace.  Thank you for sharing your gifts when we needed them the most.  RIP, Mr. Tibbs.

Joined: 06/29/2012

MGoPoints: 24110