Viola Davis, Oprah Winfrey, Angela Bassett Pay Tribute To Legendary Cicely Tyson

Award-winning actress and fashion model Cicely Tyson died on Thursday, January 28 at the age of 96. A pioneer in her field, Tyson gained worldwide recognition for her portrayal of strong African-American women.

She was the recipient several accolades including three Primetime Emmy Awards, four Black Reel Awards, one Screen Actors Guild Award, one Tony Award, an honorary Academy Award, and a Peabody Award. Early in her career, Tyson appeared in minor films and television roles gaining widespread attention and critical acclaim for her performance as Rebecca Morgan in Sounder (1972). She was nominated for both the Academy Award and Golden Globe Award for Best Actress for her work in the film. Tyson’s role in the 1974 television film The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman won her two Emmy Awards and a nomination for a BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.

Many celebrities have taken to social media to honor the Legendary actress upon hearing the news of her death. Actress Viola Davis said she was devastated upon hearing the news. Davis cites Cicely Tyson as one of her inspirations when she was younger “I’m devastated. My heart is just broken. I loved you so much!! You were everything to me!” Davis said in a heartbreaking Instagram post.

“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.“

Actress Angela Bassett also said in a long Instagram post that Tyson was her best friend and mentor. “Hello Ms. Tyson, I’m Angela Bassett. It’s an honor to meet and work with you.” Those were the first words I ever spoke to the incomparable Ms. Cicely Tyson. Early in my career, I’d been cast in a movie based on Sherley Anne Williams’ novel, Dessa Rose, alongside Ms. Tyson. It was a big deal for me, not only as an actress but for me as a woman who was about to work alongside someone who I greatly admired, respected and adored. When we got word that Ms. Tyson was on her way, I got up out of my seat in the room where we all awaited her arrival. I walked out of the room and stood quietly as I watched Ms. Tyson walk down the hallway. I could have waited until she entered the room, but this was my idol. This was “the” Ms. Cicely Tyson. I understood the magnitude of what a moment like that, even just to carve out those few seconds to say hello, would mean to me for the rest of my life.

And something beautiful happened during this time. I gained a forever friend and mentor. She made the time and opportunity to work, to bond, to support, to encourage, to teach, to love…me. Although the movie was not completed due to circumstances beyond our control, those precious moments are seared in my memory. On this night, as we pay respect to Ms. Tyson, let us remember all that she contributed to this planet through her talent, perseverance, and strength. During a recent interview as she spoke about her memoir, Just As I Am, which just published two days ago, she was asked by the reporter about death. What struck me were her words: “I’m grateful for every day that God gives me.” Ms. Tyson, we are infinitely grateful for every day that God gave you to us. For all of us little black and brown girls who dared to dream big and bold that we, too, deserved to be seen, heard, and loved, both on the screen and off. Rest in Power, my sweet, beautiful QUEEN.”

Oprah Winfrey is also another best friend to the late Tyson. Winfrey talked about how Tyson inspired her.

“Cicely used her career to illuminate the humanity on black people. The roles she played reflected her values, she never compromised. Her life so fully lived is a testimony to greatness.” Winfrey said.

There is little known about Tyson’s personal life, but according to her wikipedia page, she had a daughter when she was 17 years old. The daughter stayed largely out of spotlight.