Sidney Poitier

Sidney Poitier is, without question, one of the greatest actors in the history of American film.

Additionally, Sidney Poitier is the man who broke the color barrier in Hollywood. Like Barack Obama or Jackie Robinson, he was more than just a symbol. He was a man of great talent, skill and accomplishment. His success was not only his, but a reminder of how America had squelched the talents of so many talented citizens. 

Many fans of the “Golden Era” of “classic films” – including myself – have had to come to grips with the racist, segregationist nature of those movies. Judy Garland, Fred Astaire and Cary Grant were great actors and their films remain wildly enjoyable. But look at the films as a whole and you will see the leading roles are all played by white actors. Black actors appear as slaves, domestics, field hands, or drivers. As great as Garland, Astaire and Grant were, it’s important to remember they were given opportunities denied to Lena Horne, the Nicholas Brothers or any black man before Sidney Poitier. The racism of classic Hollywood denied us from appreciating some great talent. Just as the quality of baseball became better when it integrated, so did movies improve after Sidney Poitier helped open the door. A society is stronger when all its citizens can participate.

However, his career should not be seen only as historic and groundbreaking. He was a great actor! Sidney Poitier, in his best roles, was simply magnificent.

Watch “The Defiant Ones,” “Blackboard Jungle,” “Lillies Of The Field,” “In The Heat Of The Night,” “To Sir, With Love,” and “A Patch Of Blue” and you see a great actor at the top of his game. You can even see him in a movie with Dan Aykroyd! Poitier could be as suave as Cary Grant, as intense as Humphrey Bogart, as relatable as Jimmy Stewart. And unlike those other great actors, Sidney Poitier went on to have a fabulous director of money making movies!

Join us for a fascinating multimedia look at the life and career of the great Sidney Poitier!