Legendary actress Cicely Tyson, who trailblazed in TV and film for more than seven decades, dies at 96.
The following written content by Andrea Mandell
Royal. Legendary. A queen.
Those are the adjectives often invoked at the mention of Cicely Tyson’s name. The actress and cherished icon, who was first Oscar-nominated for 1972’s “Sounder” and 45 years later was honored with an honorary golden statuette for her body of work, died Thursday at age 96, her manager Larry Thompson confirms to USA TODAY.
“With heavy heart, the family of Miss Cicely Tyson announces her peaceful transition this afternoon. At this time, please allow the family their privacy,” Thompson said in a statement.
Tyson’s death comes the same week her memoir, “Just As I Am,” was released.
“I have managed Miss Tyson’s career for over 40 years, and each year was a privilege and blessing,” Thompson’s statement read. “Cicely thought of her new memoir as a Christmas tree decorated with all the ornaments of her personal and professional life. Today she placed the last ornament, a Star, on top of the tree.”
Through Tyson, Black women were represented roundly and robustly over seven decades on screens big and small. She trailblazed roles portraying the lives of women ranging from fictional slave-turned-activist Jane Pittman and educator Marva Collins to activist Coretta Scott King and abolitionist Harriet Tubman.
Still, it’s difficult to convey just how deeply the actress permeated American culture through the decades. Tyson helped bring “Roots” to life in 1977 as Binta, Kunta Kinte’s mother; she stole the show in 1991’s “Fried Green Tomatoes,” gave weight to 2011’s “The Help” and grounded modern TV series such as “House of Cards” and “How to Get Away With Murder.” Read more from USA Today.
