15th September 1980: Sidney Poitier , the American actor and film director. Hollywood's first real black star, his films include 'Something of Value' in 1957, 'Lilies of the Field' in 1963 and 'In the Heat of the Night' in 1967. He directed 'Stir Crazy' in 1980.
Sidney Poitier was a trailblazing actor who broke racial barriers in Hollywood throughout the 1950s and 1960s most famously with his 1964 Oscar win for Best Actor in his role in the film Lilies of the Field, making him the first Black actor to do so.
Poitier died last week (Jan. 7) at the age of 94. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Joanna, and five daughters. Poitier had six daughters; one of whom passed in 2018.
To honor him look check out the list to find out where to stream his iconic films: