Happy Heavenly Birthday Cicely Tyson: Five facts about the trailblazing icon

Cicely Tyson, born Dec. 19, 1924, in Harlem, New York, became one of the most influential actresses of the 20th century.

Across seven decades, she broke barriers in film, television, and theater, portraying strong African American women with dignity and depth. Tyson earned an Academy Award nomination for Sounder, won multiple awards including Emmy Awards and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Her legacy continues to inspire audiences worldwide, making her story essential to American cultural history.

Here are five facts about the icon.

Cicely Tyson Facts

1. Cicely Tyson Grew Up in Harlem, New York

Tyson grew up in Harlem, NY in religious household, singing in church choirs and attending prayer meetings. Her parents immigrated from Nevis, and her mother initially opposed her acting career. That changed after seeing Tyson perform on stage, a turning point that launched her journey into entertainment.

2. She was discovered by an Ebony Magazine photographer sparking model and acting career

Discovered by an Ebony magazine photographer, Tyson quickly rose in fashion before transitioning to acting. She appeared in films such as Carib Gold (1956) and Odds Against Tomorrow (1959). In 1963, she became the first African American woman to wear an Afro on U.S. television, symbolizing cultural pride and independence.

3. Cicely Tyson Facts: She Broke Barriers in Film and Television

Her breakthrough came with Sounder (1972), earning her Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations. Tyson won two Emmy Awards for The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman (1974) and Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All (1994). She also starred in Roots (1977), King (1978), and How to Get Away with Murder (2015–2020). Each role highlighted resilience and dignity.

4. She’s an Award-winning Actress

Tyson’s career brought her three Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, and a Peabody Award. She received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2015, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016, and an Honorary Academy Award in 2018. At age 88, she won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for The Trip to Bountiful (2013). These honors reflected her unmatched influence in American culture.

5. Cicely Tyson Facts: She Acted into Her 90s until her Passing

Tyson was still very active in acting as she aged well into her 90s. Her last roles was a series regular in the television show Cherish the Day and in Tyler Perry’s A Fall from Grace, both in 2020.

She died Jan. 28, 2021, in New York City at age 96. Her funeral at Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem drew leaders, artists, and admirers. She was laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery beside her former husband, jazz legend Miles Davis.

Conclusion

Cicely Tyson’s career reshaped Hollywood’s narrative and advanced representation for African American women. Her artistry, advocacy, and resilience remain unmatched, ensuring her place as one of America’s most celebrated icons. Tyson’s legacy continues to inspire actors, activists, and audiences worldwide.