Childhood and Education Journey of Sidney Poitier in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Sidney Poitier. A timeline of key moments.

Sidney Poitier was a trailblazing Bahamian-American actor, director, activist, and diplomat, renowned as the first African-American to win the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1964. His distinguished career garnered numerous accolades, including two Golden Globe Awards, a BAFTA Award, and a Grammy Award. He was recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the greatest screen legends. Poitier's impact extended beyond entertainment, as he served as a significant figure in the fight for civil rights and equality during the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

February 20, 1927: Sidney Poitier's Birth

On February 20, 1927, Sidney Poitier was born. He later became a Bahamian-American actor, film director, activist, and diplomat.

Others born on this day/year

1942: Moved to Miami

In 1942, at the age of fifteen, Sidney Poitier was sent to Miami to live with his brother's family.

November 1943: Enlistment in the Army

In November 1943, Sidney Poitier enlisted in the Army during World War II, falsely stating his age.

December 1944: Discharge from the Army

In December 1944, Sidney Poitier received a discharge from the Army under Section VIII of Army regulation 615–360 after feigning mental illness and confessing it to a psychiatrist.

1947: Founding Member of the Committee for the Negro in the Arts

In 1947, Sidney Poitier was a founding member of the Committee for the Negro in the Arts (CNA).

1952: Narrator for Negro History Festival

In 1952, Sidney Poitier served as one of the narrators in a pageant written by Alice Childress and Lorraine Hansberry for the Negro History Festival.

1955: Refusal to Sign Loyalty Oath

In 1955, Sidney Poitier refused to sign a loyalty oath in connection with his prospective role in Blackboard Jungle.

1956: Moved to Mount Vernon, NY

In 1956, Sidney Poitier became a resident of Mount Vernon in Westchester County, New York.

1959: Affair with Diahann Carroll

In 1959, Sidney Poitier began a nine-year affair with actress Diahann Carroll.

1963: Leading Role in Lilies of the Field

In 1963, Sidney Poitier played the leading role in the film "Lilies of the Field", a role that would earn him significant recognition and awards.

June 12, 1967: Interracial marriage legality landmark

On June 12, 1967, six months before the release of Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, interracial marriage was still illegal in 17 states until this date.

1986: Gave Commencement Address at University of Miami

In 1986, Sidney Poitier gave the Commencement Address to the University of Miami graduating class and received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Fine Arts.