ACTOR SIDNEY POITIER PASSES AWAY

With their masks on and sitting at a distance from each other in the MysticLand library, the Gifted Four were discussing global affairs such as the shortage of trucks in the United Kingdom and the rising cases of Covid-19 in the world.

Scorch, too, shared her piece of news, “Hollywood actor Sidney Poitier passed away at the age of 94 years last week in Miami, Florida. Hollywood is a term used to refer to American movies.”

“That’s a great loss,” remarked Felix.

Scorch nodded, “Poitier enthralled the world with his powerful acting. He also played an important role in society. As a Black actor, he broke many racial barriers in Hollywood. When people are treated unfairly due to the color of their skin, it is racism. It is a form of discrimination.

When Portier was a young aspiring actor, he once turned down the role of Othello (a popular novel written by writer William Shakespeare). He did so because he did not want to be typecast as a Black actor. In the world of entertainment, typecast is when a person is repeatedly cast in the same type of role.”

“Did you know Poitier was the first Black actor to win an Oscar?” Scorch added, “He won Best Actor for his role in the movie Lilies of the Field in 1964.”

“The Oscars are regarded as the most prestigious awards in the world!” Verum said, “They are awarded for artistic and technical achievements in the Hollywood film industry.”

“You’re right, Verum,” Scorch said, “Let me tell you about Poitier’s journey in Hollywood. In 1946, he played a leading role in the play Lysistrata. In 1949, he moved away from plays and started acting in films. He acted in No Way Out (1950), The Blackboard Jungle (1955), The Defiant Ones (1958). With every film, Poitier’s popularity grew. He won several awards too!

In the 1950s and the 1960s, the Civil Rights Movement was growing. It was a social movement where African Americans protested for their rights. Poitier became a symbol of achievement in the movement. He readily accepted the role.”

“Poitier’s journey is awe-inspiring. May he rest in peace,” Orak said.