Sidney Poitier: Why is he Oprah Winfrey's hero?

Question

I am a fan of Oprah. She often repeats that Sidney Poitier is her hero. I never heard her say why he is her hero. What is so special about Sidney Poitier to have 4000 roses and limousine etc...to get him on her show? Serious answer please. The best answer will get 10 points. Thank you.

Answer 1

Sidney came from nothing, poorer than poor. The reason why Oprah loves him so much is the reason why most people do. He was a different kind of black man in a time where it was considered very out of bounds and improper for black people to be articulate, poised, courteous, smart and unafraid. He wore suits and walked with his head held high and no one was going to tell him that "he couldn't because". He never took any disrespect from no one, but when he stood up for himself, he did it in a commanding, respectful way. You have to remember the time it was, segregation was common and blacks had to "know thier place" and he refused to do so. It was brave and the reason why there is an Oprah able to do what she does, is because Sidney kicked those doors down and paved the way. If not for Sidney, Dorothy Dandridge and others like them, we wouldn't have Denzel, Halle, Will, Forrest and the many others we enjoy today.

If you are into reading His book " The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography" is easy to read and it tells all. I think that you would be amazed. Also check out his wikipdedia entry.

Answer 2

I think its because Sidney Poitier is known by many not only for being one of the first recognized african-american actors, but also a writer, director, critic, a humanitarian and diplomat. He was born in America, but grew up in the Bahamas and had very meager beginnings. He was known for portraying african-american characters in plays and American film that pushed the envelope at the time. In 1958, he was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in the film "The Defiant Ones", about two escapee prisoners dealing with racial issues, and his role in the 1963 movie "Lillies of the Field", about an african-american man whose car breaks down and chances upon a small order of white nuns, and the relationship that develops, won him the first Academy Award for Best Actor ever given to a man of color. He also continued to play roles that openly defied racial stereotyping, like his roles in "In the Heat of the Night", "A Patch of Blue", and "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" (1967), where he explored the positive aspects of an interracial romance. Most of those types of films ended very tragically, but he made great strides to break the stereotypes of the day. He also appeared in and won critical acclaim for his role in the play "A Raisin in the Sun" (1959), which was also the first play by a black playwright to ever have been shown on Broadway.

Additionally he released his autobiography this year, "The Measure of a Man", which was a recent pick on Oprah's Book Club. I'm sure she has followed his career and has respect for him as a person and artist, too, but we all know she puts a lot of stock in that book club. Not to say that he is not someone to be admired or respected; on the contrary, at the times of his films and plays he went very much against the grain of what anyone had done, which made him very revolutionary and unique for those times. If you have never seen "Lillies of the Field" or "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner", they are excellent and very entertaining films. I've included some links below that explain more about Sidney Poitier's life and career. Good luck to you and hope this answered your question!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidney_Poitier

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/database/poitier_s.html

Answer 3

It's one thing to be a great actor. But he has struggled to get the respect he has today. He was the first Black African-American to win an Oscar. He also had to endure much hardship in the movie industry as a Black male. Being one of first, he has created a path for many other Black African-American males to follow. Doors are open to them now that Sidney has opened. Sidney had to fight to get the key but he has passed the key to the next generation so that may achieve success with less of a struggle than what he had to endure.

Answer 4

He was the first African American to win an Oscar. He paved the way for African Americans in the entertainment business.

Answer 5

First african american to pioneer and win an oscar

Answer 6

Maybe it's a trick and she just wants to ambush him on her show by axing him why he was too good for a black women...?

Answer 7

BECAUSE THEY CALL HIM MR. TIBBS.