Cicely Tyson's Sad Cause Of Death

Cicely Louise Tyson was born on December 19, 1924, in Harlem, New York City, to Caribbean immigrants. Raised in a family that cherished education and culture, Tyson developed an early love for the arts. Her strong sense of identity as an African American woman, paired with her parents’ encouragement, inspired her to pursue a career that would eventually break barriers and redefine what it meant to be a Black woman in the entertainment industry.

Cicely Tyson’s breakthrough came in 1972, with the film 'Sounder', in which she played the role of “Rebecca Morgan”, the wife of a sharecropper in the Depression-era South. Tyson’s portrayal of “Rebecca”, a woman of quiet strength and dignity, captivated audiences and critics alike. The performance earned Tyson an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, making her one of the first Black actresses to receive such an honor. This role was a defining moment in Tyson’s career, setting her apart as an actress who would only take on roles that portrayed Black women in a dignified and empowering light.

Initially drawn to the world of fashion, Tyson began her professional career as a model. It wasn’t long, however, before she discovered her true calling in acting. After attending the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Tyson moved into theater and, eventually, film and television. Her early years in the industry were filled with small roles, often relegated to stereotypical characters that were all too common for Black actresses at the time. Despite the limitations, Tyson refused to accept the roles that reinforced negative portrayals of African Americans, instead focusing on playing characters that would challenge those stereotypes.

From that point on, Tyson’s career would be marked by an unwavering commitment to representing the complexities and resilience of Black women. Throughout her career, she continued to seek roles that uplifted and honored her community, ensuring that the women she portrayed were fully realized and multidimensional. Tyson became known for her refusal to accept roles that were subservient or demeaning, instead favoring parts that showcased strength, love, and pride.

In 1974, Tyson cemented her place in Hollywood history with her performance in 'The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman', an iconic made-for-TV film. In this role, Tyson portrayed the titular character, "Miss Jane Pittman," a former slave who lived through the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the Jim Crow era, offering a first-person perspective on the struggle for freedom and equality. Tyson’s performance was nothing short of groundbreaking. She portrayed Miss Pittman as a woman who survived centuries of oppression, yet remained dignified and hopeful. The performance earned Tyson an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series, and her portrayal of Miss Pittman became one of the most revered performances in television history.

With 'The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman', Tyson demonstrated her ability to infuse even the most complex historical narratives with humanity. Her portrayal of Miss Pittman was deeply moving and resonated with viewers across racial lines, solidifying Tyson’s reputation as one of the most powerful actresses of her time. Throughout the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, Tyson continued to be a force in Hollywood. She took on roles that reflected her personal values and sense of purpose. Her work ranged from portraying historical figures to playing complex fictional characters, always ensuring that the characters she embodied reflected her commitment to positive, empowering representations of Black women.

One of her later iconic performances was in 'The Women of Brewster Place', a television miniseries that depicted the lives of Black women in an urban community. Tyson’s portrayal of "Mattie Michael," a mother who faces immense hardship and struggles to protect her child, was praised for its depth and emotional range. In 2011, Tyson starred in 'The Help', a film that explored the relationships between Black maids and their white employers during the Civil Rights Movement. Tyson played "Constantine," the wise and loving caretaker of the protagonist, whose character helped bring a deeper sense of history and context to the story.

Throughout her career, Tyson also returned to the stage, earning critical acclaim for her performance in the Broadway revival of 'The Trip to Bountiful' (2013), in which she played the role of "Carrie Watts," an elderly woman seeking to return to her childhood home in Texas. Her performance earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play, marking a significant achievement in a career that was already filled with accolades. Even in her later years, Tyson remained a prominent figure in entertainment. In 2020, she starred in 'Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom', a Netflix film adaptation of August Wilson’s play. Tyson played "Mother" in a small but pivotal role, offering an unforgettable performance. The film was released just months before Tyson’s death, making her final public appearance a poignant reminder of her lasting influence and timeless talent.

Throughout her life, Tyson also focused on giving back to the community. Her advocacy for civil rights and the representation of African Americans in the arts was unwavering. Tyson worked closely with organizations that aimed to create opportunities for marginalized groups in Hollywood, making sure that the doors she helped open would remain open for future generations. Her work on screen was deeply intertwined with her activism, and she viewed her career as a way to uplift her people and inspire change in society.

Cicely Tyson passed away on January 28, 2021, just two days after the release of her memoir 'Just as I Am'. The timing was almost poetic, as the world had just been granted a deeper look into her extraordinary life and career. Tyson’s death was met with an outpouring of tributes from across the globe, from fans to political leaders to fellow entertainers. Her passing marked the end of an era in Hollywood, but her impact remains immeasurable. Tyson’s cause of death was not publicly revealed, but her health had been the subject of much concern in the years leading up to her death. Despite her age, she had continued to work and maintain a busy schedule, showing that her spirit and commitment to her craft never waned. Her final appearance in 'Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom' was a testament to her ability to shine, even in her later years, leaving fans and colleagues with one final performance to celebrate her incredible career.