When you think about groundbreaking actors who shattered barriers in Hollywood, Sidney Poitier’s name always comes up. This Bahamian-American icon built a career filled with unforgettable milestones, starting back in the '50s. He made history as the first Black man ever to win the Best Actor Oscar for his role in the 1963 film Lilies of the Field. On January 7, 2022, the world lost a legend when the Bahamian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed his passing to Fox News. Sidney, who lived a full 94 years, leaves behind a legacy of six daughters who stood by him through thick and thin during his Hollywood journey.
Sidney always credited his parents for shaping the man he became, especially when it came to parenting. Raised in the Bahamas as the youngest of seven kids in a family of tomato farmers, he carried their values with him everywhere. “My dad was a remarkable man, a good person, a principled individual, a man of integrity,” Sidney shared in a heartfelt conversation with Closer in February 2020. “And my mother? She was the most amazing person. Everything I know about life, she taught me.” Those lessons clearly stayed with him throughout his life.
Sidney’s personal life was just as rich and storied as his professional one. He married dancer Juanita Hardy in 1950, and together they welcomed four daughters: Beverly, Pamela, Sherri, and Gina. During those early years, while still working at a barbecue restaurant, Sidney was tirelessly searching for the role that would launch his career. The couple eventually divorced in 1965. Not long after, Sidney found love again with his co-star from The Lost Man, Joanna Shimkus. They tied the knot in 1976 and had two more daughters together, Sydney and Anika.
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Throughout the years, Sidney’s daughters often celebrated their dad on special occasions like birthdays and Father’s Day, sharing heartfelt tributes on social media. In February 2021, Beverly posted a nostalgic photo of Sidney and Sydney enjoying a day at the beach. Anika joined in with a sweet family photo from the previous year, showing Sidney surrounded by his beloved daughters. It’s clear that family time was incredibly important to him.
“We’re so lucky to have him as our dad,” Sydney expressed in a June 2013 interview. “To the world, he’s this iconic, legendary figure. But to us, he’s just an amazing, wonderful dad.”
Let’s meet Sidney’s six remarkable daughters.
Beverly Poitier-Henderson
Beverly Poitier-Henderson is the eldest daughter of Sidney and Juanita. She carved out her own path, starting a jewelry line called Kazuri West, where she creates and sells custom pieces. According to IMDb, Beverly also contributed to the casting department for the 1991 film Separate But Equal. Though she didn’t pursue acting, Beverly found success as an author, self-publishing the 2001 book Nana.
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“Self-publishing this book was incredibly empowering,” Beverly explained in an August 2001 interview with Vidette Online. “Why should I wait for a publishing house to validate my work when I can trust myself enough to put it out there?”
Pamela Poitier
Pamela Poitier decided to follow in her father’s footsteps and launched her own acting career. She appeared in the 1980 comedy Stir Crazy, starring alongside the legendary Richard Pryor. Pamela’s talents didn’t stop there; she also worked as a Broadway understudy before relocating to the Bahamas. She even appeared in the documentary Islands of Life, which focuses on preserving the ecosystems in the Bahamas.
“I live off the grid,” Pamela revealed during a presentation at R.B. Hunt Elementary School in St. Augustine. “I harness solar energy for electricity, collect rainwater from my roof, and use composting toilets. It’s all about sustainability.”
Sherri Poitier
Sherri Poitier, similar to Pamela, landed several film roles early in her life. She starred in the 1977 film A Piece of the Action and later appeared in the 2001 film The Fighting Temptations. Sherri continued to explore her passion for the arts, making her mark in the entertainment industry.
Gina Poitier
Gina Poitier, who tragically passed away on May 27, 2018, owned her own designer boutique after graduating from the State University of New York in Albany. She married Gaetan Gouraige, with whom she had three children. Gina’s legacy lives on through her family and her contributions to fashion.
Sydney Poitier
Sydney Poitier has arguably achieved the most success in acting among her siblings. Her filmography includes roles in Park Day and Clinical. Sydney also starred in the Canadian crime series Carter, which aired from 2018 to 2019. She continues to carry forward the Poitier family tradition of excellence in the arts.
Anika Poitier
Anika Poitier moved to New York City at 18 to pursue her acting dreams. She made her film debut alongside John Travolta in the 2001 thriller Swordfish. Anika’s journey in the entertainment world reflects the same determination and passion that her father embodied.
