It's hard to overstate the impact Cicely Tyson had on Hollywood and the world of entertainment. The legendary actress, who passed away in January 2021, left behind a legacy that will resonate for generations. Over the course of her six-decade career, she not only became a beacon of excellence but also paved the way for countless African American women in the entertainment industry. And let's not forget—she amassed quite the fortune along the way.
Before her passing, Cicely Tyson's net worth was estimated at a cool $10 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. But her contributions to show business go far beyond the numbers. Throughout her illustrious career, she earned nearly 100 acting credits, picking up three Emmys, one SAG Award, one Tony, and even an honorary Academy Award along the way. She wasn’t just making movies—she was making history.
How It All Began
Cicely Tyson's journey in Hollywood started way back in the early 1950s. Her first big break came in 1951 when she appeared in the TV series Frontiers of Faith. From there, she quickly transitioned into film, landing a role in the 1959 movie Odds Against Tomorrow. That same year, she also starred in The Last Angry Man, followed by smaller roles in shows like The Doctors and Nurses in 1962. By the mid-60s, she was making waves with appearances in Naked City, Guiding Light, and The Comedians. But it wasn’t until 1968 that she really caught the world's attention with her unforgettable performance as Portia in The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter.
Read also:Behind The Scenes Of The Sound Of Music A Journey Through Filmmaking Challenges And Friendships
A Career Defining Role
In 1972, Cicely landed the role of a lifetime as Rebecca in the movie Sounder. This wasn’t just any movie—it was a powerful story about a sharecropper’s wife who steps up for her family after her husband is imprisoned for stealing food to feed their children. The film earned rave reviews and an Oscar nomination for Cicely, but more importantly, it changed the way African American women were portrayed in Hollywood. Cicely herself once said, “The story in Sounder is a part of our history, a testimony to the strength of humankind. Our whole Black heritage is that of struggle, pride, and dignity. The Black woman has never been shown on the screen this way before.”
A Decade of Success
After the success of Sounder, Cicely went on to star in a slew of TV shows and films throughout the '70s and '80s, including The Blue Bird, Roots, Wilma, Bustin’ Loose, and Playing with Fire. One of her most memorable performances was in 1974’s The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, which earned her her first Emmy. Her work during this time wasn’t just about acting—it was about representation, breaking barriers, and setting the stage for future generations.
