Fans and Celebs Remember Cicely Tyson After the Legendary Actress Passes Away at 96

Tributes are pouring in for Cicely Tyson after news broke that she passed away at the age of 96.

Fans and stars all over the world are mourning the loss of Cicely Tyson, the iconic actress who just passed away on January 28 at the age of 96. She had a long-lasting career in Hollywood that spanned over six decades, which earned her several awards and made her a pioneer for Black actresses.

Tyson first made her way onto the big screen in the 1956 film Carib Gold where she played Dottie, the wife of a sea captain. Her career eventually catapulted, landing her in major productions like The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, Roots and The Help.

Throughout the years, Tyson has made such a huge impact on the lives of others both in and outside of Hollywood. She helped pave the way for other Black women in TV and film, and she’s especially admired in the Black community as many grew up watching her on-screen.

Very sad to hearing of the passing of ICON & LEGENDARY ACTRESS, CICELY TYSON………THANK YOU FOR BLESSING US WITH YOUR GIFT with a Perpetual SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE, AUTHENTICALLY AND UNAPOLOGETICALLY! #oneinabillion #nocookiecutter #CicelyTyson #CicelyTysonrip #ALifeWellLived pic.twitter.com/6WaRT5r4nD

— Sims Perry (@TheScarfArt) January 29, 2021

Celebs who worked and formed friendships with Tyson paid their respects and shared some of their fondest memories of the late actress. Tyler Perry, one of Tyson’s closest friends, posted a moving tribute on social media and shared that he had just turned on The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman when he got news of her passing.

😭 Cicely Tyson pioneered the way for women of color in entertainment. That as women, we are strong and resilient. Her roles were so emotional and inspiring! 🙏❤ Rest In Sweet Paradise Queen! https://t.co/zOXwW3sndO

— Monica H. (@Poems_A_Day) January 29, 2021

Viola Davis, who worked with Tyson in The Help and How to Get Away with Murder, also shared her devastation. “You made me feel loved and seen and valued in a world where there is still a cloak of invisibility for us dark chocolate girls,” she posted. Fans have continued expressing their sadness, but many are happy that Tyson got the chance to live such a long and full life.

Cicely Tyson. Thank you for being a role model, an icon, a queen. Thank you for showing us what a life well-lived was, and what all one could truly accomplish as a BLACK woman. Rest in power and peace to one of the greatest inspirations the world has ever known. Cicely Tyson.❤️ pic.twitter.com/YfQDeuJlSI

— Lexi the Legendary (@AlexisClairese) January 29, 2021

Even at 96, Tyson was still at work, and her memoir Just as I Am was released just a few days before her passing. On that day, her recent intimate interview with Gayle King also aired on CBS This Morning. When asked what she wanted others to remember about her, Tyson simply replied, “I’ve done my best.”

OUR grandmother transitioned yesterday. What an icon, a legend to spend her 96 years being a pioneer for black women, black television, black PEOPLE. Well done and rest in perfect power to #CicelyTyson 🤍🕊

— Jackies baby sis (@kiing_zo) January 29, 2021

There’s no denying that Tyson lived an eventful life, one that will be remembered for years to come. To learn more about Tyson’s legacy, you can purchase her new memoir Just as I Am, out now.