Here's How Oprah & Stedman Honored Cicely Tyson as the Mogul Celebrated Her 67th Birthday
Media mogul Oprah Winfrey celebrated her 67th birthday by watching the late Cicely Tyson’s film, “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman,” together with her longtime partner, Stedman Graham.
Oprah Winfrey is known for her selflessness and humility. As she turned 67, the famous media tycoon turned the celebration into a tribute for the late legendary actress, Cicely Tyson.
Winfrey’s close friend Gayle King, herself a renowned television personality, revealed that Winfrey and her partner Stedman Graham were to watch “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman” on her birthday.
Cicely Tyson attends the 2013 Princess Grace Awards Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street on October 30, 2013 in New York City. | Photo: Getty Images
USING HER CAREER FOR GOOD
Winfrey has been vocal about her adoration of Tyson, who passed away on Janurary 28 at the age of 96. The Oprah Winfrey Network CEO shared a touching message on social media. She wrote:
“She used her career to illuminate the humanity of Black people.”
Winfrey, herself credited for breaking barriers in the entertainment industry, said that the acting legend viewed her work as more than a job. She used her career as a platform to advocate for greater equality.
Tyson, whose acting career spanned six decades, left an indelible legacy in Hollywood.
Cicely Tyson holds the two Emmy Awards she won for her performance in "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman" on May 28, 1974 in Los Angeles, California. | Photo: Getty Images
AN AWARD-WINNING ACTRESS
She may be dubbed “Queen of All Media,” but Winfrey is all for respecting and honoring influential women before her. She honored Tyson by rewatching “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman.”
The 1974 TV film earned Tyson an Emmy nomination for Best Lead Actress in a Drama and Actress of the Year. The critically-acclaimed movie received seven other nominations, a testament to its exceptional quality.
Winfrey’s TV network also paid tribute to the legendary star by re-airing “Oprah’s Master Class: Cicely Tyson.” The 2014 interview had Tyson sharing her most treasured life lessons.
Many other celebrities paid tribute to Tyson following the news of her passing. Levar Burton, Tyler Perry, and Jackée Harry were among those who expressed their sadness and honored the actress’s memory.
Tyson, whose acting career spanned six decades, left an indelible legacy in Hollywood. Among her groundbreaking achievements was being the first woman of color to be awarded an Honorary Academy Award.
She was a recipient of many other awards, including a Tony Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and three Emmys. Indeed, Tyson had immensely contributed to elevating the status of Black women in Hollywood.