Sidney Poitier had a long and distinguished career as an American-born actor, film director, diplomat, and author. At the time of his death, Sidney Poitier’s net worth had reached a modest $20 million, and he was one of the last stars who lived through the Golden Age of Hollywood, being considered royalty in Show Business circles. He garnered widespread praise for winning the 1964 Academy Award for Best Actor since he was the first black man to ever accomplish this feat. He was also the first Bahamian national to win that award.

Career Achievements

Poitier began his career in the theater world of New York City, and there he caught the attention of Hollywood gurus and began appearing in films. In 1958, he co-starred with Tony Curtis in a breakthrough film role in The Defiant Ones, earning him his first Academy Award nomination. In 1964, he was again nominated for an Academy Award when Poitier played in Lilies of the Field, and this time he won the award.

Career Honors

Throughout his career, he appeared in numerous film roles and eventually moved into directing with films like Stir Crazy. He has won numerous awards during his long career, including Screen Actors Guild Awards, The Presidential Medal of Freedom, The Kennedy Center Honor, and BAFTA awards. In 1970, he was also knighted by the Queen of England, thus becoming Sir Sidney Poitier. He is well-respected outside the entertainment world, being known as a Bahamian ambassador to Japan.