A source close to the family confirmed the news toNBC.
Poitier also acknowledged that he chose the movie roles he did for a reason.
And I was a part of that mix."
AsOprahnotes, his parents worked as tomato farmers and struggled in extreme poverty.
Poitier became fascinated with it and soon developed a desire to pursue the arts.
When he turned 15, Poitier moved to Miami to live with his brother (via Oprah).
However, he soon fled by bus to New York City with only three dollars to his name.
Poitier then lied about his age so you can join the U.S. Army.
During his service, he worked as a psychotherapist with the 126th Medical Detachment and was discharged in 1944.
After a few odd jobs, Poitier answered an ad for the American Negro Theater (via Oprah).
He also took up a job as a janitor at the American Negro Theater in exchange for acting lessons.
Before long, an opportunity arose.
Belafonte called out sick one evening, and Poitier made his public debut.
He was reportedly nervous and uncertain of his lines, but won over the audience.
His performance earned him critical acclaim, and he went on to star in the show’s screen adaptation.
“Back then, no route had been established for where I was hoping to go … ## Sidney Poitier’s personal life
In 1950, Sidney Poitier married model Juanita Hardy (viaBiographyandPeople).
The couple had four daughters together: Beverly Poitier-Henderson, Pamela Poitier, Sherri Poitier and Gina Poitier.
Four generations posed for the photo, with Poitier front and center, enjoying the festivities.
Unfortunately, his daughter Gina Poitier died a year after the photo was taken (viaNorthside Chapel).
