Legendary Actor Sidney Poitier Dead at 94

Throughout his career, Poitier was an activist for racial and social justice. He turned down roles he said were based on offensive racial stereotypes, instead crafting a long list of compelling roles as he became a major Hollywood star and box office draw.

Born prematurely in Miami during a family trip, Poitier grew up in the Bahamas as a dual U.S.-Bahamanian citizen, later returning to the United States, where he started his acting career in New York. Later in his carer he moved behind the camera to direct several films, including the Richard Pryor-Gene Wilder comedy"Stir Crazy," the Western"Buck and the Preacher," -- in which he also co-starred with Harry Belafonte -- and"Uptown Saturday Night."

In 2009 President Barack Obama award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He was also awarded a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II.Poitier is survived by his wife, Joanna Shimkus and six daughters. Poitier also has eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

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