Actor
Sidney Poitier
Sidney Poitier was born on February 20, 1927 in Miami, Florida. He starred in 'The Blackboard Jungle' at age 28 and starred in 'The Defiant Ones' at 30.
Sidney Poitier was born in 1927 and lived to age 95. Anyone born before 1927 is older than Sidney. Anyone over 95 is older than Sidney ever was.
Born
February 20, 1927
Miami, Florida
World pop: ~2B
Died
January 6, 2022
World pop: ~8B
Sidney's age at death
95
Your age
20
Are you older than Sidney Poitier?
No — Sidney Poitier was born in 1927. You were born in 2006, making you 79 years younger. Sidney lived to age 95. You are currently 20, so you are not yet older than Sidney was when he died.
At your age (20), Sidney had already arrived in New York with to his name (at age 17), but hadn't yet starred in 'The Blackboard Jungle' (at age 28).
Sidney's Life Timeline
Sidney Poitier was born on February 20, 1927, in Miami, Florida, to Bahamian parents. He spent his early years in the Bahamas before moving to the United States as a teenager. Growing up in a racially segregated environment, Poitier faced numerous challenges, but his determination and talent helped him rise above them, paving the way for future generations of actors of color.
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Poitier's career took off in the 1950s when he starred in films such as 'The Defiant Ones' (1958), for which he received his first Academy Award nomination. He became the first Black man to win the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1964 for his role in 'Lilies of the Field.' Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, he starred in several groundbreaking films, including 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner' (1967) and 'To Sir, with Love' (1967), which addressed social issues and racial tensions in America.
In his later years, Poitier continued to influence the film industry as a director and author. He received numerous accolades for his contributions to cinema, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009. Sidney Poitier passed away on January 6, 2022, at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy of breaking barriers and inspiring countless individuals in the arts and beyond.
Arrived in New York with to his name
Sidney Poitier arrived in New York at 17 from the Bahamas with only in his pocket. He worked as a dishwasher while teaching himself to read and training as an actor, eventually becoming the first Black man to win the Academy Award for Best Actor.
Sidney Poitier was 17 years old when he arrived in New York with to his name in 1944. Are you older than Sidney was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Starred in 'The Blackboard Jungle'
Sidney Poitier was 28 years old when he starred in 'The Blackboard Jungle', one of the first mainstream films to address racial tensions in American schools.
Sidney Poitier was 28 years old when he starred in 'The Blackboard Jungle' in 1955. Are you older than Sidney was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Starred in 'The Defiant Ones'
Sidney Poitier was 30 years old when he starred in 'The Defiant Ones,' a film that addressed racial tensions in America. His performance alongside Tony Curtis earned him critical acclaim and his first Academy Award nomination.
Sidney Poitier was 30 years old when he starred in 'The Defiant Ones' in 1957. Are you older than Sidney was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Starred in 'A Raisin in the Sun'
Sidney Poitier was 34 years old when he starred in 'A Raisin in the Sun', reprising his acclaimed Broadway role in the landmark film about an African American family's struggles.
Sidney Poitier was 34 years old when he starred in 'A Raisin in the Sun' in 1961. Are you older than Sidney was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Won the Academy Award for Best Actor
Sidney Poitier was 37 years old when he won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in 'Lilies of the Field.' This historic win made him the first Black man to receive this prestigious award, breaking significant racial barriers in Hollywood.
Sidney Poitier was 37 years old when he won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1964. Are you older than Sidney was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Starred in 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner'
Sidney Poitier was 40 years old when he starred in 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner,' a film that tackled interracial marriage and societal norms. His performance contributed to the film's critical success and cultural impact.
Sidney Poitier was 40 years old when he starred in 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner' in 1967. Are you older than Sidney was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Starred in 'To Sir, with Love'
Sidney Poitier was 40 years old when he starred in 'To Sir, with Love,' which showcased his ability to address social issues through film. The movie became a classic and further solidified his status as a leading actor.
Sidney Poitier was 40 years old when he starred in 'To Sir, with Love' in 1967. Are you older than Sidney was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Starred in 'In the Heat of the Night'
Sidney Poitier was 40 years old when he starred in 'In the Heat of the Night', a groundbreaking crime drama that won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Sidney Poitier was 40 years old when he starred in 'In the Heat of the Night' in 1967. Are you older than Sidney was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Starred in 'They Call Me MISTER Tibbs!'
Sidney Poitier was 43 years old when he starred in 'They Call Me MISTER Tibbs!', reprising his role as Detective Virgil Tibbs from 'In the Heat of the Night'.
Sidney Poitier was 43 years old when he starred in 'They Call Me MISTER Tibbs!' in 1970. Are you older than Sidney was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Directed 'Buck and the Preacher'
Sidney Poitier was 50 years old when he directed 'Buck and the Preacher,' marking his directorial debut. This film was significant as it featured a Black cast and addressed themes of race and community.
Sidney Poitier was 50 years old when he directed 'Buck and the Preacher' in 1977. Are you older than Sidney was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Sidney Poitier was 82 years old when he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This honor recognized his contributions to the arts and his role in advancing civil rights through his work in film.
Sidney Poitier was 82 years old when he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009. Are you older than Sidney was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Published 'The Measure of a Man'
Sidney Poitier was 94 years old when he published 'The Measure of a Man,' a reflective work that shares his life experiences and philosophies. The book serves as an inspiration for many, emphasizing the importance of dignity and resilience.
Sidney Poitier was 94 years old when he published 'The Measure of a Man' in 2021. Are you older than Sidney was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Age by Year
| Year | Age | Notable Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1927 | 0 | |
| 1928 | 1 | |
| 1929 | 2 | |
| 1930 | 3 | |
| 1931 | 4 | |
| 1932 | 5 | |
| 1933 | 6 | |
| 1934 | 7 | |
| 1935 | 8 | |
| 1936 | 9 | |
| 1937 | 10 | |
| 1938 | 11 | |
| 1939 | 12 | |
| 1940 | 13 | |
| 1941 | 14 | |
| 1942 | 15 | |
| 1943 | 16 | |
| 1944 | 17 | arrived in New York with to his name |
| 1945 | 18 | |
| 1946 | 19 | |
| 1947 | 20 | |
| 1948 | 21 | |
| 1949 | 22 | |
| 1950 | 23 | |
| 1951 | 24 | |
| 1952 | 25 | |
| 1953 | 26 | |
| 1954 | 27 | |
| 1955 | 28 | starred in 'The Blackboard Jungle' |
| 1956 | 29 | |
| 1957 | 30 | starred in 'The Defiant Ones' |
| 1958 | 31 | |
| 1959 | 32 | |
| 1960 | 33 | |
| 1961 | 34 | starred in 'A Raisin in the Sun' |
| 1962 | 35 | |
| 1963 | 36 | |
| 1964 | 37 | won the Academy Award for Best Actor |
| 1965 | 38 | |
| 1966 | 39 | |
| 1967 | 40 | starred in 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner' |
| 1968 | 41 | |
| 1969 | 42 | |
| 1970 | 43 | starred in 'They Call Me MISTER Tibbs!' |
| 1971 | 44 | |
| 1972 | 45 | |
| 1973 | 46 | |
| 1974 | 47 | |
| 1975 | 48 | |
| 1976 | 49 | |
| 1977 | 50 | directed 'Buck and the Preacher' |
| 1978 | 51 | |
| 1979 | 52 | |
| 1980 | 53 | |
| 1981 | 54 | |
| 1982 | 55 | |
| 1983 | 56 | |
| 1984 | 57 | |
| 1985 | 58 | |
| 1986 | 59 | |
| 1987 | 60 | |
| 1988 | 61 | |
| 1989 | 62 | |
| 1990 | 63 | |
| 1991 | 64 | |
| 1992 | 65 | |
| 1993 | 66 | |
| 1994 | 67 | |
| 1995 | 68 | |
| 1996 | 69 | |
| 1997 | 70 | |
| 1998 | 71 | |
| 1999 | 72 | |
| 2000 | 73 | |
| 2001 | 74 | |
| 2002 | 75 | |
| 2003 | 76 | |
| 2004 | 77 | |
| 2005 | 78 | |
| 2006 | 79 | |
| 2007 | 80 | |
| 2008 | 81 | |
| 2009 | 82 | received the Presidential Medal of Freedom |
| 2010 | 83 | |
| 2011 | 84 | |
| 2012 | 85 | |
| 2013 | 86 | |
| 2014 | 87 | |
| 2015 | 88 | |
| 2016 | 89 | |
| 2017 | 90 | |
| 2018 | 91 | |
| 2019 | 92 | |
| 2020 | 93 | |
| 2021 | 94 | published 'The Measure of a Man' |
| 2022 | 95 |
