Why is Cicely Tyson important?

Answer 1

The distinguished actress was the first African American to appear as a regular in a weekly prime-time dramatic series. During the 1963-1964 season, Tyson co-starred with George C. Scott in the CBS drama "East Side/West Side."

At a certain stage of her career, Tyson decided not to accept roles that stereotyped or demeaned African Americans. As a result, she embarked on a noteworthy body of work that earned her numerous plaudits and awards.

She received a 1972 Academy Award nomination as Best Actress for her performance in the Depression-era film "Sounder." The nomination occurred the same year that Diana Ross was recognized for her portrayal as singer Billie Holliday in "Lady Sings the Blues." It was the first time that two African-American women were nominated in the same acting category. The Oscar went to Liza Minnelli for "Cabaret."

Tyson went on to win two 1974 Primetime Emmy Awards for her performance as a 110-year-old former slave in the CBS made-for-television movie "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman." She picked up a third Primetime Emmy for a supporting role in the 1994 television miniseries "Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All."

In June 2013, six months before her 89th birthday, Tyson received a Tony Award for her performance in the Horton Foote drama "The Trip to Bountiful."

On December 6, 2015, Tyson will be among the performers recognized at the annual Kennedy Center Honors. Also named as honorees: filmmaker George Lucas, actress Rita Moreno, singer-songwriter Carole King, orchestral conductor Seiji Ozawa and the rock band The Eagles. An edited version of the event will be televised by CBS on Tuesday, December 29, 2015.

Answer 2

The distinguished actress was the first African American to appear as a regular in a weekly prime-time dramatic series. During the 1963-1964 season, Tyson co-starred with George C. Scott in the CBS drama "East Side/West Side."

At a certain stage of her career, Tyson decided not to accept roles that stereotyped or demeaned African Americans. As a result, she embarked on a noteworthy body of work that earned her numerous plaudits and awards.

She received a 1972 Academy Award nomination as Best Actress for her performance in the Depression-era film "Sounder." The nomination occurred the same year that Diana Ross was recognized for her portrayal as singer Billie Holliday in "Lady Sings the Blues." It was the first time that two African-American women were nominated in the same acting category. The Oscar went to Liza Minnelli for "Cabaret."

Tyson went on to win two 1974 Primetime Emmy Awards for her performance as a 110-year-old former slave in the CBS made-for-television movie "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman." She picked up a third Primetime Emmy for a supporting role in the 1994 television miniseries "Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All."

In June 2013, six months before her 89th birthday, Tyson received a Tony Award for her performance in the Horton Foote drama "The Trip to Bountiful."

On December 6, 2015, Tyson will be among the performers recognized at the annual Kennedy Center Honors. Also named as honorees: filmmaker George Lucas, actress Rita Moreno, singer-songwriter Carole King, orchestral conductor Seiji Ozawa and the rock band The Eagles. An edited version of the event will be televised by CBS on Tuesday, December 29, 2015.