The Journey of Cicely Tyson: The 1st African American Woman TV Drama Star

Cicely Tyson was not just an award-winning actress but a groundbreaking African American Woman figure in the entertainment industry. Known for her iconic roles in The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, Roots, and The Trip to Bountiful, she became a beacon of hope and inspiration for African American women worldwide. Her career spanned over seven decades, during which she shattered barriers and set an enduring example of excellence, grace, and resilience.

This comprehensive look at Cicely Tyson’s life and legacy will uncover the milestones that defined her journey and explore why she remains a cultural icon today.

Who Was Cicely Tyson?

Cicely Tyson was a trailblazing actress who carefully selected roles that embodied quality, depth, and dignity. With performances in critically acclaimed projects like Sounder, Roots, and The Help, Tyson became known for her ability to convey strength and vulnerability in equal measure.

Over her career, she earned numerous accolades, including:

• Three Emmy Awards,
• A Tony Award,
• The Presidential Medal of Freedom, and
• Membership in the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame in 1977.

Her refusal to accept roles that demeaned African Americans or perpetuated stereotypes marked her as a pioneer who helped redefine Hollywood’s portrayal of Black characters.

Early Life: From Harlem to Stardom

Humble Beginnings
Born on December 19, 1924, in Harlem, New York, Cicely Tyson was the daughter of Caribbean immigrants from Nevis. Raised in a religious household, Tyson was prohibited from attending plays or movies as a child.

At 18, she walked away from a typing job to pursue modeling. Her beauty and poise quickly caught attention, landing her features in magazines such as Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. Modeling became her gateway to acting, and she began taking acting classes to hone her craft.

A Rocky Start
Tyson’s decision to pursue acting led to a significant fallout with her mother, who disapproved of her career choice and even expelled her from the family home. Despite these challenges, Tyson remained undeterred, forging ahead on a path that would later redefine her life and legacy.

Hollywood Breakthrough: A Star Is Born

First African American TV Drama Star

In 1963, Cicely Tyson made history as the first African American woman to star in a TV drama series, East Side/West Side. Her role as secretary Jane Foster was groundbreaking, as it marked a shift in the representation of African Americans on screen.

Rise to Fame with ‘Sounder’

Tyson’s performance in the 1972 film Sounder earned her an Academy Award nomination. Portraying Rebecca Morgan, a resilient wife and mother in the Jim Crow South, Tyson captivated audiences with her emotional depth and authenticity.

‘The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman’

One of her most celebrated roles came in the 1974 TV movie The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman. Tyson played the titular character, a woman reflecting on her life from slavery to the civil rights era. This performance earned her two Emmy Awards and remains one of the most iconic in television history.

Key Roles That Defined Her Career

‘Roots’ (1977)

Tyson portrayed Binta, the mother of Kunta Kinte, in Alex Haley’s groundbreaking miniseries Roots. Her role highlighted the strength and resilience of enslaved women, leaving an unforgettable impression on audiences worldwide.

‘The Help’ (2011)

In her later years, Tyson appeared in The Help as Constantine Bates, a wise and compassionate housemaid. The role brought her into the spotlight for a new generation of viewers, earning widespread acclaim.

Broadway Comeback: ‘The Trip to Bountiful’

After a 30-year hiatus, Tyson returned to Broadway in 2013 with a leading role in Horton Foote’s The Trip to Bountiful. Her powerful performance won her a Tony Award for Best Actress, reaffirming her status as one of the greatest actors of her generation.

Challenges and Triumphs

Cicely Tyson’s career was not without challenges. At times, she struggled to find work due to her refusal to participate in “blaxploitation” films or roles that perpetuated negative stereotypes.

In a 1983 interview, she explained:

“Unless a piece really said something, I had no interest in it. I have got to know that I have served some purpose here.”

This principle guided her choices, making her roles not just performances but statements of purpose.

Personal Life and Community Involvement

Marriages and Family

Tyson married her first husband, Kenneth Franklin, in 1942. The marriage lasted only a few years, and she later referred to their daughter publicly as “Joan.” In the 1980s, she married legendary jazz musician Miles Davis, though the union ended in divorce.

Commitment to Education and Community

Tyson co-founded the Dance Theater of Harlem after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. She was also deeply involved with the Cicely Tyson School of Performing and Fine Arts in East Orange, New Jersey. Tyson not only allowed the school to bear her name but actively participated in its activities, even teaching master classes.

Notable Honors and Recognition

Cicely Tyson’s illustrious career earned her countless awards and honors, including:

• Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame Induction (1977)
• NAACP’s Spingarn Medal (2010)
• Presidential Medal of Freedom (2016), presented by President Barack Obama.
• Kennedy Center Honors (2015)

Her work was celebrated not only for its artistic merit but also for its cultural and social significance.

A Life Well Lived: Tyson’s Legacy

On January 28, 2021, Cicely Tyson passed away at the age of 96. Her manager, Larry Thompson, described her newly released memoir as:

“A Christmas tree decorated with all the ornaments of her personal and professional life. Today, she placed the last ornament, a star, on top of the tree.”

Tyson’s contributions to film, television, and theater transcended entertainment. She was a symbol of strength and integrity, paving the way for countless African American actors and inspiring generations.

Conclusion

Cicely Tyson’s journey from a modest upbringing in Harlem to becoming a Hollywood legend is a story of resilience, talent, and unwavering principles. Her legacy lives on through her groundbreaking roles, her advocacy for equality, and her commitment to elevating African American culture in the arts.

By breaking barriers and setting new standards for excellence, Cicely Tyson ensured her place not only in Hollywood history but also in the hearts of millions worldwide.

References

• Biography of Cicely Tyson from authoritative sources.
• Historical records on The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman.
• Interviews and articles featuring Tyson’s personal quotes.
• Awards data from Emmy, Tony, and Presidential archives.