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Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson (born December 19, 1933) is an award-winning African-American actress. Her parents came from the island of Nevis, but Cicely was born and raised in Harlem, New York City. She was discovered by a photographer for Ebony magazine, and became a popular fashion model. Her first film was an uncredited role in Carib Gold in 1957, but she went on to do television - the celebrated series East Side/West Side and the soap opera Guiding Light.

In 1967, she appeared in The Comedians, and the following year, had a featured role in The Heart is a Lonely Hunter. In 1972, she was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for Sounder.

In 1974 she won two Emmy Awards for The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman , and became a star. Other acclaimed television roles included Roots, King , in which she played Coretta Scott King, The Marva Collins Story , When No One Would Listen and Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All (for which she won another Emmy). She is going to be in the movie "Because of Winn-Dixie ".

Tyson co-founded the Dance Theatre of Harlem .

Was married to trumpeter Miles Davis (1981-1988)


Last updated: 02-10-2005 23:04:34
Last updated: 05-03-2005 09:00:33