Early Years
Cicely Tyson was born on December 18, 1924 in East Harlem, New York. She was raised in the same neighborhood, and was exposed to a range of cultural influences from a young age. She was the daughter of immigrants from Nevis and Jamaica, and her exposure to a variety of cultures helped shape her perspective on life.
Career
Tyson began her career as a model in the 1940s, and she eventually transitioned to acting in the 1950s. She was the first African American woman to star in a major television role in the 1950s, and she starred in a range of popular television shows. She also starred in a range of popular films, including Sounder and The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman.
Accomplishments
Tyson won a variety of awards over the course of her career, including an Emmy, a Tony, and several honorary degrees. She was nominated for an Oscar for her performance in Sounder, and she won a Golden Globe for her performance in Roots. She was also a passionate advocate for civil rights, and she was deeply involved in a range of social justice campaigns throughout her career.
