News | Entertainment
4 Jul 2025 13:28
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    Sidney Poitier died from a combination of heart failure, Alzheimer's dementia and prostate cancer

    The iconic actor passed away at his home in Beverly Hills on January 6, at the age of 94, and his cause of death has now been revealed.


    The official death certificate - which has been obtained by TMZ - also confirmed his occupation.

    Sidney was the first black winner of the Best Actor Oscar for his work on 'Lilies of the Field', and his death was announced by Fred Mitchell, the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Bahamas.

    He said at the time: "We've lost a great a Bahamian and I've lost a personal friend."

    However, a cause of death was not revealed at the time.

    Sidney grew up in the Bahamas but was granted US citizenship after being born unexpectedly in Miami while his parents were visiting the US. He relocated to America when he was 15, landing his first movie role in 1955's 'Blackboard Jungle'.

    He was first nominated for an Oscar in 1958 for 'The Defiant Ones' and made history with his win six years later.

    Since his passing, a host of big-name stars have paid tribute to the late actor.

    Will Smith recently hailed Sidney as a "true pioneer".

    The 53-year-old actor took to Instagram to pay a heartfelt tribute to the movie star.

    Alongside some throwback photographs, Will - who is now one of the best-paid actors in Hollywood - wrote: "An icon, legend, visionary, and true pioneer. Thank you Sidney Poitier for breaking down barriers, creating the path and making it possible for there to be a Will Smith!

    "Your legacy is eternal. Rest In Power. (sic)"

    Denzel Washington also praised Sidney for "opening doors" to people of colour.

    He said in a statement: "It was a privilege to call Sidney Poitier my friend. He was a gentle man and opened doors for all of us that had been closed for years. God bless him and his family."

    © 2025 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

     Other Entertainment News
     04 Jul: Noah Schnapp felt "very sad" at the end of Stranger Things
     04 Jul: Henry Golding thinks Charlize Theron is a "rare commodity in Hollywood"
     04 Jul: Cardi B feels proud of her Whipshots success
     04 Jul: Liam Gallagher has no desire to perform on Glastonbury's Pyramid Stage
     04 Jul: Jake Paul wants the "challenge" of fighting Anthony Joshua
     04 Jul: Olivia Rodrigo expressed her "love" for England as she closed the Glastonbury Festival on Sunday
     04 Jul: Scarlett Johansson doesn't think AI can replicate the "soulfulness" of an actor or actress
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    Former All Black Mils Muliaina believes modern players are far more adaptable between positions than back in his day More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    Central Otago's Cardona Hotel is on the market for the first time in more than a decade More...



     Today's News

    Accident and Emergency:
    A pedestrian's died after being hit by a car near the Manawatu town of Feilding 13:27

    Tennis:
    Reigning champ Carlos Alcaraz admits it's been a crazy first few days at Wimbledon 13:07

    Politics:
    Lost in space: MethaneSat failed just as NZ was to take over mission control – here’s what we need to know now 13:07

    International:
    Diogo Jota crash investigators probe whether speed, burst tyre was factor in Liverpool star's death 13:07

    Entertainment:
    Noah Schnapp felt "very sad" at the end of Stranger Things 13:06

    Rugby:
    Former All Black Mils Muliaina believes modern players are far more adaptable between positions than back in his day 12:37

    Health & Safety:
    ADHD meds are in short supply. Here's why, and what can you do about it 12:37

    Entertainment:
    Henry Golding thinks Charlize Theron is a "rare commodity in Hollywood" 12:36

    Entertainment:
    Cardi B feels proud of her Whipshots success 12:06

    Rugby:
    Fourth seed Jack Draper has been ousted by 2017 finalist Marin Cilic in the second round at Wimbledon 11:57


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2025 New Zealand City Ltd