In Memoriam: Sidney Poitier's Most Powerful Quotes

"I am the sum total of my experiences."

Poitier’s acting career and personal life were deeply intertwined. Born in the Bahamas, Poitier’s journey to Hollywood was fraught with challenges. This quote reflects his belief that every experience—good and bad—contributed to his identity. Poitier’s commitment to authenticity, both in his acting and his activism, was built on a lifetime of learning and personal growth.

"You are responsible for your life, and what you do with your life is yours to decide."

Poitier often spoke about the importance of self-determination and accountability. This quote underscores the idea that, despite the external forces that may try to limit us, we ultimately have control over our actions and their consequences. It reflects his personal philosophy of taking ownership of one’s destiny, a belief that he demonstrated through his groundbreaking career choices.

"It's not about being a star. It's about the work."

Poitier’s focus was always on the craft, not the fame that came with it. He rejected the idea of being seen as just a Hollywood figurehead and instead prioritized meaningful roles that would break barriers for Black actors. Poitier’s deep commitment to his work resulted in performances that were rich in emotion and social relevance, paving the way for future generations of actors of color.

"I never wanted to be a symbol, I wanted to be a human being."

At a time when African American actors were often relegated to stereotypical roles, Poitier sought to portray complex, multifaceted characters. This quote highlights his refusal to be reduced to a "symbol" or a political tool, even though his very presence in Hollywood was groundbreaking. Poitier demanded respect as an artist and as a man, and he challenged the industry to see Black actors as fully realized human beings.

"You can never go wrong when you try to do right."

Poitier lived his life by this principle, particularly during a turbulent period in American history. His decision to take roles that would challenge racial prejudices—such as his portrayal of a Black doctor in ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’—was motivated by the desire to do what was right, even in the face of resistance. This quote speaks to his unwavering commitment to integrity and justice, both in his personal life and his career.

"I think we’re all brought up in an environment where the idea of success is defined by someone else, and we adopt that."

This reflection on success speaks to Poitier’s belief that many people live according to societal expectations rather than their own values. By speaking out about this, Poitier advocated for self-definition and personal fulfillment, not conforming to external standards. His career was a perfect example of someone charting their own course and defining success on their own terms.

"I wanted to be part of the revolution, but I wanted to do it with dignity."

Poitier's role in the Civil Rights Movement was integral, but he always emphasized the importance of maintaining dignity and self-respect. His decision to not succumb to anger or bitterness in the face of racism made his activism more powerful. In an era of intense racial unrest, he helped redefine what it meant to fight for equality—through grace, elegance, and determination.

"The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem."

This quote embodies Poitier’s optimistic outlook on life and challenges. Rather than seeing obstacles as insurmountable, he believed that our response to adversity determined the outcome. This mentality shaped his entire approach to acting, as he saw every challenge as an opportunity for growth, whether in his personal life or professional career.

"I wanted to be a part of telling a new story, to show that there were many sides to Black life in America."

Poitier was aware of the narrow, stereotypical roles available to Black actors during his early years in Hollywood. He made a conscious choice to take on roles that presented Black people as multifaceted individuals with depth and dignity. This quote speaks to his desire to reshape the narrative around race in America, challenging the media to reflect the complexity of Black life.

"I’m not a politician, but I do believe in the possibility of change."

Poitier was not directly involved in politics, but his impact on social change, particularly in the realm of racial equality, was immense. This quote reflects his belief in progress and his commitment to challenging the status quo. His career served as both an artistic and political statement, with his performances becoming a catalyst for discussions on race and equality.