Photo: Bei/Shutterstock
Will Smithis paying tribute to the late, greatSidney Poitier.
On Saturday, the 53-year-old actor shared a set of photographs of himself and Poitier on Instagram as he penned a message remembering the late star, whodiedat age 94.
“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 aWill Smith!” theKing Richardactor wrote alongside hispost.
“Your legacy is eternal,” Smith added. “Rest In Power.”
Clint Watson, press secretary for the Prime Minister of the Bahamas, confirmed Poitier’s death to PEOPLE on Friday. The actor and activist died Thursday evening.
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Alongside Smith, other celebrities paid tribute to the late actor following his death as well. Among them includedHalle Berry,Barack Obama,Denzel Washington,Oprah Winfrey, and hisTo Sir, with Lovecostar,Lulu, to name a few.
RELATED VIDEO: Sidney Poitier, First Black Man to Win Best Actor Oscar and a Titan of Cinema, Dead at 94
On Friday, publicist Mara Buxbaumissued a statement to PEOPLEon behalf of the Poitier family.
“He is our guiding light who lit up our lives with infinite love and wonder. His smile was healing, his hugs the warmest refuge, and his laughter was infectious. We could always turn to him for wisdom and solace and his absence feels like a giant hole in our family and our hearts,” the family continued. “Although he is no longer here with us in this realm, his beautiful soul will continue to guide and inspire us. He will live on in us, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren — in every belly laugh, every curious inquiry, every act of compassion and kindness. His legacy will live on in the world, continuing to inspire not only with his incredible body of work, but even more so with his humanity.”
source: people.com
