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The Top Story
Hollywood is collectively mourning the death of renowned actress and screen icon, Cicely Tyson.
The actress’ longtime manager, Larry Thompson, confirmed the news of her passing on Thursday evening with an emotional statement, recognizing how the 96-year-old actress created meaningful work up until her final days. Her memoir, Just as I Am, was released only two days ago.

“I have managed Miss Tyson’s career for over 40 years, and each year was a privilege and blessing,” he said in a statement, per Variety. “Cicely thought of her new memoir as a Christmas tree decorated with all the ornaments of her personal and professional life. Today she placed the last ornament, a Star, on top of the tree.”
Needless to say, the online tributes poured in. Here is a sampling.
This one hurts, today we honor and celebrate the life of one of the greatest to ever do it. Thank you Cicely Tyson. Rest in great power. pic.twitter.com/vwchWT5512
— Zendaya (@Zendaya) January 29, 2021
QUEEN somehow just doesn't capture MS. TYSON. Her legacy has left an indelible mark. She paved a way that created a space for girls like me to feel the light. Thank you GODDESS CICELY. Rest in power. pic.twitter.com/VCBCwPpc05
— Regina King (@ReginaKing) January 29, 2021
I was sitting at the table working when I got this overwhelming feeling to watch Miss Jane Pittman. I hadn’t seen the movie in years. I didn’t even understand the feeling to turn it on, but I did anyway. Not 12 minutes into the movie my phone rang… cont: https://t.co/Cnwrw6chXg pic.twitter.com/KwogNifCV8
— Tyler Perry (@tylerperry) January 29, 2021
.@IAmCicelyTyson's iconic beauty may have gotten her noticed at a young age, but it’s her talent that made her the living legend she is. And she’s finally telling her story. I read her memoir #JustAsIAm and now fully understand why she is such a treasure. What a life! pic.twitter.com/MZrCIbXFNP
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) January 27, 2021
If you watch anything today, please watch this magnificent profile on the icon @IAmCicelyTyson. I smiled, cried and am inspired beyond words. She’s a dream of a woman and an artist. 96 years wise. Her must-read memoir just debuted. It is luminous, like her.pic.twitter.com/FuTNu90bcO
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) January 27, 2021
— Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) January 29, 2021
This one cuts deep. @IAmCicelyTyson was my first screen Mom.. Elegance, warmth, beauty, wisdom, style and abundant grace. She was as regal as they come. An artist of the highest order, I will love her forever… ♥️ RIP pic.twitter.com/69Awj7qI8o
— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) January 29, 2021
Greatness incarnate. I’m so grateful I got to see her perform live… Thank you dear Cicely for shining so bright and full every day for us all. #LegendsNeverDie https://t.co/ZdQoTGo7vL
— Rosario Dawson (@rosariodawson) January 29, 2021
There’s probably no better a way to honor Cicely Tyson, than by learning her story.
— Gabby Sidibe (@GabbySidibe) January 29, 2021
Just as I Am: A Memoir https://t.co/r6jBLqzjei #Amazon
We have lost a visionary, a leader, a lover, an author, an ICON, and one of the most talented actresses the world has ever seen. A life, a career, a fire to celebrated forevermore! #RIPCicelyTyson 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🖤🖤🖤 pic.twitter.com/Oh57mlbGoZ
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) January 29, 2021
In her extraordinary career, Cicely Tyson was one of the rare award-winning actors whose work on the screen was surpassed only by what she was able to accomplish off of it. She had a heart unlike any other—and for 96 years, she left a mark on the world that few will ever match. pic.twitter.com/JRsL3zlKtP
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 29, 2021
What struck me every time I spent time with Cicely Tyson was not necessarily her star power—though that was evident enough—it was her humanity. Just by walking into a room, she had this way of elevating everyone around her. pic.twitter.com/o6VAV63wqd
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) January 29, 2021