Sydney Poitier

$1,000

Born February 20, 1927 - Sidney Poitier was the man who broke the colour barrier in Hollywood. An actor, director, and producer, he forever altered the racial perceptions long held by both motion picture audiences and executives, rising to superstar status in an industry forever dominated on both sides of the camera by whites while becoming the first African-American ever to take home an Oscar for Best Actor. His impressive role in 1955's gritty The Blackboard Jungle brought him close to stardom, he also starred in The Defiant Ones, Porgy and Bess , The Lilies of the Field, and with To Sir, With Love, his ascent to superstardom was complete. A very classy choice for any movie.