Fact-first answer: When did Cicely Tyson die?
Cicely Tyson died on January 28, 2021. She was 96. Her death was widely reported by authoritative media and confirmed by family representatives as peaceful, with respiratory failure cited as a contributing factor in some notices. This overview clarifies the date, confirms her age at death, and frames her enduring status as a celebrated performer and cultural icon.
Key facts at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of death | January 28, 2021 | News reports, family statement |
| Age at death | 96 years old | Obituaries, public records |
| Place of death | Los Angeles, California, USA | Published obituaries |
| Cause of death | Respiratory failure; natural causes | Coroner reports, family disclosures |
| Last major role | Recurring role on How to Get Away with Murder (2014–2019) | IMDb, network press |
| Signature film | Sounder (1972), earning an Academy Award nomination | Academy Records, film archives |
Biographical context and career overview
Cicely Tyson built a career distinguished by dignity, excellence, and a rare ability to embody strength without stereotype. Emerging from modeling in the 1940s, she transitioned to theater and then to screen, becoming one of the most respected actresses in American film and television. Her work often centered themes of resilience, racial justice, and womanhood, earning her numerous accolades, including an Honorary Oscar in 2018.
Confirmation and clarity around the date of death
The question “when did Cicely Tyson died” is a status query best answered with a clear, sourced declaration: she died on January 28, 2021. Immediate reports from trusted outlets and an official statement from her family confirmed the date and location. No subsequent revision has emerged, and no conflicting information exists in authoritative records.
Legacy and lasting cultural influence
Tyson’s influence extends well beyond the precise day of her passing. By portraying complex Black women with nuance and power, she opened doors for generations of actors and creators. Her insistence on choosing roles that challenged stereotypes reshaped narratives in Hollywood and television. Long after her death, her performances remain touchstones for discussions on representation, artistry, and social progress.
Comparison with peers and contemporaries
Placing Tyson alongside her contemporaries clarifies her singular standing and timelines.
| Actor | Notable achievement related to representation | Status as of January 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Cicely Tyson | First Black woman to receive an Honorary Oscar; groundbreaking roles defying stereotypes | Deceased (January 28, 2021) |
| Ruby Dee | Pioneering activism and performances in civil rights–themed works | Deceased (2014) |
| Dorothy Dandridge | First Black woman nominated for Best Actress; barrier-breaking visibility | Deceased (1965) |
| Lena Horne | Championed civil rights; elegant, boundary-defying presence in film and music | Deceased (2010) |
Frequently asked questions
- What was Cicely Tyson’s cause of death? She died of respiratory failure, often described in reports as natural causes.
- How old was Cicely Tyson when she died? She was 96 years old at the time of her death.
- Where did Cicely Tyson die? She died in Los Angeles, California, USA.
- Did Cicely Tyson retire before she died? She remained publicly engaged, with her last major roles appearing in the mid-2010s; she continued to make rare public appearances through 2020.
- What is one of Cicely Tyson’s most iconic performances? Her leading role in the 1972 film Sounder, for which she received an Academy Award nomination, remains one of her most celebrated performances.
Conclusion
Cicely Tyson’s life and work continue to inform conversations on representation, excellence, and dignity in performance. She died on January 28, 2021, at age 96, and her influence persists across film, television, and culture. For anyone seeking a reliable answer to “when did Cicely Tyson died,” the verified date is January 28, 2021, supported by widespread reporting and public statements.