It was a privilege to have known him as a mentor. Friend. Brother. Confidant. Wisdom teacher. His most remarkable, gracious, and eloquent existence deserves my highest, best respect. He was a treasure to me. I adored him. “He had an immense soul that I will always cherish.” — OprahWinfrey, via Instagram.

“The grace, class, and kindness that this man showed throughout his life, the example set for me as a Black man, as well as as a human being, will not be forgotten. I just want to say thank you for everything. “But most importantly, thank you for sharing YOU to make our lives better.” — Tyler Perry, actor and director, Facebook.

“Sidney, my inspiration, my guide light, my friend” — Morgan Freeman, actor, on Twitter.

“This is a huge one. Your work has radically changed my life. There are no words to describe it. Your roles were filled with dignity, normalcy and strength. You showed us that Black people matter! It was an honor …” – Actor Viola Davis on Instagram.

“If I could write across the sky, it would be in letters so high that they would soar to a thousand feet. : To Sir… With Love. Sir Sidney Poitier R.I.P. He taught us how to reach the stars. On Twitter, Whoopi Goldberg is an actor and TV personality.

“Sidney Poitier. Your last sunset with us is also the dawn of many generations rising from the flames you have blazed. We will forever remember your name and keep you close to our hearts. Debbie Allen, actress and director on Twitter.

“One of the most important actors of his generation. Everyone has their Poitier era. Growing up in the 1970s, I would have to say that ‘Uptown Saturday Night” was probably the first movie I saw. Rest in peace. “And thank you.” — Musician Questlove on Instagram.

Sidney Poitier is one of the most significant Civil Rights Movement artists. He was an actor who refused to be defined by his ethnicity, and he also rejected roles that perpetuated negative stereotypes. His charm and grace onscreen and off helped to open minds and hearts as the nation challenged discrimination and segregation.” — Marc H. Morial. President and CEO of National Urban League.

He changed the face of Leading Man. He was a great actor and I had the privilege of meeting him.

“Sir #SidneyPoitier your bright light will never fade. You will always open doors and create paths for others with a dream. You demonstrated to the world that vision and grace are possible.” — Lenny Kravitz (on Twitter).

“Sidney Poitier was quite literally the reason I wanted to be an artist. … Very few people make me quake when I’m around them. You can rest easy, GOAT. ” — Keith Powell, TV actor, on Twitter.