“I will never forget the occasion where I met Mr. Poitier.
When I have an overload of adrenaline it has an adverse affect.
I can’t bend my knees.
“I was searching for the one word to say but couldn’t remember any.
I must’ve been a pitiful sight because he stopped with the biggest smile and congratulated me.
I finally blurted out I love you… both.
He told me he expected great things from me.
There’s something about hearing those words from a pioneer that changes you!
Thank you, Mr.
I’ve been riding high ever since!!”
Don Cheadlesaid in a statement: “Gutted.
Sir Poitier had no peer, and we’ll never see his like again.
He was the standard-bearer for generations of actors/directors who came after him.
The last time I saw Sidney was at a golf course in L.A.
I saw him across the room and walked toward him with my hand out to shake his.
Ignoring my hand, he opened both of his arms wide and embraced me warmly.
He told me to keep it up and keep representing us.
I told him I would do my best and that he was irreplaceable.
He also opened doors for a generation of actors.
Michelle and I send our love to his family and legion of fans.”
See more reactions to Poitier’s death below.
