Actress Cicely Tyson passed away

Cicely Tyson passed away at the age of 96. She was nominated for five Emmy's for her role in How To Get Away With Murder. Since 2015, Cicely Tyson has regularly returned to How To Get Away with Murder as Ophelia Harkness. Last year, it was the last time we saw her in this role in the episode called Stay. This is also the final time that the actress was part of a series. Next to that, she also portrayed Miss Luma Lee Langston in Cherish the Day.

In 2019, she was part of one episode of Madam Secretary and in 2016, she portrayed Doris Jones in House of Cards (2013) over the course of three episodes. Next to that, she also played in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, The Proud Family, The Outer Limits, Touched by an Angel, Roots, King, Sweet Justice, The Marva Collins Story and A Lesson Before Dying.


Cicely Tyson in 1976

In total, she was nominated for sixteen Emmy's, five of which were due to her role in How To Get Away With Murder. In her career, she won three Emmy's. Next to that, she won quite a few other awards including an honorary Oscar in 2019. Next to being part of multiple series, she was also part of various movies and theatre productions.

The actress wasn't just great at her job. She was considered a pioneer in Hollywood and many black women considered her to be a role model. Next to that, she served as an activist for racial equality for years. In 2016, she was awarded the highest award for a civilian in the United States for her contributions to art and culture. Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

"When the time comes, what do you want us to remember about you?" — x-on:GayleKing

"I done my best. That’s all." — x-on:IAmCicelyTyson #RIP to the legendary Miss Cicely Tyson. ❤️ https://t.co/wICaRwVBj9 pic.twitter.com/rQUu98WbvH

— CBS This Morning (x-on:CBSThisMorning) January 29, 2021