Over the weekend, the World mourned the loss of two greats. First, actor and Civil Rights activist Sidney Poitier passed away at 94 on January 6th. 3 days later, on January 9th, Bob Saget (aka America’s Dad) passed away suddenly in Florida, at the age of 65.
Sidney Poitier: Sidney Poitier was born in Miami on February 20th, 1927, and was raised in the Bahamas. He grew up on his father’s tomato farm. He returned to the US in his teens, starting as a dishwasher. After serving in WWII as part of the medical unit, he used the discharge to pursue a career in acting. Back then, there was a lack of diversity in actors. He attended ANT after working as a janitor without any pay. He studied that craft before appearing on Broadway in 1946 with “Lysistrata.” In 1950, he was the first Black actor to star in a movie. The first of his films being, “No Way Out,” where he played Dr. Luther Jones. However, not every director accepted him, but Poitier decided to use rejection to motivate him to be an actor and prove them wrong. Regardless, his roles became groundbreaking and opened the doors to future Black actors and actresses. In 1963, in an interview with the USIA, Poitier spoke about his activism for Civil Rights. He mentioned that it started several years ago as an essential tool for survival. It also was the year where he played Homer Smith in the movie “Lillies of the Field.” In 1964, he made history as the first Black actor to win an Oscar for Best Leading Actor. In his acceptance speech, he said that it was a long journey for that moment to happen in one of his speeches as a Civil Rights activist, he-man that he is a man, an artist, American, contemporary, and various things. He demands those to show respect to him. In 1967 (before Burt Reynolds), he became Hollywood’s leading man, thanks to films like “To Sir, With Love,” “In the Heat of the Night,” and “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” (which is the first movie, with an interracial couple.) In a 1985 interview, he said his mother’s lesson was to always say thank you and please. Those words, he mentioned, have opened so many floodgates to his career. In 2002, he was awarded an Honorary Oscar, in which he thanked Hollywood for allowing him and to bring change to America. He also dedicated his award to the actors and actresses before him during their challenges. In his speech, he spoke about the benefits of those filmmakers and the industry who believed him. It was also the only year the leading winning actors (Denzel Washington and Hallie Berry) were Black. In his acceptance speech, Washington praised Poitier, who inspired him. In 2009, former US President, Barack Obama, awarded Poitier with the Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. Tributes for him included from TV Personality and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey, who said, “For me, the greatest of the ‘Great Trees’ has fallen: Sidney Poitier. My honor to have loved him as a mentor. Friend. Brother. Confidant. Wisdom teacher.” (ABC World News Tonight with David Muir) Michael B. Jordan, wrote on his Instagram, “This is a devastating hit to our community. A true legend and barrier breaker. Your legacy will live on through all of ‘a and us exceptional thank you for all you have done! There is no us without him.” (Today) Washington, Viola Davis, Harry Belefonte (a fellow Civil Rights activist with Poitier), Obama, and Morgan Freeman, also paid tribute to Poitier. There were also flowers left on his star at the Walk of Fame. In an interview with ABC News, Poitier gave advice to people, which includes asking themselves how much they have improved, tried to improve for themselves, others, and the environment, and owe the past and themselves to a pretty okay place. He also read the last words of his book, that hope becomes a powerful tool for the survival of mankind. He also expresses hope for a bit of luck, a better tomorrow, to escape the World alive. If not, rejoice and remember the lives spent in the World.
Bob Saget: Known as “America’s Dad,” Saget was best known as widow San Francisco father Danny Tanner on both “Full House” and Fuller House.” He also lent his acting talents in “Raising Dad,” “Surviving Suburbia,” and “How I Met Your Mother.” He was also the host of “America’s Funniest Home Videos” from 1989-2001, and the short-lived NBC game show, “1 vs. 100”. He also wrote a book called “Dirty Harry”. In addition, he was the Squiggly Monster on Season 4 of “The Masked Singer USA”, and an advocate against Scleroderma (which is a rare autoimmune disorder, that affects mainly the skin.) He raised $26 million in hopes of finding a cure. While his acting was family-friendly, his stand-up comedy was off the cuff. Saget was in the midst of a comedy tour when he passed away in a hotel room at the Ritz-Carlton in Orlando, Florida. Medical experts say there was no foul play, nor did he die of drugs. However, he was unresponsive in his bed, as first responders could not find a pulse, nor was he breathing. A police incident report, mentioned that Saget’s family was unable to get a hold of him. His final tweet before his passing was being blessed to do a stand-up comedy tour again after the Pandemic forced tours to be canceled for 18 months. Later on Instagram, he said, “I’m back in comedy like I was when I was 26. I guess I’m finding my new voice and loving every moment of it.” (Today) Those who witnessed Saget’s final 2.5 hour comedy routine, said it had high energy, singing, emotional, and joy. 3 years ago, he spoke with NBC News, about his successful career. The key Saget said he was being a workaholic since his childhood years. He also mentioned he has done so is working hard as he can. In his final interview, prior to his death, Saget told Real Radio Monsters that making people laugh is one of the great things, and the reason why he loved comedy. However, in an interview with A Corporate Time with Tom and Dan, that he had COVID-19.He mentioned that he was uncertain, if he had Delta, Omicron, or any other combination. Tributes came in from several of his fellow co-stars, including John Stamos, Dave Coulier, Candace Cameron Bure, and the Olson Twins, just to name a few. Stamos went on saying that as a “Full House” family, they grieved for Saget. However, on the other hand, they were filled with gratitude and memories. Stamos also asked everyone to hug their family and loved ones. Andrea Barber, who played Kimmy on both “Full House” and “Fuller House”, shared a clip from a rehearsal on “Fuller House”. For TV Personality, Jimmy Kimmel, he gave an emotional tribute during his show, saying he was a very sweet man. Saget’s former wife, Kelly Saget, said in a statement, “Bob was my absolute everything. I am so completely shattered and in disbelief.” (Today) One of his closest friends for 10 years, and comedian, Mikey Young, mentioned that Saget’s death was a shock, and heavy loss for everyone. He did speak with Kelly, who called him, and mentioned that Saget took comedy to the extreme. Young added that he was one of those guys that was willing to get the job done. Young described Saget as sweet, because, he cared for everybody, and is a “I love you” guy. Their last text together, was jokingly about a mocked-up poster. He also praised Kimmel for giving a lovely tribute. It would take 12 weeks to determine how Saget died. Medical examiners would also eye in, on his medical history. Ranging from cardiovascular activities, to COVID. In wake of Saget’s untimely death, fans have donated to Scleroderma Research Foundation. An organization that meant to him so much, he actually had a connection with the Seaman Family. 9-year-old, Sophie Anne, was diagnosed with Scleroderma, and when he sent those videos, her parents were invited to his comedy show in October. The foundation was given a $1.5 million matching donation. Fortunately for Sophie-Anne, she is alive, thanks to an early diagnosis.
On behalf of Newstime, our thoughts and condolences go out to the families, friends, and fans of Sidney Poitier and Bob Saget. If both men have taught us anything, it would be to put in the hard work, enjoy ourselves, and live, laugh, and love. Both gentlemen will be missed.
Newstime with Sophia Melki 