ILOSM fam’ we’re a lil’ tardy for the party with this one, but hey…better late than never, right? Acting icon, Sidney Poitier, turned 90 this year – on February 20, 2017 to be exact.
Although he’s accomplished many great things throughout his life- being one of the most influential actors in Hollywood history, becoming the first African American to earn the ‘Best Actor’ Oscar Award in 1963, after forcing Hollywood to recognize him as superior talent through his performance in Lillies of the Fields, a social activist, and more- it’s his 90th birthday party that probably best represents what he is most proud of – his family.
Sidney Poitier’s 90th Birthday Details
For his 90th birthday, Poitier was celebrated by 17 of his offspring (his children, grandchildren, and great-grandkids) and 10 more of his close family and loved ones, including his wife, ex-wife, nieces, nephews, in-laws and others. As you can imagine, that birthday family photo is epic! In fact, we’re surprised they were able to fit all of them into one shot. Check it out below…
Photo details via THR:
1. Etienne Gouraige, 21; Sidney Poitier’s grandson, student
2. Gina Poitier-Gouraige, 55; daughter, administrative assistant
3. Leandro DiMonriva, 39; son-in-law, writer-producer
4. Guylaine Gouraige, 22; granddaughter, student
5. Gabrielle Gouraige, 18; granddaughter, student
6. Jacinta Howard Jordan; wife of Mike Jordan, editor
7. Mike Jordan; godson, editor-writer
8. Julia Burnside; cousin, retired
9. Sherrie Burgess Brooks, chief of staff to Sidney Poitier
10. Pamela Poitier, 62; daughter, actor/teacher
11. Dorian Heartsong; son-in-law, musician
12. Sydney Ayele LaBarrie, 11, great-granddaughter
13. Aisha LaBarrie, 40; granddaughter, owner of LaBarrie Littles, a kids’ clothing embroidery company
14. Beverly Poitier-Henderson; daughter, designer of Poitier Henderson Jewelry
15. Sherri Poitier; daughter, chef
16. Constance Jordan Wilson, Ph.D.; goddaughter, retired
17. Alison Brooks; friend, fashion stylist
18. Jennifer Brice; friend, United Airlines international service manager
19. Juanita Marie Hardy Poitier, 86; first wife
20. Vanesta L. Poitier, 64; niece, therapist
21. Anika Poitier; daughter, filmmaker
22. On Anika’s lap: March, grandson
23. Kai LaBarrie, 9; great-granddaughter
24. Joanna Poitier, 73; wife, interior designer
25. On Joanna’s lap: Paloma, granddaughter
26. On Joanna’s lap: Diarra LaBarrie, 6; great-granddaughter
27. Sidney Poitier
28. Sydney Poitier-Heartsong, 33; daughter, actor
29. On Sydney’s lap: Sunny Plum, granddaughter
30. Sienna Sky Jordan, Mike Jordan’s daughter
Poitier’s Relatives Reveal Little Known Facts About Him
The Hollywood Reporter provided the birthday photo and also talked to a few of Poitier’s family, who revealed things about his personality, that the world never knew. For one, the 90 year old Bahamian native has the ability to crack folks up with his sense of humor. Secondly, he can cuss up a storm!
Via THR: “He’s one of the most eloquent curse-word users,” says godson Mike Jordan admiringly… […] Adds grandson Etienne Gouraige, “He knows how to make a room explode.”
It was also reported that Poitier has helped many of his family members turn their career dreams into a reality, with his generosity of putting them through school and such:
Via THR: He supported the dreams of other family members to pursue careers in the arts; after a trip with Poitier to Walt Disney Animation Studios, Gouraige made the decision to study at the Savannah College of Art and Design (along with his sister Gabrielle). Says Joanna, Poitier’s wife of more than 40 years, “He is the most wonderful, generous, kind, honest man with the most integrity that I’ve ever known in my life.”
This is a beautiful sight to see, Sidney Poitier is clearly surrounded by several generations of love and we wish him many more birthdays to come.
