The 95year-old legendary actress, Cicely Tyson has been selected as this year’s Peabody career achievement award recipient. The legendary actress whose career spans more than 70 years in broadcast TV, is the recipient of the Distinguished achievement and meritorious public service Career Achievement Award, Peabody. Established in 1940 by a committee of the National Association of Broadcasters, the Peabody Award was created to honor excellence in radio broadcasting.
In recognizing the screen goddess, the Peabody Awards praised Tyson for “transforming how African Americans are considered on and off-screen,” calling her a “foundational figure in the advancement of meaningful programming and social change through her performances.”
Appearing in 23 TV programs and series from 1951-70, Tyson has small-screen credits that include roles in East Side/West Side, Gunsmoke, The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, Roots, A Lesson Before Dying, A Fall From Grace, The Trip to Bountiful, House of Cards, How to Get Away With Murder and Madam Secretary.
On behalf of Peabody, Tyson was honored in a video tribute by Oprah Winfrey. The media mogul thanked the 95-year-old star “for not just paving the way for me and every other black woman who dared to have a career in entertainment, but being the way — standing for the truth in your art in all ways. And allowing us to be lifted by the light of your illustrious life.”
Cicely has received three Emmys, a Tony, a Kennedy Center Honor and an honorary Oscar. She was nominated for a best actress Oscar for her role in 1972’s Sounder.
Absolutely Phenomenal; Award well deserved.
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