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How did Cicely Tyson die? Emmy-winning actress hailed as 'force of nature' in tributes after tragic death at 96

'I’m very selective as I’ve been my whole career about what I do. Unfortunately, I’m not the kind of person who works only for money. It has to have some real substance for me to do it' - Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson, known for her sensational way of portraying the strength of women, has died at the age of 96. The Oscar nominee's death was announced by her family via her longtime manager Larry Thompson.

A statement issued by Thompson reads: “With heavy heart, the family of Miss Cicely Tyson announces her peaceful transition this afternoon. At this time, please allow the family their privacy." The cause of her death is yet to be provided, as additional details of the circumstances surrounding this tragedy are yet to be announced by the family.

Cicely Tyson's life, career and accolades

"I saw that I could not afford the luxury of just being an actress. So I made the choice to use my career as a platform to address the issues of the race I was born into. When I read a script: either my skin tingles or my stomach churns. When it tingles, I take it, and when my stomach churns, there's no way I could possibly do it. No way," Tyson told The New York Times in 2013. 

The actress who was born on December 18, 1924, in New York City rose to fame in the early 1970s when Black women were just starting to get starring roles. Most recently, last week, the actress's memoir titled 'Just As I am' was published. Her attitude towards her career was greatly praised as in 2013 she revealed to the Associated Press, “I’m very selective as I’ve been my whole career about what I do. Unfortunately, I’m not the kind of person who works only for money. It has to have some real substance for me to do it."

The actress was nominated for an Oscar for her role as Rebecca Morgan in the Martin Ritt drama 'Sounder', and even won a Tony Award at the age of 88 in 2013. She is known for her work in 'The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman' and has won two Emmys for her role, playing a 110-year-old former slave in the 1974 CBS telefilm. She told AP, "People ask me what I prefer doing — film, stage, television? I say, ‘I would have done 'Jane Pittman' in the basement or in a storefront. It’s the role that determines where I go.” She is the first African-American to win a lead actress Emmy Award. She was also cast in the first recurring TV role for a Black woman in the drama series 'East Side/West Side'.

She was also seen as Viola Davis' mother on 'How to Get Away With Murder' and was nominated for five more Emmys for it and was also seen as a Texas Congresswoman on Netflix’s 'House of Cards'. She was also seen in the hit production 'The Help' in 2011 and in November 2018, she was honored with an honorary Academy Award at the Governors Awards.

In 2016, she was one of the recipients of the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Former president Barack Obama said, "Cicely’s convictions and grace have helped for us to see the dignity of every single beautiful memory of the American family.” In June 2020, she received a career achievement honor from the Peabody Awards.

The highly praised actress was married to Miles Davis from 1981 at Bill Cosby's home — he was the best man and even gave away the bride. The couple divorced in 1988.

Tributes pour in for the star

After Tyson's death, thousands of fans took to social media to dish out their thoughts on the tragedy. "May this beautiful soul lay high to rest Ms. Cicely Tyson you are more than legendary you will be the utmost missed," wrote one fan. Another added, "Cicely Tyson was a great example of longevity. Such a prolific career she had. RIP."

Many took to Twitter to post pictures of the longtime actress when she was young as they paid tribute not only to her success in the industry but how she went about giving meaning to the roles she was cast in.

Neil deGrasse Tyson wrote, "Though we are not related, her mother was friends with my grandmother in the West Indies, with strongly resonant struggles and triumphs. Farewell to a force of nature unto herself — in person, on stage, and on the screen. Cicely Tyson, RIP (1924-2021)." NYT Bestselling Author of 'The Black Friend', Frederick Joseph wrote, "Cicely Tyson was a force of nature and a transcendent voice and talent. There is no way to fully capture how much she meant to the world. Sleep well, queen," with stunning pictures of the actress.

Emmy-nominated Co-host of 'Good Day Philly', Alex Holley tweeted, "It’s crazy how some people go through life with so much grace and talent that you think they’ll live forever. But she certainly will through her life’s work. Thank you for 96 years, Cecily Tyson #RestInPeace."

Another user wrote, "Rest In Peace Cecily Tyson. A Legend. An Icon," with more stunning images of the legend. Another even posted an iconic picture tweeting, "Coretta Scott King and Cecily Tyson as Coretta #restInPeaceCecilyTyson."

Some posted about the time they've had the honor of meeting the actress. One fan wrote, "Last January I had the honor and privilege of meeting and talking to the great Cecily Tyson during the National Cares Mentoring Black Tie affair. Nothing but an epitome of elegance & royalty. To you Ms Tyson I salute & celebrate your life."

Many also admired her iconic works in the industry with another fan writing, "What was the first film you saw Cecily Tyson in? Mine was “Miss Jane Pittman” in 3rd grade. It was traumatizing to watch at 8 am on a Wednesday, but a true classic!"