A boy from Philadelphia who was not willing to bend the promise he made to his grandmother about not using profanities in his song to become a Grammy-winning rapper was an achievement unheard of. And for the same boy to become of the greatest actors that Hollywood has known was also a feat too remarkable to put into words. However, Will Smith is not the only black actor with a story that personifies what it means to break boundaries. While there are many that come to mind, one that the Independence Day actor himself acknowledged is Sidney Poitier.

The legendary actor who took storytelling and acting to heights unprecedented died in January 2022. And Will Smith was among the first celebrities to pay a deserving tribute to the acting legend.

Will Smith penned a soulful tribute to Sidney Poitier

Poitier in his long-spanning career not only marked blockbuster successes through his acting performances, but also as a director. However, it is his acting that cannot be discussed enough. And even made him the first black actor to win an Oscar for Lilies of the Field in 1963. This is among the many reasons why Will Smith could not help but call him “An icon, legend, visionary, and true pioneer.” He followed it by thanking Poitier for breaking boundaries and paving the path for actors like him.

Unfortunately, Sidney Poitier passed away before he saw Will Smith carry on his legacy and win an Academy Award for his performance in King Richard. But given how the night unfolded for Smith, one cannot help but be grateful that his inspiration was not there.

Poitier inspired many in his life. Akin to Will Smith, Denzel Washington also credited him for paving the path. But while the Independence Day actor has thanked Poitier for paving the path, it seems like theirs never met.

Did the King Richard actor and Sidney Poitier work together?

Will Smith started making box office hits left and right around the same time Sidney Poitier made his big comeback with The Jackal. While the timelines of their movies aligned, Smith and Poitier never worked together. It is likely that the right script that involved the two of them never knocked at their doors.

While it is sad that the audience never got to witness the ethereal performances of Will Smith and Sidney Poitier in one project, the actors have given fans enough to be thankful about. And for all his mistakes, Smith is still counted among the most successful actors along with Sidney Poitier.

Did you know that Will Smith and Sidney Poitier never worked together? Let us know in the comments below.