Sidney Poitier, 93 Years Old

Sidney Poitier cemented his legacy in the entertainment landscape after winning the Academy Award for Best Actor in the ‘60s. With that, he became the first Afro-Bahamian celebrity that took home the award. His renowned performances also gave him numerous merits over the course of his career and brought him a comfortable life, far removed from any threats of bankruptcy. In 1999, the American Film Institute ranked Poitier 22nd on their list of Greatest Male Stars of classic Hollywood cinema.

He is one of only two living actors on the AFI list, the other being Sophia Loren. In 2002, Poitier was chosen to receive an Academy Honorary Award, in recognition of his “remarkable accomplishments as an artist and as a human being.” Aside from his acting skills, he also showed signs of leadership and initiative with his diplomatic work. He even at one point became an ambassador for his country and was sent over to Japan to lead the office for a good ten years.