Cicely Tyson Celebrates Her 96th Birthday

Emmy and Tony-winning actress Cicely Tyson celebrated her 96th birthday on Saturday (Dec. 19), receiving a groundswell of warm wishes from her fellow Black Hollywood actors. 

The Harlem-native is known for her performances in Sounder, The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, and more. Tyson’s career dates back to the early ‘50s and she has proudly walked away with an Honorary Award at the 2019 Oscars. 

Actress Viola Davis, who starred alongside Tyson in the 2011 film The Help and in the ABC primetime series How to Get Away with Murder, honored the icon on Instagram.

“There are certain people that come into this world and their lifeforce creates a powerful inspiring explosion. We get the overflow!! I thank God for creating this beautiful, courageous and bold being 96 years ago,” Davis wrote. “Love you Ms. Tyson!! Happy birthday.”

Scandal star Kerry Washington shared a photo of herself, Viola Davis, and Cicely Tyson from a crossover episode also wishing her a happy birthday. 

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“Your #BlackGirlMagic paved the way for ALL the Black Girl Magic in this photo” she captioned the post. “Love you so much Cicely Tyson. You are a queen, legend and a phenomenal human. Love you!!!!!!!!”

Multimedia entrepreneur Tyler Perry also shared a few kind words to Tyson. The pair teamed up in his Netflix film A Fall From Grace, where she starred as Alice. 

“Happy 96th birthday!! 96 and still as sharp and as beautiful as ever. What a blessing to have you as a friend, as family, and as a role model,” he wrote. “The wisdom and love you’ve shown me over all these years has been a gift from God! Happy birthday Queen Cicely!!”

Famous musician Lenny Kravitz also shared a special tribute to the actress who also happens to be his godmother. 

“Happy Birthday to my dearest Godmother, Cicely Tyson,” he tweeted, alongside a photo of the pair in a sweet embrace. “All I can do is thank God that we have been on this planet at the same time, and I have been so blessed to receive your love. The best is yet to come. I love you.”

Take a look at what other stars had to say to honor Cicely Tyson on her 96th birthday below: