Imagine sharing your life with another person. It may appear daunting to some, but there are couples who have spent decades staying committed to each other, proving that it is indeed possible.
While such couples are rare, their existence serves as an inspiration for others to follow suit. One couple that exemplifies this inspiring bond is Sidney Poitier and Joanna Shimkus.
Sidney Poitier, the legendary actor, tied the knot with Canadian actress Joanna Shimkus in 1976, and they remained devoted to each other until Sidney’s passing. Sidney’s accomplishments as an actor have been a tremendous source of inspiration for many. However, in addition to his successful career, he was also known for his unwavering devotion to his wife.
Sidney made history on April 13, 1964, as the first Black man to win the Best Actor Oscar. He brought characters to life in movies such as “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” “In the Heat of the Night,” and “Lilies of the Field.” Prior to meeting Joanna Shimkus, Sidney was previously married to Juanita Hardy in 1950. Unfortunately, their marriage did not thrive, and they divorced in 1965. However, destiny brought Sidney and Joanna together, and they fell deeply in love.
In 1976, Sidney and Joanna decided to unite their lives in marriage. Together, they created a loving family and were blessed with two daughters, Anika and Sydney. The world of Hollywood always knew that this iconic actor cherished his family above all else. This sentiment was evident in his acceptance speech for a lifetime achievement award in 2016 and in an interview with Oprah in 2000, where he acknowledged his parenting style might not be considered easy by his daughters. Sidney also described himself as a perfectionist who values loyalty and respect in relationships.
Joanna, in a 1998 documentary about Sidney, shared that she and Sidney were destined to be together. The Canadian actress reflected on her past and expressed how she saw her beloved husband, stating, “I grew up in Canada, and I never really had any kind of prejudice—it’s unlike America. I just never had those feelings. And we’ve never had a problem, actually. It could be that we lead a very quiet life. It could be that it’s just the way it is, I don’t really know. But I never really did see him as a Black man. I mean, I know he is Black, but I just saw him as a man, and he was just a wonderful person. An amazing human being.”
Her affectionate words resonated with many, highlighting that love transcends skin color. The remarkable marriage of Sidney Poitier and Joanna Shimkus serves as a beautiful reminder of what true love embodies.
