Edit: Ms. Tyson died today.

From that source link, "“I have managed Miss Tyson’s career for over 40 years, and each year was a privilege and blessing,” her manager, Larry Thompson, said in a statement. “Cicely thought of her new memoir as a Christmas tree decorated with all the ornaments of her personal and professional life. Today she placed the last ornament, a Star, on top of the tree.” More at the source link. Below is my original post from earlier this week.

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Miles Davis was abusive, cheated, and "needed to be saved," says actress Cicely Tyson in her new memoir. She also adds, "I needed someone to save. People who hurt, it's always the person that is closest to them that they hurt. I was in love with him. He was a beautiful human being."

She adds, "Hostility and devotion can live side by side. Sometimes love is not always born of logic."

On his death bed, Davis said, "Tell Cicely I'm sorry." Tyson adds he was the love of his life, and that she'll never find another like him. She jokes she hasn't been looking either. I'm not sure I ever knew she was with Miles Davis for 7 years.

Another interesting note, as she talked to CBS This Morning's Gayle King: during a press junket for Sounder, a reporter said he felt bigotry toward her during the movie because the Black children in the movie called their father "daddy."

Tyson asked, "Do you have children? What do they call you?"

"Daddy," the reporter responded.

She realized in that moment that the reporter didn't think of Black people as human beings. She knew then she couldn't afford the luxury of just being an actress, and that she has to use her career as her platform.

Tyson's new memoir, Just As I Am, is out today. She is 96 years old.




Footnote: She said she sucked her thumb for the first 12 years of her life, which is why she has buck teeth in the front. Producers told her over the years to get braces and fix them, but she refused. She said she liked the way she looked, and it was just part of who she was as a person.

[Edited 1/28/21 16:18pm]

I heard this was coming out soon. It's on my list. I think it will be a facinating read.

onlyforaminute said:

I'm going to do the audible book, already downloaded. I heard her interview on NPR. She's always been in a class of her own. A true diamond.

Is she going to narrate the audiobook? I would buy it for that alone.

purplethunder3121 said:

Can't wait for this one.

I bet she had her hands full w/ Miles.

Cicely is amazing. This woman is in her 90s and is still acting and writing a book!

gotta have it

what a perfect face...and beautiful skin...always...as a young boy, she was one of my first crushes after i saw "Sounder"...

those big dark eyes, and that sexy lil overbite.... i was HOOKED

Ms. Tyson has passed away. She was 96.

Dayuuuummm!!!!

TrivialPursuit said:

Ms. Tyson has passed away. She was 96.

Wow, right after she published her memoirs. Talk about timing. Living to be 96 is a major accomplishment...not to mention what am amazing life she had. R.I.P., Miz Tyson.

OH NO. RIP

Just saw a docu with her in it the other night...Legend. R.I.P Ms. Tyson.

This was very sad news to hear first thing this morning. She was a legend and I look forward to reading her memoir. RIP.

Well, she lived one hell of a life, right up til the very end. RIHP, Queen.

Lovely soul.

2freaky4church1 said:

I just ordered her book. Can't wait to read it. I also watched Sounder the other night. Hadn't seen it in 30+ years.