Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson was one of those actresses who could make you forget you were watching a movie. From her searing performance in "Sounder" to her unforgettable turn in "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman," she brought a gravitas and dignity to every role, often breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes along the way.

Born in Harlem to Nevisian immigrant parents, Tyson's early life didn't exactly scream "future Hollywood legend." She started as a secretary, then moved to modeling, and eventually, the stage and screen. It's a trajectory that would make many a struggling actor kvell with envy.

While her roles were often deeply rooted in the African American experience, there's no indication Ms. Tyson ever dabbled in bagels, gefilte fish, or the complex emotional landscape of a Yom Kippur service. Her contributions to cinema, however, are certainly worthy of a hearty "Yasher Koach!"