Pioneering Black American Hollywood actress Cicely Tyson known for portraying strong African-American characters has died aged 96.
The manager announced the legendary actress' demise in a statement on Thursday but the details on the cause of death have not yet been revealed.
Tyson, who began her life in the spotlight as a fashion model, delved into an acting career that spanned seven decades.
She won two Emmys for her performance in the 1974 civil rights-era film dubbed The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman.
Tyson made a mark by becoming the first black woman play a main role in the TV drama East Side/West Side in the 1960s.
In 2016, Former US President Barack Obama presented the acting legend with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, saying that apart from her achievements as a Black American actress, Tyson had also shaped the course of history.
In her acting career, Tyson rejected stereotypical roles for black women as she was focused on only playing characters that were strong, positive and realistic.
Tyson's manager Larry Thompson said, "I have managed Miss Tyson's career for over 40 years, and each year was a privilege and blessing."
"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," Thompson added.
According to the manager, Tyson died peacefully. Her memoir Just As I Am was published on Tuesday.
Many celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama, and Viola Davis have paid tribute to the icon as they remember good times with her in the film industry, her great contribution to the Black American community, and her strong values as a Black woman.
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