Nationwide — Cicely Tyson, one of the most iconic actresses of our time, has just turned 95-years old. But despite her age, she says she will never ever retire from her decades-long career.Tyson was the cover star for Time Magazine’s latest “The Art of Optimism” special issue. During her interview, she revealed that she has no plans to retire from Hollywood.
“The reason why I have been in this universe as long as I have been is because he’s not ready for me,” said Tyson. “When I’ve completed my job, he’ll take me away. I know several people who have retired and then six months later, they’re gone.”
Since the 1960’s, Tyson has been gracing both the film and television screens and making an impact as a Black woman. She paved the way for more representation of Black women in Hollywood.
Throughout her career, she has won a number of prestigious awards including Emmys and a Tony and was nominated for Academy Awards for her role in the 1972 film Sounder. Among some of her works, she has appeared in two Tyler Perry movies, was part of the Roots miniseries, and had a small role in the Oscar-nominated movie The Help.
Now, she plays a recurring character in How to Get Away With Murder as the mother of the main character Annalise Keating, portrayed by Viola Davis. And she is far from retiring.
“We have to honor this blessed gift that we have. That’s what keeps you going. Keeps your mind fluid — your heart, your whole being. You can’t just stop, because that will be the end of you.”