It turns out that Sidney Poitier — the Oscar-winning actor and cultural symbol synonymous with dignity and rectitude — not only has a great sense of humor, but also a flair for colorful language. “He’s one of the most eloquent curse-word users,” says godson Mike Jordan admiringly on the afternoon Poitier and his extended family — his wife, his ex-wife, 27 of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and godchildren and a few close friends — gathered for his 90th birthday at his favorite Beverly Hills eatery, Spago. Adds grandson Etienne Gouraige, “He knows how to make a room explode.”
Born on a tomato farm in the Bahamas, Poitier ended up in New York by way of Miami and in 1964 became the first black winner of the best actor Oscar (for Lilies of the Field). He supported the dreams of other family members to pursue careers in the arts; after a trip with Poitier to Walt Disney Animation Studios, Gouraige made the decision to study at the Savannah College of Art and Design (along with his sister Gabrielle). Says Joanna, Poitier’s wife of more than 40 years, “He is the most wonderful, generous, kind, honest man with the most integrity that I’ve ever known in my life.”
1. Etienne Gouraige, 21; Sidney Poitier’s grandson, student
2. Gina Poitier-Gouraige, 55; daughter, administrative assistant
3. Leandro DiMonriva, 39; son-in-law, writer-producer
4. Guylaine Gouraige, 22; granddaughter, student
5. Gabrielle Gouraige, 18; granddaughter, student
6. Jacinta Howard Jordan; wife of Mike Jordan, editor
7. Mike Jordan; godson, editor-writer
8. Julia Burnside; cousin, retired
9. Sherrie Burgess Brooks, chief of staff to Sidney Poitier
10. Pamela Poitier, 62; daughter, actor/teacher
11. Dorian Heartsong; son-in-law, musician
12. Sydney Ayele LaBarrie, 11, great-granddaughter
13. Aisha LaBarrie, 40; granddaughter, owner of LaBarrie Littles, a kids’ clothing embroidery company
14. Beverly Poitier-Henderson; daughter, designer of Poitier Henderson Jewelry
15. Sherri Poitier; daughter, chef
16. Constance Jordan Wilson, Ph.D.; goddaughter, retired
17. Alison Brooks; friend, fashion stylist
18. Jennifer Brice; friend, United Airlines international service manager
19. Juanita Marie Hardy Poitier, 86; first wife
20. Vanesta L. Poitier, 64; niece, therapist
21. Anika Poitier; daughter, filmmaker
22. On Anika’s lap: March, grandson
23. Kai LaBarrie, 9; great-granddaughter
24. Joanna Poitier, 73; wife, interior designer
25. On Joanna’s lap: Paloma, granddaughter
26. On Joanna’s lap: Diarra LaBarrie, 6; great-granddaughter
27. Sidney Poitier
28. Sydney Poitier-Heartsong, 33; daughter, actor
29. On Sydney’s lap: Sunny Plum, granddaughter
30. Sienna Sky Jordan, Mike Jordan’s daughter
This story first appeared in the March 17 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
