Cicely Tyson - Actor Profile

Cicely Tyson

Acting
Freshness: Jan 19, 2026
50Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Dec 19, 1924
Birth Place: New York City, New York, USA

About Cicely Tyson

Cicely Louise Tyson (December 19, 1924 – January 28, 2021) was an American actress. In a career which spanned more than seven decades in film, television and theatre, she became known for her portrayal of strong African-American women. Tyson received various awards including three Emmy Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a Tony Award, an Honorary Academy Award, and a Peabody Award. Description above from the Wikipedia article Cicely Tyson, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Cicely Tyson reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Cicely Tyson's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 46% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Cicely Tyson remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Benny's Place, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Cicely Tyson Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Cicely Tyson's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Cicely Tyson.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2020 A Fall from Grace Alice Hit Similar →
2017 Last Flag Flying Mrs. Hightower Hit Similar →
2016 Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise Self Super Hit Similar →
2016 Showing Roots Hattie Average Similar →
2014 The Trip to Bountiful Mrs. Watts Average Similar →
2013 The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia Mama Kay Average Similar →
2012 Alex Cross Nana Mama Flop Similar →
2011 The Help Constantine Jefferson Super Hit Similar →
2010 Why Did I Get Married Too? Ola Hit Similar →
2009 Relative Stranger Pearl Flop Similar →
2006 Idlewild Mother Hopkins Average Similar →
2006 Fat Rose and Squeaky Celine Flop Similar →
2006 Madea's Family Reunion Myrtle Average Similar →
2005 Diary of a Mad Black Woman Myrtle Hit Similar →
2005 Because of Winn-Dixie Gloria Dump Hit Similar →
2002 The Rosa Parks Story Leona Edwards McCauley Hit Similar →
2001 Jewel Cathedral Average Similar →
1999 A Lesson Before Dying Tante Lou Flop Similar →
1998 Always Outnumbered Luvia Average Similar →
1997 Ms. Scrooge Ms. Ebenita Scrooge Average Similar →
1997 Hoodlum Stephanie St. Clair Average Similar →
1994 Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All Castralia Flop Similar →
1992 Duplicates Dr. Randolph Average Similar →
1991 Fried Green Tomatoes Sipsey Super Hit Similar →
1990 The Kid Who Loved Christmas Etta Mercer Hit Similar →
1990 Heat Wave Ruthana Richardson Average Similar →
1989 The Women of Brewster Place Mrs. Browne Hit Similar →
1989 The Women of Brewster Place - Hit Similar →
1986 Acceptable Risks Janet Framm Flop Similar →
1985 Playing with Fire Carol Phillips Average Similar →
1982 Benny's Place Odessa Super Hit Similar →
1982 Night of 100 Stars Self Hit Similar →
1981 The Marva Collins Story Marva Collins Hit Similar →
1981 Bustin' Loose Vivian Perry Average Similar →
1979 The Concorde... Airport '79 Elaine Flop Similar →
1977 Wilma Blanche Rudolph Average Similar →
1977 A Hero Ain't Nothin' But a Sandwich Sweets Flop Similar →
1976 Just an Old Sweet Song Priscilla Simmons Hit Similar →
1976 Everybody Rides the Carousel Self - Introducer Average Similar →
1976 The Blue Bird Tylette Flop Similar →
1976 The River Niger Mattie Williams Hit Similar →
1974 The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman Jane Pittman Hit Similar →
1974 Free to Be… You and Me Self Hit Similar →
1972 Sounder Rebecca Morgan Super Hit Similar →
1971 Marriage: Year One Emma Teasley Average Similar →
1968 The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter Portia Copeland Super Hit Similar →
1967 The Comedians Marie Therese Average Similar →
1966 A Man Called Adam Claudia Ferguson Average Similar →
1959 The Last Angry Man Girl Left on Porch (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1959 Odds Against Tomorrow Jazz Club Bartender (uncredited) Hit Similar →

Cicely Tyson - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Cicely Tyson?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Cicely Tyson is "Benny's Place" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Cicely Tyson acted in?

Cicely Tyson has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Cicely Tyson?

Other notable films include "The Help", "Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise", and "Fried Green Tomatoes".