Epic! Pics Surface Of SidneyPoitier’s 90th B-day Party w/All 17 Of His Offspring

Posted On : May 28, 2017

ILOSM fam’ we’re a lil’ tardy for the party with this one, but hey…better late than never, right? Acting icon, Sidney Poitier, turned 90 this year – on February 20, 2017 to be exact.

Sidney Poitier and his wife of 41 years, Joanna Shimkus

Although he’s accomplished many great things throughout his life- being one of the most influential actors in Hollywood history, becoming the first African American to earn the ‘Best Actor’ Oscar Award in 1963, after forcing Hollywood to recognize him as superior talent through his performance in Lillies of the Fields, a social activist, and more- it’s his 90th birthday party that probably best represents what he is most proud of – his family.

Sidney Poitier’s 90th Birthday Details

For his 90th birthday, Poitier was celebrated by 17 of his offspring (his children, grandchildren, and great-grandkids) and 10 more of his close family and loved ones, including his wife, ex-wife, nieces, nephews, in-laws and others. As you can imagine, that birthday family photo is epic! In fact, we’re surprised they were able to fit all of them into one shot. Check it out below…

Sidney Poitier having a blast with his family for his 90th birthday party. (via The Hollywood Reporter)

Photo details via THR:
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

Poitier’s Relatives Reveal Little Known Facts About Him

The Hollywood Reporter provided the birthday photo and also talked to a few of Poitier’s family, who revealed things about his personality, that the world never knew. For one, the 90 year old Bahamian native has the ability to crack folks up with his sense of humor. Secondly, he can cuss up a storm!

Via THR: “He’s one of the most eloquent curse-word users,” says godson Mike Jordan admiringly… […] Adds grandson Etienne Gouraige, “He knows how to make a room explode.”

It was also reported that Poitier has helped many of his family members turn their career dreams into a reality, with his generosity of putting them through school and such:

Via THR: 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.”

This is a beautiful sight to see, Sidney Poitier is clearly surrounded by several generations of love and we wish him many more birthdays to come.

About I Love Old School Music

We salute the incredible people and beautiful memories of that "old school". We’re not saying that every artist and every facet of the soul era was perfect, but the artists’ contributions to soul music and the old school memories of that particular time are PRICELESS.