Sidney Poitier (1927 -2022) | Remembering The Slap | Charles Woods Reelblack Flashback

Sidney Poitier, the first Black man to win the Best Actor Academy Award died Thursday night at the age of 94. In this clip from 2015, Film historian Charles Woods, breaks down one of the iconic actor's most memorable onscreen moments--portraying Virgil Tibbs in In The Heat of The Night.
-----
#####
Reelblack's mission is to educate, entertain, enlighten, and empower through Black film. If there is content shared on this platform that you feel infringes on your intellectual property, please email me at [e-mail] and [e-mail] with details and it will be promptly removed.
sidney poitier,sidney poitier passed away,poitier, sidney death,sidney poitier died,sidney poitier last demise,sidney poitier passes away,sidney poitier birthday,sidney poitier rip,sidney poitier last video,poitier bam twitch,poitier bam stream,sidney poitier passed at 94,to sir with love star sidney poitier has passed away,poitier bam highlight,passed away,sidney poitier death news,sidney poitier die today,sidney poitier die,rip sidney poitier,sidney poitier dead,sidney poitier death,sidney poitier family, lilies of the field, Academy Award

[@yvonnewitherspoon846]

A great actor and humanitarian. He's gone yet left so much positivity to behold and cherish. Much sympathy and condolences to his family and friends.

[@basilshahid2905]

I sent this scene to numerous friends 3 years ago clarifying how awesome and superb Sidney was back in the day! Emphatically the greatest Black cinema actor of all time! RIP Brother.

[@shawnt797]

I'm a 48 year old man of dark complexion. When I was a teen it was unpopular to be so. It didn't matter how handsome you were. If you had dark skin you were frowned upon. I remember a girl telling me that I kinda looked like Sidney Poitier. I was like," You think so?" She said, " Yes. I think that he's the most handsome man in the world." That made me feel ten feet tall!... I was such a fan of the man. Rest in Power, sir!! Your job has been done.

[@LionIron447]

The Original God Given Color, Like The Life Giving Earth.... The Most Beautiful.

[@shawnt797]

@@LionIron447 Blessings to you

[@kinngrimm]

@@LionIron447 "god given color" regligious racism much?

[@leetate1963]

@@kinngrimm All skin color is God given, how is that racism ? He did not say other colors are not beautiful. Can we stand without offending you...?

[@kinngrimm]

@@leetate1963 "All skin color is God given" no it is not, as there is no god and there never was and if there was one, why would he make some people racist and others willfully ignorant like you seem to be? Doesn't seem to be a god i like to have anyways. I was not pointing out "racism", but "religious racism" within the wording not the person, which you seem to conveniently ignore. I couldn't care less if people are religous or not, if they feel they get through life more easily that way, it is not on me to take that away. Still religous fanatism in whatever religion needs to be checked quite like fascism. It is not about me being offended, i was pointing out a differenance in perspective or are you not willing to acknowlege different perspectives? When you look at the current version of his comment, it is kept more neutral and did not take away from his story. I myself do appreciate that effort, but neither did i demand or expect it. So chears @Shawn T. and i recpect and understand what you are saying even though i never had and hopefully will never have the same experiences where it comes to being oppressed because of the color of my skin. I just hope that people would get along peacefully.

[@DavidRichardson95]

I was just watching _Uptown Saturday Night_ and _A Piece of the Action_ during the Christmas break. I plan to watch more of his timeless body of work. _To Sir, with Love_ is a personal favorite classic of mine.

[@EM-nu3qx]

RIP to an icon a legend one of the best ever. The SLAP heard around the world

[@anthonysmall5090]

Yes it was and it was beautiful too!!!

[@empresserica]

Indeed!

[@dkevinwalker]

An appropriate gesture by a dignified, Black man shattered a Hollywood taboo. Mr. Tibbs did not turn the other cheek nor apologize for what was inferred as insolence. RIP.

[@antoniochapman3986]

Sidney Poitier was BADASS he was awesome R.I.P Sidney one of the best black actors of all time.

[@Riogi]

My dad and I were talking of this amazing slap just today. The loss of Sidney has broken my heart and surely brought tears to my eyes because he has always been so loved in my household. I will always love this amazing man who paved the way for so many. May he rest in peace.

[@Kim63146]

❤️

[@normanhenderson7300]

Oh really?

[@krishnan-resurrection714]

Is the Will Smith slap similar ???? ...

[@janicesanders9981]

Absolutely love this movie, especially that scene....

[@montybespoke3110]

Such a sad loss for our community, but he will forever live in our hearts a legend of the black human experience. Rest in Paradise.

[@internationaltutor2941]

He represented black manhood and self respect during the tumultuous civil rights era and beyond.

[@marvinhagler4721]

When I saw that movie for the first time I had NEVER seen ANY situation like that in my life..One of the most STRONGEST seens in a movie EVER in my opinion and to THIS day it STILL is.RIP MR SIDNEY POITER...A REAL HERO

[@beverleyreid7572]

Such a class act & beautiful man. Will never be duplicated. Not in this lifetime!

[@lat20071]

“The Slap Heard Around the World…”🧐🤔😂 Love it! You will be missed Mr. Sydney Poitier💕

[@jaybirdlady1407]

That Slap was for every Black man who was ever disrespected by a White man, “Slap his Ass back”

[@lat20071]

@@jaybirdlady1407 Word 💯

[@Kim63146]

A slap from here to Eternity. The weight of me and our Ancestors went into that slap. The look Sidney gave that man....so powerful! Geez! The look of death if you tried him again. My favorite Actor Sidney, never disappoints. You had an impact on me. You were a vision of inspiration. A proud man owning and achieving his goals. You were unstoppable. It would have been a dream to meet you. Sidney...you are loved and no one can light a candle to your Acting or Legacy. A classy, confident and dignified man. Epic! RiP beautiful Man ❤️

[@ruthieworldtravels]

They can all try: Denzel, Samuel L, Chadwick, Michael B, can't none of them hold a candle . . . Sorry!

[@winniegib31]

I was raised in the south, born in 1931, but our lives seldom met. We did not have "cooks" because we were in the position of maintaining our own. I am so sorry about all the horror and terror that went on but we always lived in the rural area and mostly had a small farm and parents had seven children to raise. Six girls and one boy. I see the situation even today and cannot believe the hate is still in our world. I pray every day that all men of all colors can live their lives without such fear.

[@coffeebrown7056]

That was one of the highlights of the movie. That Slap was Heard across America ✊🏽 and Beyond . Rest in Paradise... Our Nubian King 👑 Sidney Poitier 🙏🏽

[@lucianaisidore5229]

That SLAP by Sidney Poitier,, is EPIC. That's my favorite movie by Sidney Poitier. There could NEVER be a movie such as this.

[@Coachtullysullivan]

The movie theater I was in when we saw the slap scene to entire theater broke out in cheers. We talked about it for weeks afterwards.

[@kme321]

Wow really, I can't believe it. I loved Sidney Poitier. RIP Sidney, you were a legend ahead of your time

[@milesfolley6840]

Actually Mr. Poitier used his power to make sure that moment was in the story. He would leave from this production if it wasn’t in it. Mr. Poitier’s power made it happen. Perfect example of playing the game.

[@carolro6673]

Yes, and here’s what he did: he insisted the slap back remain in the scene in all viewings, including in the South. And he wanted this agreement in writing. If he did not get this reassurance, he would not play the part.

[@maroonfist9831]

I cried like a baby in his passing he set the benchmark for African american Latinos,Asian, Spanish, shining beacon for us to aim for. Rip

[@marshallmrx]

His Real talent was being a Hero to black people as an actor while really being a hero to black people as activist humanitarian scholar and example of black excellence He was a Hero off Camera and On

[@empresserica]

Indeed!

[@normanhenderson7300]

Okay his imortance is exaggerated. Even King, though he was a compromist had more weight than this guy.

[@monadugas9113]

Black excellence really. Yet he married white and produced biracial children. Doing away any chance of a black family.

[@nakiashelby6413]

My favorite scene in this film!!!!

[@darhylbutler5351]

That Slap was a two piece rolled into one snack pack. I can imagine what was going on in the mind of the Black Servant, and better yet, the embarrassment he felt knowing that his Servant had an amazing story to tell the other Black folks. But let's not get it twisted, Black men were fighters, White Supremacists knew that without their guns, they didn't even stand a chance. But, I was looking at this scene from the Servant's point of view, because I'm sure it was History in the making for him.

[@LloydMajor]

This is awesome! Sydney was my favorite actor back in the day.

[@the80sfanatic13]

One of the most powerful scenes in films history. R.I.P Sidney Poitier.

[@Harley157d]

Not only was it the slap, but it was the shoulder shrug,and look Mr. Poitier did after that. Amazing, absolutely amazing

[@valsdolls]

To Sir with love. Brilliant actor. Rest now in peace dear Sidney.

[@MAGAISKLAN]

He was the quintessential Black man. A fine actor and tireless activist. Sidney Poitier was my favorite actor of all time, may he RIP eternally. 🕊️

[@snowbird9660]

That slap was EVERYTHING!!!

[@Linda-fe7jo]

My favorite part of the movie. I always rewind.

[@coreyrae0183]

That slap scene was iconic indeed! RIP to a legend.

[@daschwah]

The cleanest backhand ever committed by a human being. RIP.

[@baronofthesixthday5763]

R.I.P Mr. Poitier. I love his portrayal of Al Mansour the moor in the long ships.

[@onlyinamerica499]

Just last night, I watch uptown Saturday night..how IRONIC is that..but I watch them movies with him and bill Cosby in it ALL THEE TIME..PEACE UNCLE SIDNEY SIR

[@calbertblackwood3121]

With out a any questions he was one of the best great actor in the business

[@blackpowerdiva4958]

I LOVE hearing this elder’s commentary. He the meaning of “#griot “

[@apolloniaaskew9487]

And Jester Hairston (Rolly Forbes from Amen fame) was right there to witness the famous slap.

[@empresserica]

Yes indeed he was the Man! I am so grateful for his works! He will live in my heart forevermore! RIP Mr. Poitier!....

[@nilsonugre4754]

Good bye SIR.......Rest In Peace and thank you for the Great memories which will stay for eternity.

[@BH-mc8zq]

That wasn’t a black exploitation film, that was watershed moment for me, a crucial turning point to finally see a black man being portrayed as a Man. Good Movie!

[@kwameaboagye121]

Sidney Poitier didn’t turn the other cheek in the Heat of the Night. Right on Sidney.

[@ldaialoguedicaprio]

Did yall see how the Black guy in the back reacted? That reaction was what I assume was everybody's reaction to that slap. RIP Mr. Poitier.

[@deloreswillis9224]

RIP…….. Sidney♥️WE LOVED YOU !!! May your soul be at rest with the LORD 🙏🏿

[@Barakamengi1]

That scene was epic like how dare he slap Mr Tibbs?? What did he expect a cupcake 🤦🏾‍♀️. Sidney was the man come on now 😔. R. I. P Sir.

[@dquest7761]

The butler in the back!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@GinaGreenlee]

Wow. This is a fantastic channel! I'll be diving way down deep INTO it this weekend! Thank you reelblack.

[@veinsofafricanblood7519]

That slap back was Hella funny 😁 😂

[@TheAto2000]

I was hoping you'd quickly upload a video(be it a flashback) to time with Sidney Poitier's death. You didn't disappoint. Thanks for making me aware of that "Slap" scene , as well as finally the name of movie , since I already know about the "They call me Mr. Tibbs scene" also shared . I will finish watch that 1970s movie you uploaded that he did with Bill Cosby .It really hurts to learn of his death .I guess there's hope for those with slightly Caribbean accents in Hollywood.

[@arthurbrown8019]

I had a special appreciation for Mr. Poitier...The Lost Man

[@lindahines9380]

the slap one of my favorite scenes 😍

[@donnieb1870]

My ICON MR SIDNEY POITIER RIP. CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY. ONE OF THE GREATEST ACTOR IN OUR TIME.

[@maxturner7486]

Sir Sidney at his finest!!

[@coolnegative]

R.I.P. I know we still have such a long way to go, but I am so grateful that since the 60s we have been moving forward. I have nephews and nieces that have African American, Mexican, and Filipino..........I love them all so much, it hurts to think of them being mistreated for any reason, but because of their heritage!? F-No!

[@1eradney]

"The slap heard around the world" Amen! That slap help grew my Black manhood! That slap is the boldest Black 'real virility' that will ever be expressed in a movie! That was enough for Sidney to gain my love for a eternity! Then he follows it up with "they call me Mr. Tibbs" - who is this man-gift from God to our humanity!

[@jonathanharvey5701]

I read that the slap by Sidney Poitier wasn't in the script and was done impromptu by Poitier taking the white actor by surprise which allowed for a more realistic response. As a kid during the 70's when i understood Jim Crow and the Chattel Slavery Era, my mom asked me how would i have dealt with being hit or spit on by a white man or called a boy if i was a grown man during those eras. Before i could answer, my mom said forget it, they would have to kill you. I said to my mom at the age of 7 or 8, '' you damn right''! She asked me that because at that age i was very militant against seeing black men and women made lesser than whites. And she didn't tell me to watch my language either. The Sidney slap brought back memories indeed.

[@mauriceanderson5780]

J. I don't know you .but you are my soul brother from another mother with that comment.people always told me same thing.

[@lashaisrael2151]

That slap makes my teeth white - OUTSTANDING!!!! RIP👑

[@jjutt87]

Damn, I get chills at the end, who's cutting onions?!

[@deloreswillis9224]

Omg! I LOVED …. that 👋 SLAP!!!!!!

[@judithcharles9847]

It was the way he shrug his shoulder after slapping that man that I loved the most. RIP to our ICON

[@brandijohnson1326]

We lost another good one rip king😢

[@Nolaboy17]

My wife and I just watched in the heat of the night for the first time ever. Saw the show many times, but when we saw that reaction slap and Gillespie face and response. "I don't know." 🤣🤣🤣

[@tcdavis6553]

Great Black Man... Our Condolences to the families... GOD Bless All

[@kelvinreed8229]

My Favorite scene in the Movie.

[@hassanburton669]

THAT SLAP 👋🏿 HAD ME HOLLERING….THE SOUTHERN BOX OFFICE?? WHAT ABOUT MOVIES 🎥 LIKE MISTER TIBBS..?? WHAT ABOUT BLACK CEASAR??? WHAT ABOUT DOLEMITE FILMS??

[@reelblack]

Those came after.

[@kobeykitty1311]

As desribed in Mr. Poitier's book "The Measure of a Man", he would not do the scene unless he could slap Endicott back. Brilliant acting, brilliant directing.

[@LionIron447]

A Man With Class...

[@vincentwilliams341]

Classic!!!!!!!

[@kimberlyjames4648]

I've got this on loop!

[@NTakaNiggatron]

RIP. Man, I actually use to think that he and Cicley Tyson were gonna live forever.

[@ElleBrOw]

Well hello there & happy new year Mr Woods 🙋🏽‍♀️

[@charleswoods9809]

Elle Brown: A special Hello and Happy New Year's wish to you. I don't have the energy now to respond to many of the viewers but I had to find some for you. It's always great to hear from you. I hope you and your loved ones are doing well. Be well and take care. Peace and Blessings!

[@BLTKellys]

I remember the actor Larry Gates as the Lewis patriarch on Guiding Light. His character’s look of astonishment to be slapped by a black man was brilliantly performed.

[@sistahamina]

as the illustrious james evans once said - ‘different folks, same strokes’…rest in power…

[@dm8296]

I love that scene.

[@MrPhenom444]

I bet “The Slap” got a bigger standing ovation than anything Spider-Man No Way Home ever got RIP to an Icon

[@barbarajolley6578]

RIP, Sir Sidney. You are sorely missed.

[@norseironworks]

A great actor. RIP

[@peterdavis8471]

I like the butler reaction in the background Lol

[@peacecrewproducts]

Rest In Power Sir

[@solemandd67]

In Mr. Poitier's autobiography he stated the scene originally called for the white actor to slap him and his only recourse was to look at him in disgust and walk away. Mr. Poitier refused that version and insisted on slapping the white racist character back. Now this is AFTER he'd already won the Best Actor Oscar and had already refused to play subservient stereotypical racist roles for Hollywood. The audacity to even present him with a script, calling for him to be slapped by a racist character, and not physically respond on that characters level, in the midst of the civil rights movement, should tell everyone everything about the miopic view of Black people by the majority of the un melinated and by extention, Hollywood. *The servant was played by actor Mr. Jester Hairston. He was 66 when he appeared in this film. Mr. Poitier was 40. Despite his scripted reaction, I'm confident Mr. Hairston's heart swelled with pride at Mr. Poitier's physically defiant dignity. ✊🏾🖤🤜🏾📽🤛🏾🎬💪🏾

[@normanhenderson7300]

Okay, the guy gets biscuits and chicken for being a hero as you say. And may be we could throw some watermelon in there too. Too much is made of this ‘acting’.

[@solemandd67]

@@normanhenderson7300 I'm so enjoying your kkklownish anger at his accomplishments and praises and...I'm sure Mr. Poitier is too....Thank you for providing the perfect racist kkkontext which only supported my point as to why Sidney Poitier's international accomplishments are so significant....."Bye Norman" 🖐🏾....LOL.

[@vivmckinney1989]

I remember going to the movie theatre to see that movie and it was a full house and that scene when that white man slap Sidney ..everybody sucked in their breath and when Sidney instantly SLAPPED HIM BACK!!!! everybody hollering and screaming laughing...btw back in the day we could stay at the movie theater and see the movie over and over again..sometimes there were two movies we would see back to back!

[@Brwnslk]

To Sir, With Love.

[@marvelousmartian5379]

I LOVE THAT SCENE! The look on Jester Hairston's face is classic! Also watch the movie BROTHER JOHN where he puts a whooping on a racist cop!!

[@CherieulaJ]

Bravo Sir Sidney Poitier! 👏🏽👏🏼👏🏿👏🏾🤗❤️😘💋❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@tom11zz884]

R.I.P. Sidney

[@jazzcookmusic5677]

You had to be in a Black movie theater to truly enjoy that scene.

[@yoyou3168]

They call me MR.TIBBS!!! Enough said.....

[@trevorjames4619]

I just read that slap was real. No wonder this moment was so powerful

[@1virgosmith]

Another Icon Gone, boy earth is getting Lonely 😔

[@IndigoRhapsody]

Thank you

[@darrenclements6028]

Rest in peace sidney poitier movie legend

[@jessediaz1293]

Lmao 🤣😂🤣 the look on the white guys face aaghh! Just shocked 😳 😂😂

[@WichalRangai]

his impression of DG is on point!!!

[@oldheaddeuce2273]

Bubbles story crazy funny, can i tell my friends?

[@larrycobb5798]

"...I called it the slap heard around the world!" Man ain't that the truth?!

[@1MRPE]

Rest In Power King 👑🙌🏿✊🏿❤🕊🙏🏾

[@keishahills58]

Remembering Sidney Poitier : The Slap ! 🤣😂

[@sistarkenyasue2078]

Satisfying

[@unique74muzik]

Rollie Forbes was buggin' them eyes after that slap back 👀

[@donsplace3625]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@dreamquesttv]

Jester Hairston was always an old dude 😂😂😂

[@geraldjohnson9403]

So, which of us will continue his legacy? We must stand up as our forefathers. He was well disciplined and educated. Let's follow!