Heather Headley Instagram – Oh my heart… My mother had a crush on Sidney Poitier! A formidable one that my father knew he had to accept and allow. Mr. Poitier was Caribbean. Talented. Successful. Kingly. And gorgeous. So, like any good mother, she planted her crush in me and watered it by making me watch ‘A Patch Of Blue,’ ‘To Sir, With Love,’ and ‘Lilies of the Field’ over and over again. By the time I met Mr. Poitier, I had watched all of his movies, studied his history, known about the strength he possessed to break through long-standing walls, forge through unchartered waters, and carry so many, myself included, while doing it all. He came to see us in #Aida, and without being told he was present in the audience, I recognized his statuesque regality from the stage. I almost choked on my notes. I remember running backstage and telling them I didn’t think I could go on and perform with him in the house. I’m not normally star struck. But for him. I was. Still…. I’m grateful for the years he was granted on this earth. ‘So happy God gave him so many. But so sad that they had to end. I’m grateful for the lessons he taught all of us on and off the screen. He was the ultimate actor. And a gentleman. A gentle. Man. Before Washington, and Freeman, and Whitaker, and Elba were. Poitier is!! And we will always call him… Mr. Poitier! (P.S. I still have that #crush…it came with me into my marriage, and my husband understands that he has to accept and allow it…🤷🏽‍♀️)! #welldone #SidneyPoitier