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Hollywood is mourning the death of Harry Belafonte, the legendary singer, actor and activist, who died Tuesday. He was 96.
Belafonte died of congestive heart failure at his home in New York, representative Paula Witt said in a statement.
The “King of Calypso” will be remembered as one of the most popular entertainers of the 20th century. But his civil-rights work in the 1960s and his anti-apartheid work in the 1980s will be just as enduring.
Celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey, celebrated Belafonte’s life work on social media, calling him a “hero” and “role model.”
“I wasn’t an artist who became an activist. I was an activist who became an artist,” Belafonte wrote in his 2011 memoir.
Read all the tributes.
Biden, Obama, more pay tribute
President Joe Biden shared in a statement that he and his wife, First Lady Jill Biden, are “saddened by the passing of a groundbreaking American who used his talent, his fame, and his voice to help redeem the soul of our Nation.”
“He dedicated his entire life to breaking barriers and bridging divides,” Biden continued. “Harry Belafonte’s accomplishments are legendary and his legacy of outspoken advocacy, compassion, and respect for human dignity will endure. He will be remembered as a great American.”
Former President Barack Obama remembered Belafonte as “a barrier-breaking legend who used his platform to lift others up.”
“He lived a good life – transforming the arts while also standing up for civil rights,” Obama continued. “And he did it all with his signature smile and style. Michelle and I send our love to his wife, kids and fans.”
Vice President Kamala Harris said Belafonte “was one of our nation’s most powerful voices for change.”
“Like all true patriots, Harry Belafonte had the ability to see what could be and had the courage to work to realize that vision,” she continued. “He fought to help America live up to our highest ideals: dignity, equity, and justice for all. For years, it was my honor to call Harry a dear friend and rely on his wisdom and counsel. America has lost a giant.”
American Civil Liberties Union Executive Director, Anthony D. Romero, issued a statement reflecting on Belafonte’s cultural and social contributions.
“Mr. Belafonte understood that alongside advocating for systemic change in the courts and through legislation, there was power in changing hearts and minds through art and culture,” Romero said. “He believed that actors, musicians, and all artists have a responsibility to use their platform to advance social justice.”
Gina Belafonte, Berry Gordy honor Belafonte
Belafonte’s daughter Gina remembered her dad as “a complicated father who lived one of the fullest lives in human history.”
“You could be harsh and terrifying, you could be strong and strategic,” she said. “But when you pulled me in, close to your heart the embrace was everlasting. You lived with purpose and we are all better for your contributions.”
Motown founder Berry Gordy called Belafonte “truly a man of cause, conviction and principle.”
“I still remember the day in 1968 when Harry and I marched side by side on the Poor People’s March to Freedom,” he added. “He will be missed and my sincere condolences go out to his family.”
John Legend, Viola Davis, Spike Lee, more remember Belafonte
Actor and activist Danny Glover paid tribute to his longtime friend.
“With his passing, this is not only a deep and personal loss for me, but for the people of the world who have also lost a beloved artist and humanitarian,” he said.
“You used your profile and gifts to leave a legacy of activism, of hope, dignity … excellence,” wrote Viola Davis. “Thank you for your vision and talent. Thank you for being a beacon. You are now amongst our beautiful ancestors …. continue to guide us!”
John Legend called Belafonte the “epitome” of “what it means to be an artist and an activist” while speaking at the Time100 summit.
“So gifted as an artist, as a performer, but used his platform in almost a subversive way because he would sneak messages in there — revolutionary messages — when people thought he was just singing about good times in the islands,” Legend continued. “He was always like infusing messages of protest and revolution in everything he did, and not only that, but he used his resources. He’s one of the most successful artists of his time. He used those resources to fund the civil rights movement.”
Yara Shahidi, Oprah, Sheryl Lee Ralph remember Harry Belafonte
Yara Shahidi reflected on Belafonte’s impact on the world on Instagram, sharing a photo of the two in conversation.
“Rest In Peace to the artist whose activism redefined the role of culture and media in bringing about a better future,” she wrote.
She told USA TODAY actors including Belafonte and Sidney Portier allowed her to “share my opinions and my thoughts” because of “what they did to establish this legacy of art and activism.”
“(It’s) really sad that we’ve lost a legend, but if there’s anyone that I’m assured whose impact lives on, it is him,” she says of Belafonte.
“Another ‘GREAT TREE’ has fallen,” Oprah wrote on Instagram posting photos from an interview they had together. “Harry Belafonte, a Trailblazer and Hero to us all. Thank you for your music, your artistry, your activism, your fight for civil rights and justice—especially risking your life back in the day to get money to the movement. Your being here on Earth has Blessed us all.”
Obituary:Harry Belafonte, trailblazing singer, actor and activist, dies at 96
Sheryl Lee Ralph wrote on Instagram, with several photos of the two together: “We lost a true Jamaican American hero today. Harry Belafonte was so many things and a supportive mentor and role model to me.”
“Rest in peace King Harry Belafonte. I am so honored and Grateful that I got to sit at your feet and learn from you,” Tiffany Haddish wrote with a photo of Belafonte spending time with her and her ex-boyfriend Common.
Belafonte in photos:Harry Belafonte’s life and career in photos, from ‘Calypso’ to Broadway and activism
Jamie Lee Curtis posts Ebony cover with Belafonte and her parents
Jamie Lee Curtis posted a photo of her parents, Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis, on the cover of Ebony Magazine alongside Belafonte.
“Harry Belafonte exemplified this and utilized every aspect of his immeasurable talent, applying it specifically to the plight of other human beings and their civil rights,” Curtis wrote. I am happy that my parents both participated in a little of that work, and that they combined their talents for the inauguration of President Kennedy in 1961.”
Bernice A. King and Rev. Al Sharpton share memories of Belafonte
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s daughter, Bernice King, shared a photo of Belafonte standing next to her mother during her father’s funeral.
“When I was a child, Harry Belafonte showed up for my family in very compassionate ways,” she wrote on Instagram. “He paid for the babysitter for me and my siblings. Here he is mourning with my mother at the funeral service for my father at Morehouse College. I won’t forget…Rest well, sir.”
Rev. Al Sharpton sent an emailed statement remembering “a true mentor and friend” for the “fruitful life he led.”
“I am heartbroken to hear of his death,” Sharpton wrote. “He realized his platform gave him the ability to affect change. He used it to advance the civil rights movement and get others in his position off the sidelines. I cherished the time he would give me and others to both guide and correct us.”
He added: “He was a culture-changing entertainer, a history-changing activist, and an unmatchable intellectual. Rest in peace and power, Mr. B.”
Contributing: Maria Puente and Charles Trepany, USA TODAY; The Associated Press
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