Cicely Tyson’s Last Interview With Kelly and Ryan Before her Death

Women everywhere mourn the death of Cicely Tyson who removed obstacles and created a pathway for their careers. I watched the majority of her movies even as a young black girl, Cicely influenced my belief that l could have a career in television and writing. Regardless of the role Tyson played it captivated me because l often felt l had been through what that character divulged on the screen. Cicely was one of the first actresses l considered to be classy and extremely talented. The entertainment industry has lost one of its greatest teachers of true acting. From the origins of people like Oprah, Gayle King, Tracee Ellis Ross and her mother Diana Ross each of us admired and watched her performances in awe. Cicely Tyson inspired me to create my own television production company and pursue my education as a writer. We will miss Cicely but will go on stronger from the lessons she taught over the years regardless of our race.

l watched the interview on Live With Kelly and Ryan where Cicely Tyson mentioned how she watched their show for years. Even during the time when Regis Philbin was the host before his untimely death. Tyson also discussed with Kelly and Ryan her new book entitled, Just As I Am. Tyson described this autobiography this way, “Just As I Am is my truth. It is me, plain and unvarnished with the glitter and garland set aside. Here, I am indeed Cicely, the actress who has been blessed to grace the stage and screen for six decades...” What a life Cicely lived as we joined her in that journey through life.

News anchor David Muir of ABC World News Tonight featured this powerful segment on Tyson by expressing, “ Tonight here remembering actress Cicely Tyson who broke barriers. Carefully selecting her roles and her words always with dignity and grace. Cicely Tyson was an actress, an activist and a trailblazer. Born in 1924 in Harlem. The daughter of immigrants. She started her career as a model. Then as a single mother. Turning to actIng. She was the first black actress to play a recurring role on network television. Her breakout as a sharecropper‘s wife in Sounder earning her an Oscar nomination. Vowing over the years to take on roles portraying black women with dignity and strength. Speaking of the stereotype she often witnessed along the way.“ Cicely made this powerful statement, ‘To deal with what l consider another level of sterotypes. Is putting me and my race back where we were like a hundred years ago.’ Muir continued by explaining, “She earned two Emmys portraying the former slave in the Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman. Her role in Roots and later years in The Help.”

Cicely Tyson was a true inspiration to many in her older years as well. David Muir revealed, “Perservering and breaking barriers. Tyson in an interview explained, ‘There were so many issues l felt that l had to address and l used my career as my platform.’ Muir went on to commend Tyson, “At 88 years old winning a Tony for her Broadway performance in The Trip to Bountiful.” Cicely is shown on stage previously singing what is appropriate for how she lived. “This is my story. This is my song.” Anchorman David Muir summed up his comments by stating, “ And in her final interview just this week with Kelly and Ryan before we learned of her death. Her strength on full display.” Cicely expressed how she felt about her life’s work. ‘I never worked for money. I worked because there were certain issues that l wished to address about myself and my race as a black woman.‘ David Muir ended with these words, “So many gifts she gave us including those words just this week.” Thanks David for such an inspirational piece about such a great woman.

Years ago, I truly enjoyed the television show, #Live With Regis and Kelly. The departure of Regis, upon his retirement and now Regis’ death was sad and disappointing. Philbin passed away of natural causes at the age of 88 based on a statement from Fox News. “His family and friends are forever grateful for the time we got to spend with him—for his warmth, his legendary sense of humor, and his singular ability to make everyday into something worth talking about. We thank his fans and admirers for their incredible support over his 60-year career and ask for privacy as we mourn his loss.” I am sure the phone calls and visits were overwhelming because #Regis Philbin was truly loved and admired.

During the television show for his retirement, I watched Regis, as he had people sing and give him praise for years of hard work. I even saw the interview where Katie, made a bet that he would cry during this last show. I was not surprised that we did not see tears during the taping because there was something people did not fully understand about Regis. He was used as a tool to help others accomplish their goals and it was just time for him to move on.

Another major television personality was #Oprah, who got to the same point where after twenty five years, she moved on to her next goal. I fully understood both of their decisions because I have been there and still remain in that predicament. I had a cable television program in the seventies where I always promoted the dreams of others. I can recall many days during the televising of my program, where my guests would come out petrified. I would have to take their hands and explain, how the audience would love them. They should just do what they were good at and move on. I truly enjoyed being the promoter of others as they performed their immense talents.

During my television program, I recalled a very talented young woman who had the voice of a #Jennifer Hudson. She could sing anything and make it sound good. Behind the scenes before she came out to perform, there was an immense source of terror in her eyes. I grabbed her hands, looked directly into her eyes and said, "You can do this. I have never seen anyone more talented than you. Look into the cameras and just sing." Later, she belted out a performance that caused my viewers to write the station about how talented she was. Eventually this young woman went on to record numerous songs and performed in major venues. Her performance not only increased my ratings but also enhanced her career.

I also remember a Disc Jockey who was very popular on our local radio station called, WDAS FM. His voice was smooth and powerful. In the seventies, very few blacks had access to television until the development of cable. I was fortunate to have created my own award winning cable program where I could exhibit major sources of talent. I was amazed when this extreme source of talent came on my television show. Beyond this beautiful voice on the radio, was a seemingly shy and timid person before the cameras. He sat beside me still and confused, so during the first break I turned to him and said, "You got the voice and looks just speak to the audience as though you were speaking to them on the radio." By the time we returned from our break, the Dis Jockey emerged to his greatest potential. He was an awesome co-host from that point. This young man went on and continues to be a great Disc Jockey as well as a great host of his own television program. It was like handing the baton to another person of tremendous talent. He always had it in him to be able to do radio and television, he just needed the opportunity and encouragement.

Today, I heard how Regis handed that same baton to numerous other individuals before his death. Regis Philbin was always a source of inspiration for me during my career. It was inspirational and refreshing to hear, #Kelly Ripa, his previous co-host explained how her first day on the show brought on extreme nervousness. Regis took Kelly by the hand, led her out as the audience applauded, he turned to her and said, "they are here for you." Kelly explained that she knew that wasn't true but those words inspired her to go on. Numerous other interviews with young artists expressed the same point of how Regis made them feel more comfortable than any show they had ever been on. This comfort zone inspired them to go on.

Recently, Kelly Ripa, celebrated 15 years as co-host. The show was previously called Live With Kelly and Michael with co-host #Michael Strahan. At the present time, Michael Strahan, is no longer a part of the show. Presently, Kelly is hosting with Ryan Seacrest. Both continue to be a major force in the entertainment industry as they inspire others to do their best within their fields. I am appreciative for the fine examples of Regis, Kelly, Michael and Ryan over the years along with their numerous years of service in the entertainment industry.

Beating the drums for the announcement of others is gratifying. I am no longer on television but I try to inspire people through my writings and spiritual interest. Encouraging people to maintain their faith to a higher authority and maintain good morals, is my interest now. I beat the drum and introduce them by saying, "you can be good God fearing people. There is no need to hurt or persecute your brother. Demonstrate love and fear the true God Jehovah." You can march freely to the beat of your own drum but sometimes, we all need a little encouragement to do the marching. Regis, did that for the past 60 some years. We will miss him dearly but he has the hope of a resurrection. The Bible guarantees that “There is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Acts 24:15) We can all learn from Regis’ example. Inspiring and encouraging others to help them do something that we know they are capable of, is a beautiful thing. Go out and inspire! The world is in desperate need of people who can beat the drum to introduce others to the world. Be that source of inspiration for the good. If we teach that to others, one day we may have to move on as well through retirement or death. When we do, there will be a source of fulfillment that is rewarding and refreshing.