Bob Iger Comments on the Passing of Former Disney Board Member and Actor Sidney Poitier

By Madeleine Zaharchuk Leave a Comment

You may remember that back in 2020, Bob Chapek took over as the new CEO of the Walt Disney Company, replacing the recently retired Bob Iger. During his time as the CEO, Bob Iger played a major role in the introduction of Disney’s streaming service Disney+. Since his retirement, a new Executive Chairman at the Walt Disney Company named Susan Arnold has been named as his successor.

The Walt Disney Company has played a significant role in Hollywood

Although Iger is no longer in the public eye, he continues to use his platform to speak about current events and important issues. On January 7th, he tweeted a special message about a former Disney board member.

Actor and activist Sidney Poitier passed away on January 6th, 2022. His passing sparked a conversation about race, responsibility, and dignity, according to the New York Times. Bob Iger tweeted a touching comment on Poitier’s death, writing, “Former @disney board member Sidney Poitier was the most dignified man I’ve ever met. Towering…gentle…passionate…bold…kind…altogether special.”

Former @disney board member Sidney Poitier was the most dignified man I’ve ever met. Towering…gentle…passionate…bold…kind…altogether special. pic.twitter.com/1ccPjqabkz

— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) January 7, 2022

Iger’s remarks contribute to the growing outpouring of love and support for the award-winning actor. Poitier was a trailblazer; he was the first Black performer to win a best-actor award, and his work as an actor highlighted the peaceful integrationist goals of the civil rights movement.

Bob Iger ©New York Post

Iger also mentions that Poitier was a former Disney board member, serving on Disney’s board of directors from 1995 to 2003. His legacy will live on through his contributions to society and his films, like To Sir With Love and In the Heat of the Night.