Cicely Tyson Parents: Meet Frederica Tyson and William Augustine Tyson.

Cicely Tyson was an acclaimed actress from the United States. She was the daughter of Frederica Tyson and William Augustine Tyson.

Her mother Fredericka Tyson was a domestic worker, and her father William Augustine Tyson worked as a carpenter and painter.

Cicely Tyson’s parents were West Indian immigrants from Nevis. On August 4, 1919, her father came in New York City at the age of 21 and was processed at Ellis Island. Cicely Tyson was raised in a devout household.

She sang in the choir and attended prayer meetings at an East Harlem Episcopal church. Tyson’s mother was opposed to her becoming an actor and refused to speak to her for a period of time.

When she watched Cicely appear on stage, she changed her mind. Tyson went on the network television game programme To Tell The Truth as a “imposter” for Australian singer Shirley Abicair in 1963, while a student at New York’s New School For Social Research, garnering two of the four potential votes.

In a career spanning more than seven decades in cinema, television, and theatre, she became known for her portrayal of strong African-American women. Cicely Tyson won three Emmys, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a Tony Award, an Honorary Academy Award, and a Peabody Award.