Biography Sidney Poitier was born February 20, 1927 in Miami Florida to Reginald and Evelyn Poitier, two Cat Island tomato farmers. He spent the first 15 years of life in Cat Island and New Providence before moving to Miami and eventually New York. After working various odd jobs, including dishwasher, and sleeping on rooftops, Poitier got his first opportunity to act with the American Negro Theater. Read more here: American Film Institute Biography PBS American Masters Time Line Video of Poitier's Honorary Oscar |