I have always admired the life and career of Cicely Tyson. Just this week I had the pleasure of seeing her brilliant performance in the play The Trip To Bountiful at the Ahmanson Theatre.
Several years ago, I had the
opportunity to meet Ms. Tyson at one of my award show stand-in jobs. I watched her rehearse and
when she was finished, I decided to introduce myself in the hopes of getting
some words of wisdom from this legendary artist. I walked up to her, "Ms.
Tyson?". She turned toward me very attentively and I continued, "I'm
nobody important but I just wanted to say....." She instantly cut me off,
"Baby, never ever say you're nobody. You ARE somebody important and don't
you ever forget it." I tried to laugh it off and continue, "Oh I know
but..." She turned her head and went on about her business. She was
through with me. Words of wisdom is what I wanted and words of wisdom is what I
got even though it wasn't in the way I had imagined. And I WILL never forget
it. Lesson? Words have power, you are what you speak. Be A Star Where You Are.
