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The Two Wives Of Sidney Poitier: Where Are Juanita Hardy And Joanna Shimkus Today?

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The legendary life of Sidney Poitier, a trailblazing actor, diplomat, and civil rights advocate, was defined not just by his groundbreaking career but also by his deep commitment to his family, particularly his two marriages. As of December 2025, the focus remains on the enduring legacies of the women who stood by him: his first wife, Juanita Hardy, and his widow, Joanna Shimkus. This article offers a fresh, in-depth look at their lives, the unique dynamics of their relationships with the icon, and where they are today. Poitier’s personal life was a tapestry woven with the complexities of fame and devotion, resulting in a blended family of six accomplished daughters. While his professional achievements are celebrated globally, the stories of Juanita Hardy and Joanna Shimkus—one a successful business mogul and the other a dedicated guardian of his memory—reveal the private man behind the public figure.

A Tale of Two Marriages: Sidney Poitier's Wives and Family

Sidney Poitier was married twice during his lifetime, each relationship spanning a significant era of his rise to global fame.

First Wife: Juanita Hardy (1950–1965)

  • Full Name: Juanita Hardy (now Juanita Hardy Poitier).
  • Born: 1930 (approximate).
  • Profession: Former Model, Dancer, Media Personality, and Business Mogul.
  • Marriage Duration: 15 years (April 29, 1950, to 1965).
  • Children: Four daughters: Beverly Poitier-Henderson, Pamela Poitier, Sherri Poitier, and Gina Poitier.
  • Key Detail: Met Poitier shortly after he began his acting career.

Second Wife: Joanna Shimkus (1976–2022)

  • Full Name: Joanna Marie Shimkus Poitier.
  • Born: October 30, 1943, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
  • Profession: Canadian-Lithuanian Actress.
  • Marriage Duration: 46 years (January 23, 1976, until his death in 2022).
  • Children: Two daughters: Anika Poitier and Sydney Tamiia Poitier.
  • Key Detail: Met Poitier on the set of the 1969 film *The Lost Man*.

The Six Daughters: A Blended Family

Poitier was a proud "girl dad" to six daughters, all of whom have pursued successful careers in various fields. The six Poitier daughters are: Beverly, Pamela, Sherri, Gina (from his first marriage), and Anika and Sydney Tamiia (from his second marriage). Sydney Tamiia Poitier, in particular, followed in her parents' footsteps, establishing herself as an accomplished actress in Hollywood.

Juanita Hardy: Life After Divorce and Her Surprising Career Turn

Juanita Hardy's marriage to Sidney Poitier began in 1950, a time when Poitier was just starting to make his mark in the burgeoning film industry. She was a model and dancer, having studied at Columbia University and appeared in publications like *Sepia* and *Ebony*. The couple faced financial struggles early on as Poitier’s career was taking off, settling in Stuyvesant, New York. The marriage ended in 1965, following a tumultuous period that included Poitier’s well-documented nine-year affair with actress Diahann Carroll, his co-star in *Porgy and Bess*. Poitier and Carroll had initially promised to leave their respective spouses, but Poitier ultimately returned to his family, though the marriage could not be saved, ending in divorce.

The Business Mogul: Juanita Hardy Today

While Juanita Hardy maintained a relatively private life immediately following the divorce, recent information reveals a significant career shift. She is now recognized as a popular business mogul and media personality. Her most notable professional achievement post-divorce is the founding of Tiger Management Consultation, a firm that highlights her transition from the arts to the corporate world. This pivot to a career in business showcases her resilience and determination, allowing her to forge a significant path outside the shadow of her famous ex-husband. She continues to support her four daughters and remains an important figure in the extended Poitier family.

Joanna Shimkus: Preserving a Legacy as Sidney Poitier's Widow

Joanna Shimkus, a Canadian-Lithuanian actress, met Sidney Poitier on the set of the 1969 film *The Lost Man*. Their connection was immediate, but they did not marry until 1976. Shimkus had a notable acting career in European cinema before dedicating her life to her family with Poitier. Her filmography includes a role in the 1968 film *Boom!* opposite Hollywood legends Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Their marriage lasted 46 years, making it one of the longest and most enduring unions in Hollywood history. Poitier often spoke of his deep love and respect for Shimkus, describing her and their children as the most important things in his life.

A New Role: Guardian of Poitier's Speeches

Following Sidney Poitier’s death in January 2022, Joanna Shimkus has taken on the crucial role of preserving his vast and influential legacy. This is a fresh and unique detail about her current life. While cleaning out his office, she discovered a drawer full of his old speeches. "I started reading them and I thought, ‘This is inspiring,’" Shimkus shared in a recent interview, indicating her active role in ensuring his impact as a Civil Rights advocate and cultural icon is not forgotten. She continues to live a private life, focused on her family and supporting her daughters, Anika Poitier and actress Sydney Tamiia Poitier, while honoring the memory of her husband, the first Black man to win an Oscar for a leading role.

The Enduring Legacy of the Poitier Family

The story of Sidney Poitier's wives is inseparable from his enduring legacy, which extends beyond the groundbreaking films like *Guess Who's Coming to Dinner* and *In the Heat of the Night*. His life was a testament to breaking racial barriers in Hollywood and advocating for equality. The six Poitier daughters, raised by two strong and intelligent women—Juanita Hardy and Joanna Shimkus—have continued this legacy through their own professional pursuits. The family represents a powerful, blended unit that has navigated the complexities of fame, divorce, and Hollywood while remaining a close-knit group. The lives of Juanita Hardy and Joanna Shimkus, one a successful business executive and the other a guardian of a cultural icon's memory, prove that the women connected to the legendary actor were forces in their own right. Their stories are a vital part of understanding the full, rich life of Sidney Poitier, a man who consistently prioritized his family above all else.
sidney poitier wife
sidney poitier wife

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