Kimberly Elise and Cicely Tyson are two acclaimed actresses who have starred in several movies and TV shows. They have also worked together on the 2005 film Diary of a Mad Black Woman, where they played mother and daughter. But are they related in real life? Many fans have wondered about this question, especially after Tyson’s death in January 2021. Here is the truth behind the rumors.
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Kimberly Elise paid tribute to Cicely Tyson after her death
Cicely Tyson died on Jan. 28, 2021, at the age of 96. She was a trailblazer in Hollywood, breaking barriers for Black women and earning multiple awards and honors for her roles in Sounder, Roots, The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, The Help, and How to Get Away with Murder, among others. She also released her memoir, Just As I Am, two days before her death.
Kimberly Elise was one of the stars who paid tribute to Tyson on social media. She posted a photo of them together on Instagram and wrote:
> “My heart is broken into pieces at the news of the passing of my dear friend and mentor, Cicely Tyson. She was an icon, a legend, a mother to me and many others in this industry. She was the epitome of grace, beauty, wisdom, talent, and strength. She taught me so much about life, artistry, dignity, and courage. I will miss her dearly and honor her always.”
> “One of the greatest gifts Cicely Tyson gave me was this conversation we had one day about acting and life. I will cherish it forever.”
Kimberly Elise is not Cicely Tyson’s biological daughter
Despite their close relationship and resemblance, Kimberly Elise is not Cicely Tyson’s biological daughter. Tyson only had one child, a daughter she referred to as “Joan” in her memoir. She gave birth to her at 18 during her marriage to Kenneth Franklin. She wrote:
> “Joan felt, as a child, that she had to share me with the world. I give her now, in adulthood, what my heart has always longed to bestow — my undivided focus, along with the full measure of her privacy.”
Tyson never revealed Joan’s real name or identity to protect her from the public eye. Joan reportedly works as an artist.
Kimberly Elise has two daughters of her own: Ajableu Oldham and Butterfly Rose Oldham. She was married to Maurice Oldham from 1989 to 2005. He died in 2007 from a blood clot. Elise has not remarried since then.
Fans want Kimberly Elise to play Cicely Tyson in a biopic
Although Kimberly Elise is not Cicely Tyson’s real daughter, many fans think she should play her in a biopic. They have pointed out their physical similarity and their chemistry on screen. They have also praised Elise’s acting skills and versatility.
Elise has not commented on whether she would be interested in playing Tyson in a biopic. However, she has expressed her admiration for Tyson’s legacy and influence on her career. She told Essence in 2017:
> “She’s been such an inspiration for me as an actress because she’s always been so committed to telling our stories as Black women with such dignity and grace.”
Elise also said that working with Tyson on Diary of a Mad Black Woman was one of the highlights of her life.
> “She was so generous with me as an actress and as a person,” she said. “She really took me under her wing and mentored me.”
Whether or not Kimberly Elise gets to play Cicely Tyson in a biopic, it is clear that they shared a special bond that transcended blood ties.
