Cicely Tyson, an Actress Who Shattered Stereotypes, Dies at 96

She was 96. A family statement did not reveal the cause of death.

The actress chronicled her lengthy career in her first memoir, “Just As I Am,” which was just released Tuesday. Tyson embodied African American women who demanded attention — and more than that, respect. She played former slaves, civil rights icons, sharecroppers, truthtellers, mothers and other complicated women — bringing a sense of depth, nobility and grace to every character.