Virgil Tibbs: Last News

Sidney Poitier died from heart failure, according to the actor's death certificate. Poitier passed away at his Beverly Hills home at the age of 94 from cardiopulmonary failure on Jan. 6, the certificate obtained by TMZ said.

Norman Jewison andLee Grant reflected on the late Sidney Poitier's slap scene in the 1967 featureIn the Heat of the Night during an interview with Peoplethat was published on Saturday.During the sit-down, the feature's director and leading actress lauded the performer's acting ability and professionalism while working on the feature.The legendary actor passed away at his home in Los Angeles this past Thursday at the age of 94. Looking back:Norman Jewison and Lee Grant reflected on the late Sidney Poitier's slap scene in the 1967 feature In the Heat of the Night during an interview with People that was published on SaturdayIn the feature, Poitier portrayed Philadelphia police detective Virgil Tibbs, who becomes involved with a murder investigation taking place in Mississippi.During the much-lauded slap scene, Tibbs visited the residence of plantation owner Endicott, portrayed by Larry Gates, and asked him for any information he could provide regarding the case.

Hollywood and the nation are mourning a Hollywood pioneer today. Click on the photo above to launch a photo gallery on the career of Oscar winner Sidney Poitier, who has died at 94.