Sidney Poitier‘s groundbreaking work as an actor, humanitarian and activist has not gone unnoticed. On Friday (Jan. 7), after news spread of his passing, many, including his fellow peers in Hollywood, took to social media to honor him and thank him for paving the way.

“This is a big one,” Viola Davis penned of the loss. “No words can describe how your work radically shifted my life. The dignity, normalcy, strength, excellence and sheer electricity you brought to your roles showed us that we, as Black folks, mattered!!!…Thank you! Thank you for leaving a legacy. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”

Morgan Freeman remembered Poitier as his “inspiration,” “guiding light” and “friend,” while Oprah Winfrey said he was her “mentor,” “brother” and “confidant” among other things.

In Kerry Washington’s tribute, she praised the Raisin in the Sun star for setting a superb example for others to follow.

“We lost an elegant King today. And heaven just became a lot more classy,” she wrote. “Thank you Sidney Poitier, for not only opening the door, but for walking in this world with endless grace and excellence, so that today, still, we follow behind you, reaching toward the example that you set. Rest In Peace and in Power. We love you.”

Barack Obama, Ava Duvernay, Whoopi Goldberg and more also expressed their condolences to the late star.

As REVOLT previously reported, Poitier, the first Black actor to win an Academy Award, passed away on Thursday night (Jan. 6). He was 94 years old. Look below to see the heartfelt tributes written in his honor.