Sidney Poitier: In his own words

Sidney Poitier talked about the hardships, responsibilities and importance of his historic ascent in Hollywood throughout his years. The iconic actor died Thursday at 94.

But Poitier, who refused to play such caricatures, emerged as a matinee idol, an Oscar-winning actor and one of the most potent and graceful screen presences of his time, paving the way for countless who followed him.

In interviews and in his 2000 autobiography, "The Measure of a Man," Poitier spoke and wrote about the hardships, responsibilities and importance of his historic ascent in Hollywood. Here are excerpts of Poitier in his own words through the years.