Who is Juanita Hardy? All About Sidney Poitier’s First Wife

Juanita Hardy was Sidney Poitier’s first wife. Born in 1931, Juanita was a former American model and dancer whose husband was the legendary actor who made history as the first African-American to win an Oscar. They married in 1950 and remained together for 15 years before divorcing in 1965.

Hardy and Poitier got married during the period when Poitier achieved a breakthrough in his career. They thus became one of the most iconic black couples in Hollywood. They lived a glamorous life together. They also welcomed four children; four daughters: Beverly, Pamela, Sherri, and Gina. They also had several grandchildren. Despite their eventual divorce, they maintained a respectful relationship, primarily for the well-being of their children.

They divorced and moved on with their respective lives. Hardy is now a light worker who is dedicated to helping children and youths. She is also a grandma, courtesy of her children. She was also on good terms with her famous ex-husband before he passed away in 2022.

What Is Juanita Hardy’s Ethnicity, Is She Black?

Although many details about her background remain shrouded in mystery, one thing that is for sure is that Juanita Hardy is black. She has African-American ethnicity and American nationality. She was born in 1931. The young Juanita Hardy grew up in Bridgeport, Alabama, and was raised by a loving family, including her grandma.

She was quite hard working as a young lady and made money from growing sweet potatoes. She also cleaned for white people and was able to save up funds. Hardy initially wanted to use those funds for fun activities such as fairs, but her grandma advised her to use them and get an education which she did.

She is a Former Model, Dancer and a Payroll Clerk

Upon completing her school diploma, Juanita Hardy worked hard to make a good life for herself. She moved out to places such as New York and worked as a payroll clerk for Blumstein’s Department Store. She also dabbled in modeling and dancing. Juanita Hardy also dedicated herself to mentoring young persons whom she believed that the system had failed.

Juanita Hardy and Sidney Poitier began Dating in the Late 40s and Wed in 1950

Though the exact details of their relationship are unknown, it is reasonable to assume that Juanita Hardy met Sidney Poitier during their mutual involvement in the movie industry. Their meet-cute took place in the late 40s, and they fell hard and fast for each other. They dated for some time before getting married on the 29th of April 1950.

Their Marriage Lasted for 15 Years, during Which They Welcomed Four Daughters

Following the nuptials, Juanita Hardy and Sidney Poitier made their home in the Pleasantville area of New York. They welcomed their first child, a daughter named Beverly, in 1952. They subsequently welcomed three more daughters, namely Pamela, Sherri, and Gina.

During this period, Sidney Poitier became one of the most famous black actors in Hollywood. As such, he and Juanita Hardy had a wonderful life. They and their kids lived in an exquisite home in Stuyvesant, New York. They also attended several red carpet events together and were profiled by the likes of Ebony and Life Magazines.

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They Later Divorced after Poitier Commenced a Long Affair with Actress, Diahann Carroll

Juanita Hardy divorced Sidney Poitier because he cheated on her with actress Diahann Carroll. Poitier became acquainted with Carroll after they starred in the 1959 movie, Porgy and Bess. He took an instant liking to her, and they commenced an affair. The actor initially planned to be honest with Hardy but was deterred by their children.

He wanted to be a responsible dad to his children and stayed married for about five more years. He and Juanita eventually split in 1965. It was a painful way to divorce, and Juanita must have harbored some animosity toward her ex. They, however, made peace down the line. When Sidney Poitier celebrated his 90th birthday bash in Beverly Hills in 2017, Juanita was in attendance and also featured in the official family portrait.

Juanita Hardy has Lived Her Life Out of the Spotlight and is Dedicated to Charity

Following her divorce from Sidney Poitier, Juanita Hardy has maintained a low profile. She now lives her life away from the spotlight, making it difficult to know what she is up to. Juanita Hardy may have remarried after Sydney, but this is not confirmed.

One certain thing, however, is that she still lives in New York and is dedicated to charitable endeavors. She has organized fundraisers for the Urban League. She is also a light worker. A light worker is any being dedicated to the cultivation of inner presence and the elevation of awareness in self and other-selves.

Juanita Hardy Has Four Daughters and Several Grand Children

Juanita Hardy has four daughters from her marriage to Sidney Poitier. They are Beverly, Pamela, Sherri, and Gina

Juanita Hardy’s Eldest Daughter, Beverly Poitier-Henderson, is a Jewellery Designer

Juanita Hardy’s first child is her daughter, Beverly. She was born on the 4th of July 1952. She has grown up to be a jewelry designer and is credited for the Poitier Henderson jewelry. She is also a writer, producer, and novelist. Beverly now lives in Georgia with her husband and children.

Her Second Eldest Daughter, Pamela, is an Actor and Teacher

Juanita Hardy’s second child is her daughter, Pamela Poitier. She was born a few years after Beverly and became a teacher. She also tried her hands at acting as well.

Juanita Hardy’s Third Child, Sherri, is a Chef and Actress

Juanita Hardy’s third child is Sherri Poitier, who was born on the 12th of July 1956. She is a professional chef. She is also an actress and appeared with her father’ in the 1977 film, A Piece of the Action.

Juanita Hardy’s Youngest Child, Gina, Died in 2018

Juanita Hardy’s last child was her daughter, Gina. Gina was born in 1961 and died in 2018 at the age of 57. During her lifetime, she was a fashion designer and ran a boutique for plus-size women. She also worked as an admin assistant. Gina was previously married to a fellow named Gaetan Gouraige, and they had four children together.

Key Facts About Juanita Hardy

1. Who is Juanita Hardy? Juanita Hardy is famously known as the first wife of Sidney Poitier, the legendary actor and director. She is an accomplished American businesswoman, former model, media personality, and the founder of Tiger Management Consultation. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics from Livingston College and a master’s degree in Mathematics from Livingstone College.
2. How old is Juanita Hardy? Juanita Hardy’s age is estimated to range from 70-80 years. She prefers to maintain a private life and has not revealed her exact date of birth to the public.
3. What is Juanita Hardy’s ethnicity? Born in America, Juanita Hardy is reported to be of mixed ethnicity.
4. What is Juanita Hardy’s educational background? Juanita Hardy attended local schools in her town, then George University, and holds a Master’s degree in Mathematics from Livingstone College.
5. What is Juanita Hardy known for in her professional life? Juanita Hardy served as the IBM State and Local National Leader from 1974 for 30 years, retiring in 2005. She gained prominence at Silver Spring, a Maryland-based organizing firm, and later founded Tiger Management Consultation. The firm focuses mainly on creative holdings and training in the real estate industry.
6. How did Juanita Hardy and Sidney Poitier meet? Juanita Hardy met Sidney Poitier while working as the IBM State and Local National Leader. Their professional connection played a significant role in her career journey.
7. When did Juanita Hardy and Sidney Poitier get married? Juanita Hardy and Sidney Poitier exchanged vows on April 29, 1950, after dating for three months. They lived in Stuyvesant, New York, along the Hudson River.
8. Why did Juanita Hardy and Sidney Poitier divorce? They divorced in 1965 after 15 years of marriage. The divorce occurred after Sidney Poitier had an affair with Diahann Carroll, which led to Juanita filing for divorce.
9. Did Juanita Hardy and Sidney Poitier have children together? Yes, Juanita Hardy and Sidney Poitier had four daughters together: Beverly, Pamela, Sherri, and Gina Poitier. Their daughters have pursued careers in jewelry business, acting, culinary arts, and advocacy for plus-sized women, respectively.
10. What was the cause of Gina Poitier’s death? The cause of Gina Poitier’s death, the youngest daughter of Juanita Hardy and Sidney Poitier, remains unknown to the public. Her obituary cited it as quick and unexpected.