February 20, 2015
A Lesson in Longevity: Cicely Tyson’s Epic Debut on ‘How To Get Away With Murder’
How to Get Away with Murder fans were pleasantly surprised last night when the mother of lead character Annalise Keaton (Viola Davis), Ophelia, arrived and turned out to be none other than the Emmy-winning Cicely Tyson. In the episode, appropriately titled “Mama’s Here Now,” Ophelia steals the show and reaffirms why Tyson is one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actresses.
Nothing like your Clair Huxtable, Ophelia takes more of straight-shot-no-chaser approach to her parenting method, and Tyson’s portrayal of the matriarch was a big win.
#CICELYTYSON is on tonight’s @HowToGetAwayABC BABY We better fasten our seat belts! It’s going to be a bumpy night!!! pic.twitter.com/Ria8x7YLLn
– Debbie Allen (@msdebbieallen) February 20, 2015
Loved watching @violadavis and #CICELYTYSON and the amazing #HTGAWM cast tonight! #TGIT
– shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) February 20, 2015
Social media was abuzz, and watchers confirmed what we already knew—Tyson, who was recently honored with a Legacy Award at Black Enterprise’s Women of Power Summit, has still got it. Black Enterprise bestowed Tyson the honor last year, recognizing her outstanding impact, achievement and leadership in the arts. The Women of Power Legacy Award is one of many honors for Tyson, as she’s also taken home multiple Emmy, SAG and Tony awards.
Check out more reactions to her entry on the show below:
#CicelyTyson is playing this role!!! #GoHeadMama #HTGAWM
– 107.5 WBLS FM (@WBLS1075NYC) February 20, 2015
#CicelyTyson is giving me life right now! #HowToGetAwayWithMurder
– JenellBStewart (@BlakIzBeautyful) February 20, 2015
Don’t u know a VIP when u see one…. #CICELYTYSON #HowToGetAwayWithMurder
– Shereè Whitfield (@IamSheree) February 20, 2015
“His bun in her nasty oven.” “Queen of Sheba!” #CICELYTYSON is on a roll! @HowToGetAwayABC
– Michael W. Douglas (@MichaelOnMedia) February 20, 2015
Read more about Cicely Tyson and Women of Power here, and tune into How To Get Away With Murder next Thursday to see if Ophelia returns.