E.R. Braithwaite, real-life inspiration for To Sir With Love, Dies at 104

[DramatistDreamer]

If you've ever seen this movie, which starred Sidney Poitier, the story of, E.R. Braithwaite, you know it's the story of the first Black teacher in all of London (I believe he was the first). Mr. Braithwaite, a West Indian immigrant from what was then known as British Guyana was portrayed by Bahamian born actor Sidney Poitier.

Mr. Braithwaite has died at the age of 104.

R.I.P. 

 

I've watched that film so many times!

 

 

[DRW50]

I had no idea he was still alive. That movie really was the perfect epitome of the era.

[slick jones]

Excellent movie. 

 

RIP, Sir

[DramatistDreamer]

In the novel the character's name was Ricky Braithwaite. Ricky, being a nickname of Ricardo, one of his names.

In the movie with Poitier, the character's name was changed to Mark Thackeray.

[DramatistDreamer]

According to this obituary, Braithwaite was less than enamored of the film version of his memoir, To Sir With Love.  

 

E. R. Braithwaite, Author of ‘To Sir, With Love,’ Dies at 104