Born: 1922 (Cleveland, Ohio)
Died: 2014
Biography:
Ruby Dee (October 27, 1922 June 11, 2014) was an American actress, poet, playwright, screenwriter, journalist, and civil rights activist. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Gladys and Marshall Edward Nathaniel Wallace. Her father worked as a cook, waiter, and porter. After her mother left the family, Dee’s father remarried to Emma Amelia Benson, a schoolteacher. Dee grew up in Harlem, New York and attended Public Schools 119 and 136 before going on to graduate from Hunter College with a degree in Romance languages in 1945. She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority.
Dee’s career in the entertainment industry began when she joined the American Negro Theatre as an apprentice. There, she had the opportunity to work with acclaimed actors such as Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, and Hilda Simms. She made her first appearance on Broadway in 1946 in the American Negro Theatre’s production of Anna Lucasta.
In 1946, Dee also made her first onscreen appearance in the film That Man of Mine. However, she gained national recognition for her role in the 1950 film The Jackie Robinson Story. In the film, she portrayed Rachel Robinson, the wife of baseball legend Jackie Robinson. This role showcased Dee’s talent and marked the start of her successful film career.
Dee continued to make significant contributions to the entertainment industry throughout her life. She originated the role of Ruth Younger in both the stage and film versions of A Raisin in the Sun in 1961. This role earned her critical acclaim and established her as a prominent actress. Dee’s career in acting spanned eight decades and included diverse roles in films such as Edge of the City and Do the Right Thing.
In addition to her work in film and theater, Dee was also involved in television. She appeared in 20 episodes of the popular series Peyton Place in 1969, portraying the character Cora Sanders, a Marxist college professor. Dee’s versatility as an actress allowed her to excel in various mediums, including television.
Outside of her acting career, Dee was an active civil rights activist. She used her platform as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry to advocate for racial equality and social justice. She and her husband, Ossie Davis, frequently performed together and worked tirelessly to promote African American culture and history.
Throughout her life, Ruby Dee received numerous awards and recognitions for her outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry and her dedication to activism. She was a Grammy, Emmy, Obie, and Drama Desk winner. She was also the recipient of the National Medal of Arts, the Kennedy Center Honors, and the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award. Her performance as Mama Lucas in the film American Gangster earned her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and she won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Female Actor in a Supporting Role.
Ruby Dee’s impact on society extended beyond her remarkable talent as an actress. Her unwavering commitment to civil rights activism and her efforts to promote African American culture and history have left a lasting legacy. She is an inspirational figure in women’s history and her contributions to the arts and social justice continue to resonate.
Awards:
– Grammy Award
– Emmy Award
– Obie Award
– Drama Desk Award
– National Medal of Arts
– Kennedy Center Honors
– Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award
– Screen Actors Guild Award for Female Actor in a Supporting Role