33 Facts About Ruby Dee

Early Life and Background

Ruby Dee's journey began long before she became a household name. Her early years shaped the remarkable woman she would become.

1. Ruby Dee was born Ruby Ann Wallace on October 27, 1922, in Cleveland, Ohio.
2. She grew up in Harlem, New York, after her family moved there when she was a young child.
3. Dee attended Hunter College High School, a prestigious school for gifted students.
4. She graduated from Hunter College in 1945 with a degree in Romance languages.

Career Beginnings

Ruby Dee's career in the arts started with humble beginnings but quickly gained momentum.

5. Her first major acting role was in the American Negro Theatre production of "On Strivers Row" in 1946.
6. Dee made her Broadway debut in 1946 in the play "Jeb," alongside Ossie Davis, who would later become her husband.
7. She appeared in several Broadway productions, including "Anna Lucasta" and "A Raisin in the Sun."
8. Ruby Dee's film debut came in 1950 with "The Jackie Robinson Story," where she played the baseball legend's wife, Rachel Robinson.

Marriage and Partnership with Ossie Davis

Ruby Dee's marriage to Ossie Davis was not only a personal union but also a professional partnership that lasted over five decades.

9. Ruby Dee married Ossie Davis on December 9, 1948.
10. The couple had three children: Guy, Nora, and Hasna.
11. Dee and Davis frequently collaborated on stage and screen, becoming one of Hollywood's most beloved couples.
12. They co-starred in the 1961 film "A Raisin in the Sun," which was based on the Broadway play they had both appeared in.

Activism and Civil Rights

Ruby Dee was not just an actress; she was a passionate activist who fought for civil rights and social justice.

13. Dee and Davis were close friends with Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.
14. They both participated in the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
15. Ruby Dee was a member of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) and the NAACP.
16. She and Davis received the National Medal of Arts in 1995 for their contributions to American culture and activism.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Ruby Dee received numerous awards and accolades for her work in film, television, and theater.

17. Dee won an Obie Award in 1971 for her performance in the play "Boesman and Lena."
18. She received an Emmy Award in 1991 for her role in the television movie "Decoration Day."
19. Ruby Dee was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the 2007 film "American Gangster."
20. She was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1988.

Later Career and Legacy

Ruby Dee continued to work in the entertainment industry well into her later years, leaving a lasting legacy.

21. In 2004, Dee and Davis published their joint autobiography, "With Ossie and Ruby: In This Life Together."
22. She appeared in the 2005 film "Their Eyes Were Watching God," produced by Oprah Winfrey.
23. Ruby Dee narrated the 2008 documentary "The Black Candle," which explores the history of Kwanzaa.
24. She received the Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album in 2007 for "With Ossie and Ruby: In This Life Together."

Personal Beliefs and Philosophy

Ruby Dee's personal beliefs and philosophy were deeply intertwined with her work and activism.

25. Dee was a devout Christian and often spoke about the importance of faith in her life.
26. She believed in the power of art to bring about social change and often chose roles that reflected her values.
27. Ruby Dee was a strong advocate for education and frequently spoke at schools and universities.
28. She was known for her humility and often credited her success to the support of her family and community.

Final Years and Death

Ruby Dee's final years were marked by continued work and recognition of her contributions to the arts and society.

29. Dee continued to act in films and television shows into her 80s, including a role in the 2013 film "Betty and Coretta."
30. She received the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award in 2000, alongside Ossie Davis.
31. Ruby Dee passed away on June 11, 2014, at the age of 91, in New Rochelle, New York.
32. Her funeral was attended by numerous celebrities and civil rights leaders, reflecting her impact on both the entertainment industry and society.
33. Ruby Dee's legacy continues to inspire new generations of actors, activists, and artists.

Ruby Dee's Lasting Legacy

Ruby Dee's impact on film, theater, and civil rights is undeniable. Her talent and dedication to social justice made her a trailblazer. From her powerful performances in movies like "A Raisin in the Sun" to her activism alongside her husband Ossie Davis, Dee's contributions were vast. She broke barriers, paving the way for future generations of African American artists. Her work earned her numerous awards, including an Emmy, a Grammy, and a Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award. Beyond her accolades, Dee's legacy lives on in the hearts of those she inspired. Her life was a testament to the power of art and activism. Ruby Dee's story reminds us that one person's passion and perseverance can indeed make a difference. Her legacy continues to inspire, educate, and empower.