Ruby Dee.

Ruby Dee - Biography Born October 27, 1922 in Cleveland, Ohio, USA Died June 11, 2014 in New Rochelle, New York, USA (natural causes) Birth Name Ruby Ann Wallace Height 5' 2¼" (1.58 m) Ruby Dee was an American actress, poet, playwright, screenwriter, journalist and civil rights activist. She is best known for originating the role of "Ruth Younger" in the stage and film versions of A Raisin in the Sun (1961). She also starred in The Jackie Robinson Story (1950), Cat People (1982), Do the Right Thing (1989), and American Gangster (2007). 2004: Recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors, along with Elton John, Joan Sutherland, John Williams, Warren Beatty, and husband Ossie Davis. Her film debut was That Man of Mine (1946). For her performance as Mahalee Lucas in American Gangster (2007), she was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. As of 2019, she stands as the second oldest nominee for Best Supporting Actress, behind Gloria Stuart who was 87 when nominated for her role in Titanic for the 70th Academy Awards, 1998. Dee died on June 11, 2014, at her home in New Rochelle, New York, from natural causes at the age of 91. Spouse (2) Ossie Davis (December 1948 - 4 February 2005) (his death) (3 children) Frankie Dee Brown (31 August 1941 - 1945) (divorced) 1989: Voted into the NAACP image award Hall of Fame with husband Ossie Davis. She was a member of the NAACP, CORE, Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, Southern Christian Leadership Council. Says her favorite quote comes from the book, "Charlotte's Web": "'Isn't life peculiar!' said Jeremy. 'Compared to what?' said the spider.". Ruby was an honorary member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Had three children: Guy Davis, Nora Day, and Hasna Muhammad. 1995: She and her husband Ossie Davis were awarded the American National Medal of the Arts from the National Endowment of the Arts in Washington, D.C. Attended and graduated from Hunter College with degrees in French and Spanish in 1944. In 2008, at age 85, she became the second oldest actress to be nominated for an Academy Award. The oldest is Gloria Stuart. Ruby was one of 105 people invited to join AMPAS in 2008. In early 2003, she and her husband signed "Not In My Name", a statement opposing the impending invasion of Iraq. Other signatories included Susan Sarandon, Noam Chomsky, and Howard Zinn. A lifelong friend of Marla Gibbs. Had appeared with Sidney Poitier in four films: No Way Out (1950), Edge of the City (1957), A Raisin in the Sun (1961), and Buck and the Preacher (1972). Had appeared with her husband Ossie Davis in nine films: No Way Out (1950), Gone Are the Days! (1963), The Sheriff (1971), Cool Red (1976), Roots: The Next Generations (1979), All God's Children (1980), Do the Right Thing (1989), Jungle Fever (1991), and The Stand (1994). Grandmother of Muta'Ali Muhammad. Aunt of Tommy Wallace Jr.. Had appeared with Sidney Poitier in four films: No Way Out (1950), Edge of the City (1957), A Raisin in the Sun (1961), and Buck and the Preacher (1972)." Also in "Go Man Go" (1954), as Poitier's wife. Her ashes are inurned with Ossie at Ferncliff Cemetery and Mausoleum in Hartsdale, New York. Personal Quotes (2) I didn't have the kind of talent or personality that kept me dreaming about Hollywood. They don't hire little colored girls to do this or that. I think you mustn't tell your body, you mustn't tell your soul, 'I'm going to retire', You may be changing your life emphasis, but there are still things that you have in mind to do that now seems the right time to do. I really don't believe in retiring as long as you can breathe.