Ruby Dee

1922–2014 (age 92)

actress

Photograph of Ruby Dee Photograph of Ruby Dee

Biography

Ruby Dee (1922–2014) was an acclaimed African-American actress whose distinguished career encompassed film, television, and theater. Over her long professional life, she became recognized for her powerful performances and her commitment to artistic excellence and social justice.

Dee was a pioneering figure in breaking racial barriers in entertainment and collaborated extensively with her husband, Ossie Davis, in both artistic and activist endeavors. Her legacy includes landmark roles in American cinema and theater, as well as her unwavering dedication to civil rights causes throughout her lifetime.