Introduction
Ruby Dee was a legendary actress and civil rights activist who passed away on June 11, 2014, at the age of 91. She was a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, breaking down barriers for African American actors and paving the way for future generations. In addition to her successful career in film and television, Dee was also a passionate advocate for social justice, using her platform to fight for civil rights and equality.
Early Life and Career
Ruby Dee was born on October 27, 1922, in Cleveland, Ohio. She grew up in Harlem, New York, where she attended Hunter College High School and later graduated from Hunter College with a degree in Romance languages. Dee began her career as a stage actress, appearing in several productions on Broadway in the 1940s and 1950s.
In 1950, Dee made her film debut in the movie “The Jackie Robinson Story,” playing the role of Rachel Robinson, the wife of the legendary baseball player. She went on to appear in several other films throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including “A Raisin in the Sun,” “The Balcony,” and “Buck and the Preacher.” Dee was also a frequent guest star on television shows such as “The Guiding Light,” “Peyton Place,” and “The Defenders.”
Personal Life
Ruby Dee was married to fellow actor and civil rights activist Ossie Davis for 56 years until his death in 2005. The couple had three children together, including two daughters and a son. Dee and Davis were known for their activism, and they often worked together on civil rights causes. They were both close friends of Martin Luther King Jr. and were present at the March on Washington in 1963.
Civil Rights Activism
Throughout her life, Ruby Dee was a passionate advocate for civil rights and social justice. She and her husband were members of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). They were also vocal supporters of the Black Panther Party and other radical political organizations.
Dee and Davis used their platform as actors to speak out against racism and discrimination. They often performed readings of the works of African American writers such as Langston Hughes and James Baldwin, using their art as a means of promoting social change. Dee was also a frequent speaker at political rallies and demonstrations, and she was arrested several times for her activism.
Legacy
Ruby Dee’s contributions to the entertainment industry and the civil rights movement are immeasurable. She was a trailblazer who broke down barriers for African American actors and used her platform to fight for social justice. Dee’s legacy lives on through her numerous film and television roles, as well as her activism and advocacy work. She will always be remembered as a true legend in both film and civil rights activism.
FAQ
Who was Ruby Dee?
Ruby Dee was an American actress, poet, playwright, screenwriter, journalist, and civil rights activist.
What was Ruby Dee’s contribution to film?
Ruby Dee was a highly acclaimed actress who appeared in numerous films, including “A Raisin in the Sun,” “Do the Right Thing,” and “American Gangster.”
What was Ruby Dee’s contribution to civil rights activism?
Ruby Dee was a prominent civil rights activist who worked alongside her husband, Ossie Davis, to fight for racial equality. She was involved in numerous organizations, including the NAACP and the Congress of Racial Equality.
What awards did Ruby Dee receive for her work?
Ruby Dee received numerous awards for her work in film and activism, including a Grammy, an Emmy, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Kennedy Center Honor.
When did Ruby Dee pass away?
Ruby Dee passed away on June 11, 2014, at the age of 91.
