Who Is Ruby Dee? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Ruby Dee was born on October 27, 1922, and she sadly passed away on June 11, 2014. While Ruby Dee will not age further, her impact on the world of entertainment continues to resonate. Known for her powerful performances on stage and in film, Dee broke barriers for Black actresses and was recognized for her contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. Her notable works include A Raisin in the Sun, Do the Right Thing, and her collaboration with husband Ossie Davis on various projects. The legacy she left behind remains significant.
| Occupation | Civil Rights Activists |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 27, 1922 |
| Age | 91 Years |
| Birth Place | Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 11 June, 2014 |
| Died Place | New Rochelle, New York, U.S. |
Popularity
Ruby Dee's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Ruby Dee stood at a height of approximately 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm). Although specific weight details are not readily available as this data tends to fluctuate over time, she was described as having a slender build throughout much of her career. Dee was celebrated not only for her talent but also for her graceful presence.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Ruby Dee was married to fellow actor Ossie Davis from 1948 until his passing in 2005. The couple was known for their strong partnership both in their personal lives and professional endeavors, participating in many productions together. They had three children: Nora, Hasna, and Guy. Ruby Dee's relationships were marked by love, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to social justice.
Dee started her career with the American Negro Theatre. She made her Broadway debut in South Pacific (1943). She met her future husband working together on the play Jeb (1946).
She originated the Broadway roles of Ruth Younger in Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun (1959) and reprised the role in the 1961 film and Lutiebell Gussie Mae Jenkins in the Ossie Davis play Purlie Victorious (1961) and reprised the role in the 1963 film.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of her passing in 2014, Ruby Dee's estimated net worth was around $4 million. Her wealth primarily came from her successful acting career, which spanned more than six decades, as well as her work as a writer, director, and civil rights activist. Throughout her career, she played pivotal roles in both film and theater, garnering numerous nominations and awards, including a Grammy Award and several Tony Awards.
Career, Business and Investments
Ruby Dee's career began in the 1940s, where she made her mark in theater, television, and film. She was not only a performer but also a playwright and civil rights advocate. Dee was a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement, serving as a spokesperson for various social justice causes. Furthermore, Dee and her husband Ossie Davis were known for their roles in producing and directing independent films and plays, which often highlighted African American culture and history.
Her career in acting crossed all major forms of media over a span of eight decades, including the films A Raisin in the Sun, in which she recreated her stage role as a suffering housewife in the projects, and Edge of the City. She played both roles opposite Poitier.
She received the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for her role on The Doctors and the Nurses (1964).
In 1965, Dee performed in lead roles at the American Shakespeare Festival as Kate in The Taming of the Shrew and Cordelia in King Lear, becoming the first black actress to portray a lead role in the festival. In 1963 she acted in the film The Balcony with Shelley Winters, Peter Falk, Lee Grant, and Leonard Nimoy.
She then acted in the film noir The Incident (1967), the drama film Uptight (1968), and the documentary King: A Filmed Record... Montgomery to Memphis (1970).
Social Network
Although Ruby Dee is no longer with us, her influence persists through social media and digital platforms. Fans and followers often share her legacy through tributes on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, celebrating her contributions to the arts and activism. Organizations that she supported continue to honor her memory and work, promoting the causes she was passionate about.
She made her film debut in That Man of Mine (1946) before landing a leading roles in films such as The Jackie Robinson Story (1950), Edge of the City (1957), Take a Giant Step (1959), and Buck and the Preacher (1972). She also acted in the Ossie Davis film Black Girl (1972), and the Spike Lee films Do the Right Thing (1989) and Jungle Fever (1991).
For her performance in American Gangster (2007), Dee was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Female Actor in a Supporting Role.
Education
Ruby Dee attended the New York University where she studied arts. Her education in dance, music, and drama laid the groundwork for her fruitful career. Dee also had a deep commitment to lifelong learning, attending various workshops and events that elevated her craft and awareness in social issues.
Dee was raised in Harlem, New York. Prior to attending Hunter College High School, she studied at Public Schools 119 and 136. Then, she went on to graduate from Hunter College with a degree in Romance languages in 1945. She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta.
