TV! Search

Ruby Dee

  • Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio, USA
  • Birthday: October 27, 1924

Academy Award-nominated actress Ruby Dee was, by all accounts, an American icon. Her career spanned no fewer than three major movements in African-American culture — from the post-Harlem Renaissance era to the black pride voice of the 1970s to the commoditization of urban black culture in the 1990s. Throughout it all, the intellectual, smoky-voiced actress appeared on stage and screen in dramas that explored the black experience and celebrated its finest wordsmiths. Off-screen, Dee and husband/frequent collaborator, Ossie Davis, were devoted …more

Career Milestones

  • 2007

    Played Frank Lucas' (Denzel Washington) mother in "American Gangster"; earned an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress

  • 2006

    With husband Ossie Davis, created the spoken word album, "With Ossie And Ruby: In This Life Together" (released after Ossie's death)

  • 2001

    Returned to the NY stage in "St. Lucy's Eyes"

  • 2000

    Cast in the Showtime movies, "A Storm in Summer" and "Finding Buck McHenry"; co-starred with husband Ossie Davis

  • 1999

    Portrayed Bessie Delany in the TV presentation "Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years"

Awards

  • 2008

    Screen Actors Guild Award: Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role

  • 2007

    Grammy Award: Best Spoken Word Album

  • 2000

    Screen Actors Guild Award: Life Achievement

  • 1991

    Emmy Award: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Mini-Series or Television Movie

  • 1983

    CableACE Award: Best Actress (Dramatic Special)

Upcoming Appearances

More Upcoming Appearances

TV Listings

Eastern Time Zone Stand ...

TV Listings Setup »
Got Tivo? Record Now