Actress Ruby Dee dies; Obama responds
buzzz worthy. . .
On June 12, actress Ruby Dee passed away in New Rochelle, NY. Dee's talent carried her career over several gernerations from her earliest work with the Negro Theatre to acting alongside her husband of over 50 years, Ossie Davis who proceeded her in death and for the many roles she played on the Silver Screen alongside Sidney Portier. In 2007 Dee won the "Best Supporting Actress" Oscar for her portrayal of Denzel Washington's mother in "American Gangster". Dee died of natural causes at the age 82.
President Obama had this to say about her passing:
Michelle and I were saddened to hear of the passing of actress, author, and activist Ruby Dee. In roles from Ruth Younger in A Raisin in the Sun to Mama Lucas in American Gangster, Ruby captivated and challenged us – and Michelle and I will never forget seeing her on our first date as Mother Sister in Do the Right Thing. Through her remarkable performances, Ruby paved the way for generations of black actors and actresses, and inspired African-American women across our country. Through her leadership in the civil rights movement she and her husband, Ossie Davis, helped open new doors of opportunity for all. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ruby and Ossie’s three children, with their friends and family, and with all those who loved them dearly.
On June 12, actress Ruby Dee passed away in New Rochelle, NY. Dee's talent carried her career over several gernerations from her earliest work with the Negro Theatre to acting alongside her husband of over 50 years, Ossie Davis who proceeded her in death and for the many roles she played on the Silver Screen alongside Sidney Portier. In 2007 Dee won the "Best Supporting Actress" Oscar for her portrayal of Denzel Washington's mother in "American Gangster". Dee died of natural causes at the age 82.
President Obama had this to say about her passing:
Michelle and I were saddened to hear of the passing of actress, author, and activist Ruby Dee. In roles from Ruth Younger in A Raisin in the Sun to Mama Lucas in American Gangster, Ruby captivated and challenged us – and Michelle and I will never forget seeing her on our first date as Mother Sister in Do the Right Thing. Through her remarkable performances, Ruby paved the way for generations of black actors and actresses, and inspired African-American women across our country. Through her leadership in the civil rights movement she and her husband, Ossie Davis, helped open new doors of opportunity for all. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ruby and Ossie’s three children, with their friends and family, and with all those who loved them dearly.
