Ruby Dee

Birth Place: Cleveland, OH, USA

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Ruby Dee Photos

Ruby Dee STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
1988
Mattie Cooper

[Broadway]
1961
Lutiebell Gussie Mae Jankins

[Broadway]
1959
Ruth Younger

[Broadway]
1949
Evelyn

[Broadway]
1948
Marcy

[Broadway]
1946
Libby George

[Broadway]
1944
Anna [Replacement]

[Broadway]
1943
Native


Ruby Dee Awards and Nominations


winner
The Lortels - 2002 - Edith Oliver Award for Sustained Excellence

Ruby Dee

The Lortels - 2002 - Outstanding Lead Actress

Ruby DeeSaint Lucy’s Eyes

Helen Hayes Awards - 1995 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Play

Ruby DeeFlyin' West


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1973 - Outstanding Performance

Ruby De, Wedding Band


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1972 - Outstanding Performance

Ruby Dee, Boesman and Lena


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1971 - Outstanding Performance

Ruby Dee, Boesman and Lena


winner
Obie Awards - 1971 - Best Performance By An Actress

Ruby DeeBowman and Lena

Ruby Dee Videos

Ruby Dee News


Amas Musical Theatre To Honor Patricia Birch And Len Cariou At 55th Annual Benefit Gala Concert

Amas Musical Theatre will celebrate its 55th Anniversary at its annual Gala Benefit Concert on Monday, May 13, 2024 at Baruch Performing Arts Center.

PURLIE VICTORIOUS Stage Film to Premiere on PBS This May; Great Performances Sets New 'Broadway's Best' Lineup

The live capture of the recent Broadway revival of Purlie Victorious is premiering on PBS this May. Starring Leslie Odom Jr., the Kenny Leon-directed production was filmed before it closed on Broadway earlier this year. The lineup also includes the Audra McDonald concert, Rodgers & Hammerstein 80th Anniversary, Hamlet, and more!

Exclusive: Hasna Muhammad, Daughter of Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee, Reflects on the Women of PURLIE VICTORIOUS

As Purlie Victorious enters its final weekend on Broadway, BroadwayWorld is very excited to share an exclusive essay written by Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee's daughter, Hasna Muhammad, who played a key role in getting this landmark play back on Broadway. 

A RAISIN IN THE SUN to be Presented at Bristol Riverside Theatre This Winter

For its third production of the 2023-24 season, Bristol Riverside Theatre will present a poignant depiction of 1950s Chicago from the experiences of one Southside family in Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun.

Photos: Dr. Clarence B. Jones Visits PURLIE VICTORIOUS

The Broadway production of Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch by Ossie Davis welcomed Dr. Clarence B. Jones to the evening show over the weekend on Saturday, January 13. Check out photos here!

Photos: Leslie Odom, Jr., Kara Young and the Cast of PURLIE VICTORIOUS Celebrate Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee At Schomburg Center

This past Monday at the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, the stars of Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through The Cotton Patch celebrated the 75th wedding anniversary of Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee. Leslie Odom Jr. and Kara Young, who play the roles that Davis and Dee originated in the current revival of Ossie Davis’ critically acclaimed play, read love letters from the couple’s archive that is housed at the Schomburg Center.

2023 Idea Awards For Theatre To Be Presented To Beth Henley, Jesse Jae Hoon, Brandy, Hoang Collier, Clare Fuyuko Bierman, Erika Ji & Grace Mclean

The Bret Adams and Paul Reisch Foundation has announced the recipients of their 2023 Idea Awards for Theatre; three categories of grants awarded to adventurous new voices in playwriting and musical theatre, as well the visionary playwrights who have inspired and blazed trails before them.

Photos: Hillary Clinton Visits PURLIE VICTORIOUS on Broadway

At the Wednesday evening performance of PURLIE VICTORIOUS: A Non-Confederate Romp Through The Cotton Patch, the cast, led by Leslie Odom, Jr. and Kara Young, was treated to a special visit from former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton backstage at the Music Box Theatre. See photos here!

George Street Playhouse Presents HAVING OUR SAY - Previews Begin November 28

George Street Playhouse presents Having Our Say, the Tony Award-nominated play by Emily Mann (A Streetcar Named Desire, Anna and the Tropics). Having Our Say is adapted from the book by Sarah (Sadie) L. Delany & A. Elizabeth (Bessie) Delany with Amy Hill Hearth and is directed by Laiona Michelle (Her Portmanteau).

Karamu House to Present Langston Hughes' BLACK NATIVITY at Allen Theatre in December

Experience the magic of Langston Hughes' Black Nativity at Allen Theatre in December 2023. This powerful and uplifting play incorporates African traditions, gospel music, and dance, bringing the nativity story to life in a fresh and vibrant way.

Billy Porter, Nicole Ari Parker, James Ijames, and More Set For PURLIE VICTORIOUS Talkback Series

The new Broadway production Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch by Ossie Davis starring Leslie Odom, Jr. will host a post-show talkback series this fall at the Music Box Theatre.

How Often Are Broadway Plays Adapted Into Musicals?

This time, the reader question was: With Purlie Victorious returning to Broadway, what are other plays that were revived on Broadway after their musical adaptations premiered?

Photos: Original PURLIE VICTORIOUS Cast Member Alan Alda Visits Broadway Revival Cast

Original Purlie Victorious cast member ALAN ALDA reunites with the Broadway revival cast in a special visit. Check out the photos and join in the excitement of this reunion at the Purlie Victorious revival.

Photos: Stars Walk the Red Carpet for Opening Night of PURLIE VICTORIOUS

BroadwayWorld was on hand for the big opening night of Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch and you can check out photos from the star-studded red carpet arrivals here!

Photos: The Cast of PURLIE VICTORIOUS Walks the Red Carpet on Opening Night!

Check out photos of the cast of Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch as they walk the red carpet on opening night!

PURLIE VICTORIOUS on Broadway- A Complete Guide

Looking for all the latest info on one of Broadway's hottest shows? BroadwayWorld has the full scoop on everything that you need to know about Purlie Victorious on Broadway. Check out all the details below!

Video: Watch Scenes from PURLIE VICTORIOUS on Broadway

Check out video highlights from Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch on Broadway!

Photos: PURLIE VICTORIOUS Cast Takes Opening Night Bows

Check out photos from inside the opening night curtain call for Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch, now playing on Broadway at the Music Box Theatre.

Review Roundup: Leslie Odom Jr. Stars In PURLIE VICTORIOUS On Broadway!

Read reviews for Purlie Victorious on Broadway starring Tony Award-winner, Leslie Odom Jr.! 

New Federal Theatre to Hold 53rd Anniversary Celebration Next Month at Edison Ballroom

NEW FEDERAL THEATRE will hold its 53rd Anniversary Celebration on October 2 at Edison Ballroom, honoring Woodie King, Jr., Gabrielle Kurlander, and Sade Lythcott. The gala is chaired by Kenny Leon and Lynn Whitfield.

Ruby Dee FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Ruby Dee been in?

Ruby Dee has appeared on Broadway in 8 shows.

How many West End shows has Ruby Dee been in?

Ruby Dee has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Ruby Dee been nominated for?

Ruby Dee has been nominated for several awards including the Edith Oliver Award for Sustained Excellence at The Lortels, Outstanding Lead Actress at The Lortels for "Saint Lucy’s Eyes," Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Play at the Helen Hayes Awards for "Flyin' West," Outstanding Performance at the Drama Desk Awards for "Wedding Band," Outstanding Performance at the Drama Desk Awards for "Boesman and Lena," and Best Performance By An Actress at the Obie Awards for "Boesman and Lena."

What awards has Ruby Dee won?

Ruby Dee has won the Edith Oliver Award for Sustained Excellence at The Lortels, Outstanding Performance at the Drama Desk Awards for Wedding Band and Boesman and Lena, and Best Performance By An Actress at the Obie Awards for Boesman and Lena.

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