News on your favorite shows, specials & more!
Ruby Dee Headshot

Ruby Dee

Birth Place: Cleveland, OH, USA

read more news

Get Ruby Dee Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

Checkmates
[Broadway]
1988
Mattie Cooper
Purlie Victorious
[Broadway]
1961
Lutiebell Gussie Mae Jankins
A Raisin in the Sun
[Broadway]
1959
Ruth Younger
The Smile of the World
[Broadway]
1949
Evelyn
A Long Way From Home
[Broadway]
1948
Marcy
Jeb
[Broadway]
1946
Libby George
Anna Lucasta
[Broadway]
1944
Anna [Replacement]
South Pacific
[Broadway]
1943
Native

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

Videos

More Videos

News


BLUES IN THE NIGHT to Open at Arizona Theatre Company in January Photo
BLUES IN THE NIGHT to Open at Arizona Theatre Company in January
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 13, 2025

Arizona Theatre Company will welcome in 2025 with the Tony Award- nominated musical Blues in the Night by Sheldon Epps. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
2024 IDEA AWARDS FOR THEATRE Recipients Announced Photo
2024 IDEA AWARDS FOR THEATRE Recipients Announced
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 8, 2024

The Bret Adams and Paul Reisch Foundation has announced the recipients of their 2024 Idea Awards for Theatre.
Broadway's Al Hirschfeld Theatre To Celebrate 100th Anniversary This Month Photo
Broadway's Al Hirschfeld Theatre To Celebrate 100th Anniversary This Month
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 4, 2024

Broadway's Al Hirschfeld Theatre will turn 100 on Monday, November 11, 2024. In honor of the milestone, ATG Entertainment has commissioned a special piece from  Broadway caricaturist Justin 'Squigs' Robertson.
Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand to Bring Harold Clurman In LET IT BE ART! To Athens Photo
Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand to Bring Harold Clurman In LET IT BE ART! To Athens
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 3, 2024

Ronald Rand will perform his acclaimed solo play LET IT BE ART! as Harold Clurman in Athens during the Global Arts Education Summit, marking nearly 25 years of world tours. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Review: PURLIE VICTORIOUS at KARAMU Photo
Review: PURLIE VICTORIOUS at KARAMU
by Roy Berko - Oct 2, 2024

What did our critic think of PURLIE VICTORIOUS at KARAMU? Neither Ruby Dee or Ossie Davis ever appeared in a Karamu stage production but both had significant presence and impact in the organization and in the lives of Karamu artists. They often visited for speaking engagements, to instruct master classes, and to support Karamu's mission. The duo met at Karamu.
The Billie Holiday Theatre Reveals 2024/25 Season Lineup Photo
The Billie Holiday Theatre Reveals 2024/25 Season Lineup
by Stephi Wild - Aug 29, 2024

The Billie Holiday Theatre has announced details for its 2024-25 season. Learn more about the season lineup here!
A RAISIN IN THE SUN To Be Presented At TheatreSquared On Its 65th Anniversary Photo
A RAISIN IN THE SUN To Be Presented At TheatreSquared On Its 65th Anniversary
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 8, 2024

A Raisin in the Sun, the American classic by Lorraine Hansberry, will open in TheatreSquared's West Theatre on Aug. 21 and run through Sept. 15.
Julie Neumark X Whiskey Flower Release New Single 'Why Not?' Photo
Julie Neumark X Whiskey Flower Release New Single 'Why Not?'
by Blair Ingenthron - Jul 27, 2024

Whiskey Flower and Julie Neumark release their new single 'Why Not?' at Hotel Cafe in Hollywood on July 27.
Glynn Turman, STARZ' POWER Franchise & More Honored at AAFCA TV Honors Photo
Glynn Turman, STARZ' POWER Franchise & More Honored at AAFCA TV Honors
by Josh Sharpe - Jul 1, 2024

The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) have announced the winners of the 6th Annual AAFCA TV Honors for distinguished achievements in television and streaming, along with special achievement award honorees. The 'Legacy Award' will go to Glynn Turman, the prolific American actor has been gracing the stage and screen for over six decades.
Actor Bill Cobbs Passes Away at 90 Photo
Actor Bill Cobbs Passes Away at 90
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 26, 2024

Actor Bill Cobbs has passed away. Learn more about Cobbs' life and work.
5 Facts About PURLIE VICTORIOUS Photo
5 Facts About PURLIE VICTORIOUS
by Team BWW - Jun 19, 2024

Before you enjoy the Great Performances production, check out these five fascinating facts about the history and recent production of this groundbreaking play.
Industry Pro Newsletter: Seattle Rep Layoffs, Pittsburg Fire, and Tony Awards Highlig Photo
Industry Pro Newsletter: Seattle Rep Layoffs, Pittsburg Fire, and Tony Awards Highlights
by Alex Freeman - Jun 17, 2024

This week, we are connecting the excitement of award season with the realities facing theaters. We'll catch you up on the Tony Awards' memorable moments, including a complete winners list and behind-the-scenes photos. Exclusive essays from producers Jeffrey Richards and Rachel Sussman offer personal insights into their Tony-nominated productions.
Recap the 2024 Tony Awards Acceptance Speeches Photo
Recap the 2024 Tony Awards Acceptance Speeches
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 16, 2024

The 77th Annual Tony Awards have officially begun! As winners take the stage this evening, stay tuned to BroadwayWorld as we bring you full text of all of the acceptance speeches; from the emotional to the humorous, and everything in between.
Exclusive: On the History and Hope of PURLIE VICTORIOUS Photo
Exclusive: On the History and Hope of PURLIE VICTORIOUS
by Team BWW - Jun 11, 2024

In this edition, we hear from producer Jeffrey Richards​​​​​​​, who contributed the below essay about his six-time Tony-nominated Best Revival of a Play, Purlie Victorious.
Ford's Theatre Annual Gala Celebrates President Lincoln's Legacy With Performances & Photo
Ford's Theatre Annual Gala Celebrates President Lincoln's Legacy With Performances & More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 10, 2024

Ford's Theatre Society celebrated the legacy of President Abraham Lincoln at its Annual Gala on Sunday evening, June 9, 2024, at Ford's Theatre. Learn more about the event.
One Her Shoulders Hosts Reading of ONE IS A CROWD This Month Photo
One Her Shoulders Hosts Reading of ONE IS A CROWD This Month
by Stephi Wild - Jun 5, 2024

On Her Shoulders willpresent a staged reading of One is a Crowd by Beah Richards on Tuesday, June 18th.
Exclusive: Hasna Muhammad on Shadowing the Call at PURLIE VICTORIOUS Photo
Exclusive: Hasna Muhammad on Shadowing the Call at PURLIE VICTORIOUS
by Nicole Rosky - May 28, 2024

Purlie Victorious may have played its final Broadway performance months ago, but the acclaimed production was not forgotten by Tony nominators. The revival earned six 2024 Tony nominations, including Best Revival of a Play. Enjoy 'Shadowing the Call' by Hasna Muhammad.
2024 Tony Awards Nominations- Live Reactions Photo
2024 Tony Awards Nominations- Live Reactions
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 30, 2024

The nominations for the 77th Annual Tony Awards were announced this morning by Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Renée Elise Goldsberry. Follow us throughout the day, as we'll bring you Tony nominee reactions!
Hattie Winston, Emily Yancy To Read HAVING OUR SAY For LA Inner City Cultural Center Photo
Hattie Winston, Emily Yancy To Read HAVING OUR SAY For LA Inner City Cultural Center At The Kirk Douglas Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 6, 2024

Join Emily Yancy and Hattie Winston for a special one-off reading of HAVING OUR SAY at the Los Angeles Inner City Cultural Center.
Liz Callaway, Hugh Panaro & More to Join Amas Musical Theatre Benefit Concert Photo
Liz Callaway, Hugh Panaro & More to Join Amas Musical Theatre Benefit Concert
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 2, 2024

Amas Musical Theatre has revealed the line-up of talent that will be on hand to celebrate the company's 55th Anniversary at its annual Gala Benefit Concert. Learn more about the gala and see how to purchase tickets.
More News

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?

Edith Oliver Award for Sustained Excellence (The Lortels), Outstanding Lead Actress (The Lortels) for Saint Lucy’s Eyes, Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Play (Helen Hayes Awards) for Flyin' West, Outstanding Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Wedding Band, Outstanding Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Boesman and Lena, Outstanding Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Boesman and Lena and Best Performance By An Actress (Obie Awards) for Bowman and Lena.

What awards has Ruby Dee won?

Ruby Dee has won several prestigious awards, including the Edith Oliver Award for Sustained Excellence from The Lortels. She received the Outstanding Performance award at the Drama Desk Awards for her role in Wedding Band as well as for Boesman and Lena. Additionally, she won the Best Performance By An Actress award at the Obie Awards for her performance in Boesman and Lena.

Get Ruby Dee Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos