In Memoriam: Ruby Dee

See her journey from activist to Hollywood treasure.

Ruby Dee  - The acting legend’s Twitter death rumor circulated simply because someone mistweeted. Someone told followers that Ruby Dee died instead of correctly stating that rapper Heavy D had passed away.(Photo: Mark Von Holden/Getty Images)

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In Memoriam: Ruby Dee - Ruby Dee — born Ruby Ann Wallace — lived a life that will not only be remembered for its artistic significance, but also for its nation-changing impact. In the realm of film, the iconic actress worked with the likes of Spike Lee, Sidney Poiter, and husband Ossie Davis, to name a few. Dee was recognized with a slew of prestigious honors including an Emmy, Grammy and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Sadly, Ruby Dee passed away on the night of June 11, 2014, but her legacy lives on. Here, we take a look back at her incredible career.(Photo: Mark Von Holden/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Mark Von Holden/Getty Images

That Man of Mine (1946) - It all began with Dee's debut in 1946 with her prominent role in the all-black musical That Man of Mine.(Photo: Alexander Productions)

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That Man of Mine (1946) - It all began with Dee's debut in 1946 with her prominent role in the all-black musical That Man of Mine.(Photo: Alexander Productions)

Photo By Photo: Alexander Productions

The Jackie Robinson Story (1950) - While her role in That Man of Mine introduced her to the world as an actress, her performance in the 1950's The Jackie Robinson Story brought her much deserved prominence. She starred opposite the first African-American in Major League Baseball, who played himself in the film, while Dee played his wife.(Photo: Jewel Productions)

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The Jackie Robinson Story (1950) - While her role in That Man of Mine introduced her to the world as an actress, her performance in the 1950's The Jackie Robinson Story brought her much deserved prominence. She starred opposite the first African-American in Major League Baseball, who played himself in the film, while Dee played his wife.(Photo: Jewel Productions)

A Raisin in the Sun (1961) - Perhaps Dee's most iconic role is her portrayal of Ruth Younger in 1961's A Raisin in the Sun. She was later awarded the National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance.(Photo: Columbia Pictures) 

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A Raisin in the Sun (1961) - Perhaps Dee's most iconic role is her portrayal of Ruth Younger in 1961's A Raisin in the Sun. She was later awarded the National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance.(Photo: Columbia Pictures) 

Photo By Photo: Columbia Pictures

Roots: The Next Generations (1979) - With her star continuing to rise, Dee picked up an Emmy nomination in 1979 for her role as Queen Haley in the 1979 miniseries Roots: The Next Generations.(Photo: Warner Bros. Television)

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Roots: The Next Generations (1979) - With her star continuing to rise, Dee picked up an Emmy nomination in 1979 for her role as Queen Haley in the 1979 miniseries Roots: The Next Generations.(Photo: Warner Bros. Television)

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Do the Right Thing (1989) - Alongside her late husband Ossie Davis, Dee starred in the controversial Spike Lee-directed film Do the Right Thing. She played the role of Mother Sister, an older Black woman who carefully observed the happenings of the neighborhood from her brownstone window.(Photo: Universal City Studios)

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Do the Right Thing (1989) - Alongside her late husband Ossie Davis, Dee starred in the controversial Spike Lee-directed film Do the Right Thing. She played the role of Mother Sister, an older Black woman who carefully observed the happenings of the neighborhood from her brownstone window.(Photo: Universal City Studios)

Jungle Fever (1991) - Also alongside Davis, Dee starring in another of Spike Lee's blockbuster hits: Jungle Fever. She played Lucinda Purify, the wife of The Good Reverend Doctor Purify, played by her real-life husband.(Photo: 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks) 

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Jungle Fever (1991) - Also alongside Davis, Dee starring in another of Spike Lee's blockbuster hits: Jungle Fever. She played Lucinda Purify, the wife of The Good Reverend Doctor Purify, played by her real-life husband.(Photo: 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks) 

Decoration Day (1991) - After being nominated for six Emmys, Dee won the award in 1991 for her role as Rowena in the TV movie Decoration Day, which aired on the Hallmark channel.(Photo: Jim Smeal/WireImage)

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Decoration Day (1991) - After being nominated for six Emmys, Dee won the award in 1991 for her role as Rowena in the TV movie Decoration Day, which aired on the Hallmark channel.(Photo: Jim Smeal/WireImage)

With Ossie & Ruby: In This Life Together (2007) - Proving that she was a "Jane of all trades," Dee joined her husband in recording an album titled With Ossie & Ruby: In This Life Together, which they were awarded a Grammy award for in 2007. Prior to their win, the duo was nominated for best spoken-word album for The Complete Shakespeare Sonnets in 2001.(Photo: Hachette Audio)

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With Ossie & Ruby: In This Life Together (2007) - Proving that she was a "Jane of all trades," Dee joined her husband in recording an album titled With Ossie & Ruby: In This Life Together, which they were awarded a Grammy award for in 2007. Prior to their win, the duo was nominated for best spoken-word album for The Complete Shakespeare Sonnets in 2001.(Photo: Hachette Audio)

American Gangster (2007) - Due to her portrayal as Denzel Washington's feisty mother in 2007's American Gangster, Dee earned an Oscar nomination. Her performance was so impressive that it received the nomination with her only having 10 minutes of screen time. Though she did not win the Academy Award, she received a SAG Award for her performance.(Photo: Universal Pictures)

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American Gangster (2007) - Due to her portrayal as Denzel Washington's feisty mother in 2007's American Gangster, Dee earned an Oscar nomination. Her performance was so impressive that it received the nomination with her only having 10 minutes of screen time. Though she did not win the Academy Award, she received a SAG Award for her performance.(Photo: Universal Pictures)

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Betty and Coretta (2013) - In a unique film technique, Dee served as narrator and historical witness in the Lifetime film which starred Mary J. Blige and Angela Bassett as Dr. Betty Shabazz and Coretta Scott King. She gave first-hand accounts of Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and their wives' lives. Both she and her husband were personal friends with both of the families.(Photo: Lifetime)

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Betty and Coretta (2013) - In a unique film technique, Dee served as narrator and historical witness in the Lifetime film which starred Mary J. Blige and Angela Bassett as Dr. Betty Shabazz and Coretta Scott King. She gave first-hand accounts of Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and their wives' lives. Both she and her husband were personal friends with both of the families.(Photo: Lifetime)

Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis - One of Ruby Dee's greatest roles was wife and partner to Ossie Davis. While their numerous on-screen pairings were impressive, their relationship off-screen was what gained the public's respect. The couple were married for more than 50 years, and managed to effortlessly change the world in the process. (Photo: Evan Agostini/Getty Images)

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Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis - One of Ruby Dee's greatest roles was wife and partner to Ossie Davis. While their numerous on-screen pairings were impressive, their relationship off-screen was what gained the public's respect. The couple were married for more than 50 years, and managed to effortlessly change the world in the process. (Photo: Evan Agostini/Getty Images)