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Ruby Dee Headshot

Ruby Dee

Birth Place: Cleveland, OH, USA

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Photos

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]

[Replacement]

[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

News


SISTAS: THE MUSICAL Opens Karamu House 2025"2026 Mainstage Season
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 6, 2025

Karamu House will open its 2025–2026 Mainstage Theatre Season with SISTAS: THE MUSICAL, written by Dorothy Marcic, directed by Treva Offutt, with music direction by Dr. David M. Thomas and produced under the leadership of President + CEO Tony F. Sias.
PURLIE VICTORIOUS to Open Main Street Theater 50th Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 28, 2025

Main Street Theater will open its 50th Season with the regional premiere of Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp through the Cotton Patch by Ossie Davis. Learn more!
Anita Michael to Present FOOLIN’ MYSELF at The Green Room 42
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 12, 2025

The Green Room 42 will present vocalist and performer Anita Michael in her new and timely show, Foolin’ Myself. Learn more about the upcoming performance and see how to purchase tickets!
​​​​​​​CRUMBS FROM THE TABLE OF JOY and More Set for Crossroads Theatre Company 2025/2026 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 7, 2025

​​​​​​​Crossroads Theatre Company is launching 47th season celebrating two new productions of iconic stories from the diaspora, plus more. See the full lineup and learn how to purchase tickets here!
CRUMBS FROM THE TABLE OF JOY and More Set for Crossroads 2025-2026 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 4, 2025

Crossroads Theatre Company is launching its 47th season celebrating two new productions of iconic stories from the diaspora, plus more. See the full lineup here and learn how to purchase tickets!
LEOPOLDSTADT And More Set for Main Street Theater 50th Anniversary Season
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 23, 2025

Main Street Theater (MST) is celebrating 50 years of engaging theater for curious and thoughtful audiences of all ages. 2025-2026 marks the 50th Season for Main Street Theater and will include seven productions.
US Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand Celebrates 25 Years Starring In LET IT BE ART! On Tour In Asheville
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 26, 2025

US Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand celebrating his 25th year starring as Harold Clurman, the 'Elder Statesman of the American Theatre' touring around the world in his celebrated solo play, LET IT BE ART! will perform in Asheville, North Carolina at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts on April 25th.
Crossroads Theatre Reveals New Play Lineup for GENESIS FESTIVAL
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 25, 2025

The Tony Award Winning Crossroads Theatre Company will celebrate 35 years of black stories with a lineup of new plays from a multigenerational cohort of new and established writers. Learn more!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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?'
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
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
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 26, 2024

Actor Bill Cobbs has passed away. Learn more about Cobbs' life and work.
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 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.

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 Outstanding Performance honors from the Drama Desk Awards for her roles in Wedding Band and Boesman and Lena. Additionally, she earned the Best Performance By An Actress award at the Obie Awards for Boesman and Lena.

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Videos