Ruby Dee
Birth Place: Cleveland, OH, USA
Latest News on Ruby Dee:
Ronald Rand to Star in LET IT BE ART! South Carolina Premiere at Bluebird Theatre (Feb 16, 2026)
Woodie King, Jr., Founder of New Federal Theatre, Passes Away at 88 (Jan 31, 2026)
Meet the Cast of OEDIPUS, Now Playing on Broadway (Oct 30, 2025)
Ronald Rand to Star in LET IT BE ART! South Carolina Premiere at Bluebird Theatre (Feb 16, 2026)
Woodie King, Jr., Founder of New Federal Theatre, Passes Away at 88 (Jan 31, 2026)
Meet the Cast of OEDIPUS, Now Playing on Broadway (Oct 30, 2025)
Photos
365Black Award Honorees, Civil rights activist and McDonald’s owner/operator Henry “Hank†Thomas, Radio One network founder Cathy Hughes, multi-platinum recording artist Mary J. Blige, legendary Broadway actress Ruby Dee and NAACP® p
Date:
07/02/2011
From: Photo Flash: Blige, Dee et al. Honored at 365Black Awards
STAGE CREDITS
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
VIDEO: First Look - PBS Presents Documentary on A RAISIN IN THE SUN Playwright Lorraine Hansberry
by BWW
News Desk - 2018-01-19 01:30:00
VIDEO: First Look - PBS Presents Documentary on A RAISIN IN THE SUN Playwright Lorraine Hansberry
by Caryn Robbins - 2017-12-04 12:54:35
WHITE CHRISTMAS Cast Celebrates 100th Year of New Haven's Shubert Theater
by Jeffrey Ellis - 2014-12-23 10:11:31
VIDEO: Watch Documentary Celebrating 25th Anniversary of Spike Lee's DO THE RIGHT THING
by Caryn Robbins - 2014-08-15 11:32:55
STAGE TUBE: In Case You Missed It- Theater Talk's Tribute to Ruby Dee
by Courtnie Mele - 2014-06-13 22:03:24
VIDEO: Spike Lee Talks DO THE RIGHT THING Broadway Musical on GMA
by Caryn Robbins - 2013-10-23 13:47:21
STAGE TUBE: Reheasal Footage of Crossroads' LAST FIVE YEARS
by James T Harding - 2012-04-11 08:09:10
TV: A Closer Look at ABC's Feb. 25 World Premiere Movie Event 'A Raisin in the Sun'
by Craig Brockman - 2008-02-22 16:43:16
News
Ronald Rand to Star in LET IT BE ART! South Carolina Premiere at Bluebird Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 16, 2026
U.S. Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand will be bringing Harold Clurman, the 'Elder Statesman of the American Theatre' alive in the South Caroilna premiere of his solo play, Let It Be Art! at the Bluebird Theatre in Orangeburg.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 16, 2026
U.S. Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand will be bringing Harold Clurman, the 'Elder Statesman of the American Theatre' alive in the South Caroilna premiere of his solo play, Let It Be Art! at the Bluebird Theatre in Orangeburg.
Woodie King, Jr., Founder of New Federal Theatre, Passes Away at 88
by Gillian Blum - Jan 31, 2026
Producer, director, and New Federal Theatre founder Woodie King Jr. passed away at 88 on January 29 following complications from emergency heart surgery.
by Gillian Blum - Jan 31, 2026
Producer, director, and New Federal Theatre founder Woodie King Jr. passed away at 88 on January 29 following complications from emergency heart surgery.
Meet the Cast of OEDIPUS, Now Playing on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Oct 30, 2025
The Olivier Award-winning Oedipus, an adaptation created and directed by Robert Icke, will begin performances on Broadway on Thursday, October 30, 2025. Meet the cast of Oedipus here!
by Stephi Wild - Oct 30, 2025
The Olivier Award-winning Oedipus, an adaptation created and directed by Robert Icke, will begin performances on Broadway on Thursday, October 30, 2025. Meet the cast of Oedipus here!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 received several prestigious awards throughout her career, including the Edith Oliver Award for Sustained Excellence from The Lortels. She won Outstanding Performance at the Drama Desk Awards for her roles in Wedding Band and Boesman and Lena. Additionally, she earned the Best Performance by an Actress at the Obie Awards for her work in Boesman and Lena.
Videos