Ruby Dee (born October 27, 1924) is an American Academy Award-nominated and Screen Actors Guild Award-winning actress, poet, playwright, screenwriter, journalist, and activist.

Dee’s career in acting has crossed all major forms of media over a span of eight decades, including the films A Raisin in the Sun, in which she recreated her stage role as a suffering housewife in the projects, and Edge of the City. She played both roles opposite Sidney Poitier. During the 1960s, Dee appeared in such politically charged films as Gone Are the Days and The Incident, which is recognized as helping pave the way for young African-American actors and filmmakers.

She has been nominated for eight Emmy Awards, winning once for her role in the 1990 TV film Decoration Day. She was also nominated for her television guest appearance in the China Beach episode, “Skylark.” Her late husband Ossie Davis (1917-2005) also appeared in that episode.

In 2007 the winner of the Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album was tied between Dee and Ossie Davis for “With Ossie And Ruby: In This Life Together”, and former President Jimmy Carter.

She has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2007 for her portrayal of Mama Lucas in American Gangster. She won the SAG award for the same performance. At 83 years old, Dee is currently the second oldest nominee for Best Supporting Actress, behind Gloria Stuart who was 87 for her role in Titanic. This was her first nomination.