Dee was 91 years old, an actress, playwright, poet and screenwriter. Her Broadway credits included Checkmates, Purlie Victorious, A Raisin in the Sun, The Smile of the World, A Long Way From Home, Jeb, Anna Lucasta, and South Pacific. Dee earned an Oscar nomination for her performance in the 2007 film "American Gangster." She is a recipient of the National Medal of Arts and the Kennedy Center Honors, among numerous other awards including an Emmy and a Grammy.

She was married to the late performer Ossie Davis, who passed in 2005.

In addition to her work as a performer, Dee was a prominent figure in the black civil rights movement - fighting primarily to save the rights of blacks in the entertainment industry. She and husband Davis served as masters of ceremonies for the historic 1963 March on Washington.

Tony-winners Audra McDonald and Kenny Leon both acknowledged Dee in their acceptance speeches on June 8.

Dee is survived by three children and seven grandchildren. For more about the life of Ruby Dee, read Playbill.com's article here.