A revered black actress also known for her social activism, Cleveland native Ruby Dee was born Ruby Ann Wallace on Oct. 27, 1924. While in college, she worked with the American Negro Theatre in Harlem and later studied at the Actors Studio, spending her early career on the New York City stage before getting her film break with The Jackie Robinson Story (1950).Since then, Dee has proved to be one of the most distinguished actresses of her generation. Her career highlights include groundbreaking work in A Raisin in the Sun (1961), playing a role she originated on Broadway; a stint as a doctor's wife on "Peyton Place" (1968-69); and an Emmy-winning performance in the made-for-TV movie Decoration Day (1990).
Dee received a Screen Actor's Guild Award and her first Oscar nomination for her spirited portrayal of Denzel Washington's mother in the crime drama American Gangster (2007).
AddSteamThe stories of three very different women -- a widow (Ruby Dee) finding a new love, a divorced mom (Ally Sheedy) in a relationship with a younger man, and an activist college student (Kate Siegel) eager to come out -- intersect in the steam room at the local gym. There, they share an unlikely... Read More
AddAmericaPsychiatrist Maureen Brennan (Rosie O'Donnell) encounters a heart-wrenching case in her patient America (Philip Johnson), a teenager filled with rage after years of parental neglect, sexual abuse and foster care red tape, in this made-for-TV drama. As Dr. Brennan and America sift through the turmoil... Read More
AddThe Life of Jackie RobinsonThis biographical drama tells the story of famed baseball player Jackie Robinson (played by Robinson himself), as he became the first African-American player in major league baseball. Beginning with Robinson's childhood and following him from UCLA to the Army to his time in the Negro Leagues, this... Read More
AddFinding Buck McHenryBaseball aficionado Jason Ross (Michael Schiffman) feels dejected when he gets bumped from his Little League squad. Determined to succeed, Jason joins an expansion club. Problem is, the team lacks a coach, so Jason recruits school custodian -- and baseball maven -- Mack Henry (Ossie Davis) as... Read More
AddSports Legends: Louis / RobinsonTwo great African-American sports stars -- Jackie Robinson and Joe Louis -- are profiled. Robinson portrays himself in The Jackie Robinson Story, which was made just three years after he broke into pro baseball. Coley Wallace stars as legendary boxer Louis in the Joe Louis Story, which delves into... Read More
