'No Country,' 'Sopranos' snag SAG's highest prizes Jan 28, 2008
She shared fond thoughts of her late husband and frequent acting partner, Ossie Davis, who died in 2005. Though its last episode aired several months ago, The Sopranos grabbed all three TV drama categories, with James Gandolfini and Edie Falco taking both lead-acting prizes and the entire ensemble joining them to accept the award for overall cast performance. (AZCentral -- News)
BET Networks Celebrates Black History Month With an Entertaining Lineup of Music Specials, Blackbuster Movie Premieres, and Ground-Breaking Documentaries Jan 24, 2008
HISTORY MAKERS: SUCCESS -- This unique collection of oral history features interviews with prominent history makers such as Terry McMillan, Isaac Hayes, Horace Julian Bond, Ossie Davis and a host of many other influential African-Americans who have contributed to society and history. 1:00 p.m. ET/PT on BET. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Starz Entertainment's Weekly Hot Items List January 21-27 Jan 10, 2008
(All times listed are ET/PT.) Monday, January 21 Following the Dream A marathon of films about the Civil Rights struggle to coincide with Martin Luther King Jr. Day Begins at 4 p.m. on Starz InBlack -- Our Friend, Martin at 4 p.m. -- (Danny Glover, Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey) -- Get on the Bus at 5:05 p.m. -- (Richard Belzer, De'aundre Bonds, -- Andre Braugher) -- We Shall Not Be Moved at 7:10 p.m. -- (David W. Clark, R. Martin Coleman, Ossie Davis) -- Mississippi Burning at 8 p.m. -- (Gene... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Obama, Clinton rivalry spreads to Grammys Dec 7, 2007
Carter won the race in 2007, in a tie with actors Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee, while Obama took the prize the year before ... Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee. (Yahoo News -- Politics)
'American Gangster' misfires Dec 2, 2007
The work of directors Ossie Davis in 1970's Cotton Comes to Harlem and Bill Duke in 1991's A Rage in Harlem can't compare to Scott's in virtuosity, but their adaptations of Chester Himes novels burst with street wit and spontaneity. Too often American Gangster comes off as a cover version of a Scorsese, Coppola or De Palma movie. (Sunspot.net -- Business)
Its time for Ruby Dee to win an Oscar Nov 20, 2007
"Universal PicturesMost popular Most Viewed Top Rated Most E-mailedCOMMENTARYBy Miki TurnerMSNBC contributorupdated 6:08 p.m. ET Nov. 19, 2007Ruby Dee keeps a list of the awards that she and her late husband, Ossie Davis, have won on a sheet a paper. Part of the reason she does that is so she can keep track of them. And part of it is because after more than 60 years in the business shes still humbled by the honors big and small.Yet despite all the accolades shes received... (MSNBC -- News)
Richard Gere receives Marian Anderson Award Nov 13, 2007
Previous recipients of the Marian Anderson Award include Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, Gregory Peck, Elizabeth Taylor, Quincy Jones, Danny Glover, Oprah Winfrey, Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee. Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. (USA Today -- Life)
What star did after he almost died Sep 29, 2007
He pays tribute to a number of people in the book, from his father -- a well-known stage actor -- to such figures as actor Ossie Davis, scientist Richard Feynman (whom Alda portrayed on stage) and manager Martin Bregman. One Alda story, about actor Bert Convy, is revealing in a number of ways. (CNN -- Showbiz)
Durning To Get SAG Lifetime Achievement Honor Sep 25, 2007
According to SAG, Durning did not speak publicly about his war experiences until the 50th anniversary of D-Day, when it was suggested by Durning's "Evening Shade" co-star Ossie Davis (SAG's 2000 Life Achievement Award recipient) that he appear in the National Memorial Day Concert, which Davis was hosting. Durning will be presented the guild honor at the 14th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, set for Jan. 27 in Los Angeles. (Click2Houston, TX)
New on DVD: Ferrell, Heder skate to 'Glory' Aug 31, 2007
Detractors compared Olivier with a minstrel, but now, in sporadic flashes, he almost suggests the older Ossie Davis. Savor four acting Oscar nominations: Olivier, Frank Finlay (an especially wow Iago), Maggie Smith (Desdemona) and Joyce Redman (Emilia). (USA Today -- Life)
Black theater company's home in S.F. threatened Jun 24, 2007
" The last remaining black theater company in California with its own stage, the Hansberry has achieved a national profile beyond that of most companies its size. Founded in a storefront by Artistic Director Stanley E. Williams and Easter, the company endured a nomadic existence before finding a home in the YWCA building, a 1917 historic landmark designed by Louis Hobart, who also designed the nearby Bohemian Club and Marines Memorial buildings. The company renovated the Y's former gymnasium in... (San Francisco Chronicle)
A film about have-nots is a have-to-see Jun 8, 2007
At the time, Burnett, then 33, didn't have a huge inspirational well of black filmmakers to look to as role models or peers, either: there were Ossie Davis , Gordon Parks , Melvin Van Peebles , and Sidney Poitier. And by 1977, blaxploitation was pretty much dead. (Boston Globe)
New on DVD: 'Ghosts of Abu Ghraib' is haunting Jun 8, 2007
In an interesting release-schedule dovetail with the Abu Ghraib documentary, here's Connery, Ossie Davis and others playing misfits sweating away in a British army desert prison camp. Both leads, as well as Harry Andrews, playing a sadistic old-school sergeant, are at the top of their game. (USA Today -- Life)
Inside the Beltway (John McCaslin) May 30, 2007
Also dressed for battle were James Arness, Alan Hale Jr., Victor Mature, Telly Savalas, Arthur Godfrey, Tyrone Power, Ed McMahon, Lee Marvin, Don Adams, Sterling Hayden, John Russell, James Whitmore, Rod Serling, Jack Warden, Ted Knight, Burt Lancaster, George Kennedy, Art Carney, Burgess Meredith, Cameron Mitchell, Kevin McCarthy, Martin Balsam, Jackie Coogan, Dale Robertson, George Reeves, Russell Johnson, Robert Preston, George Gobel, Gene Raymond, Karl Malden, Red Buttons, Robert Taylor,... (Washington Times, DC)
Writing the wrongs: Rudy Dee, other authors share work Apr 24, 2007
In that raspy voice that has long distinguished her rhythmic speech, Dee, 82, presented her words and those of her late husband, Ossie Davis, when she addressed an audience of literature lovers who gathered for a Saturday reading ... Widow of actor Ossie Davis, to whom she was married for 56 years. (The Clarion-Ledger)
These sea cadets are also proud to serve Mar 31, 2007
A book was written about these men, "Proudly We Served, the Men of the Training Ship Mason." It was made into a movie starring Ossie Davis. A former Navy man, Congressman Joe Sestak (D-7), spoke at the banquet. (News of Delaware County, PA)
Starz InBlack Honors Spike Lee on His 50th Birthday With a 24-hour Marathon Tuesday, March 20 Mar 9, 2007
In these vignettes, Lee speaks candidly about things such as the influence of his cinematic forefathers including Oscar Micheaux, Gordon Parks, Ossie Davis and Melvin Van Peebles, as well as other career challenges he has faced, how he has evolved as a filmmaker and what he hopes to accomplish in the future. Visit for scheduling information and video clips for the Spike Lee 24-hour Marathon. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Several Women Have Come Close to Taking the Oval Office Mar 9, 2007
At right is actor Ossie Davis. Chisholm announced, "I dare run for the presidency," and "that hour has come in America when we can't be passive recipients.". (The Ledger)
Judge blocks election in NYC suburb; leaders to meet Saturday Mar 3, 2007
Actor Ossie Davis was a plaintiff in the New Rochelle case. . (Newsday -- State)
NY town split over Hispanic voting Feb 27, 2007
In the 1990s, actor Ossie Davis and other black activists went to court to challenge New Rochelle's at-large City Council elections, and the city eventually approved a referendum that changed the system. Soon after that, a federal judge found that Hempstead's at-large town board system "invidiously excluded blacks from effective participation in the town's political life" and ordered six districts drawn up. (Newsday -- New York City)
Bush-baiting Dixie Chicks fly high at Grammy show Feb 13, 2007
Three winners received their Grammys posthumously American mezzo-soprano Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, actor Ossie Davis and tenor saxophonist Brecker ... Carter, 82, shared the award in a rare tie with actress Ruby Dee and her late husband Ossie Davis for With Ossie and Ruby: In This Life Together. (People's Daily Online, China)
What you DIDN'T see at Grammys Feb 13, 2007
But I'm happy about it" - so much so, apparently, that Lang said that now he's going to fiddle with his musical focus. "My albums will be progressively more gospel," he said. "I feel like a rock star or something," gushed actress Ruby Dee, who won for Best Spoken Word for a project that tells the tandem autobiography of herself and her late husband, fellow actor Ossie Davis. In accepting, she kept referring to Davis as if he hadn't died. "I speak about him in the present tense because I really... (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
Dixie Chicks fly high Feb 13, 2007
Three winners received their Grammys posthumously American mezzo-soprano Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, actor Ossie Davis and tenor saxophonist Brecker. Lieberson, winner for best classical vocal performance, died from breast cancer last June, aged 52. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Jimmy Carter Wins a Grammy Award Feb 13, 2007
Carter, 82, shared the award in a rare tie with actress Ruby Dee and her late husband Ossie Davis for "With Ossie and Ruby: In This Life Together.". Davis, a prominent actor and civil rights activist died of natural causes in 2005, aged 87. (Newsmax)
New honor for Jimmy Carter: Grammy winner Feb 12, 2007
Carter, 82, shared the award in a rare tie with actress Ruby Dee and her late husband Ossie Davis for With Ossie and Ruby: In This Life Together. . (MSNBC -- Music)
Grammys whistle Dixie Feb 12, 2007
For what appears to be the first time in its history, the Grammys had two ties: Latin pop album prize went to Arjona and Julieta Venegas and the spoken word category was shared by Jimmy Carter and Ruby Dee and the late Ossie Davis. Grammy officials were not able to confirm but the ties were likely the first ones since 1984. (Variety)
Grammy vignettes: Ludacris jabs Oprah, O'Reilly; and more Feb 12, 2007
Jimmy Carter's spoken-word album, "Our Endangered Values: America's Moral Crisis," tied with Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee's "With Ossie and Ruby: In This Life Together.". In the Latin pop album category, Arjona's "Adentro" tied with Julieta Venegas' "Limon Y Sal.". (Santa Maria Times)
'Nice' Chicks finish first Feb 12, 2007
An ex-president, Jimmy Carter, tied for the spoken-word album award for his Our Endangered Values audio book, which was honored with Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee's With Ossie and Ruby: In This Life Together. Jim Abbott can be reached at 407-420-6213 or jabbott@orlandosentinel. (Orlando Sentinel -- Entertainment)
2007 Grammy Award Nominations List Feb 12, 2007
With Ossie And Ruby: In This Life Together (Ossie Davis Dee)Ossie Davis Dee[Time Warner. Field 20 - ComedyCategory 78 - Best Comedy Album(For comedy recordings, spoken or musical). (CBS2.com, CA)
'Trouble' blisters in pointed humor (Jayne Blanchard) Feb 10, 2007
Miss Childress, who died in 1994 at age 77, may be most famous for her young adult novels "A Hero Ain't Nothin' But a Sandwich," "Rainbow Jordan," and "A Short Walk," but she was also a founding member of the American Negro Theatre, where her colleagues included Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte. Written in 1955, "Trouble in Mind" was based on Miss Childress' experience as an actor relegated to playing maids and mammies. (Washington Times)
Grand Ole Opry Star Del Reeves Dead at 73 Jan 3, 2007
Reeves appeared in eight movies, including Sam Whiskey, a 1969 film starring Burt Reynolds, Angie Dickinson and Ossie Davis. Other titles conveyed their dramatic standing, including Second Fiddle to a Steel Guitar, Forty-Acre Feud, Gold Guitar and Cotton Pickin' Chickenpickers. (VHI.com -- CMT.com Music News)
T.I. tops Ga. grammy nominees Dec 8, 2006
Other area nominees include singer-songwriter Van Hunt, Christian band Third Day, country mainstay Kenny Rogers, Sugarland vocalist Jennifer Nettles, rapper Yung Joc, art directors Susan Archie and Henry Owings, folk musician John McCutcheon and even former President Jimmy Carter, who will compete in a spoken word category against Bob Newhart, Bill Maher, Al Franken and the combination of Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis (the late Georgia-born actor). Nominated for two awards is country band Little Big... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
List of Grammy nominees Dec 8, 2006
(Bob Newhart), Bob Newhart; New Rules Polite Musings From a Timid Observer, Bill Maher; Our Endangered Values: America s Moral Crisis (Jimmy Carter), Jimmy Carter; The Truth (With Jokes) (Al Franken), Al Franken; With Ossie and Ruby: In This Life Together (Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee), Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee. 78. (KHOU.com, TX)
Holiday TV preview Nov 26, 2006
"Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Ghosts of Christmas Eve," 5:30 p.m., WTTW-Channel 11: Ossie Davis and Jewel appear in a musical fairy tale. 2001. (Chicago Sun-Times)
Race-Card Player Dishonors True Victims Nov 23, 2006
Days before I read about the firefighter's award, my 91-year-old dad and I watched a movie called "Proud." Narrated by the late, great Ossie Davis, the movie dramatized the experience of black sailors aboard the USS Mason during World War II. The ship became the only black-manned ship that actually saw combat. As a destroyer escort, it shepherded Allied convoys through German sub-filled waters, taking risks even the vaunted English Navy refused, deeming the mission too treacherous. (Human Events Online)
Lessons from celebrity couples? Nov 11, 2006
With all that being said the celebrity couple that I would hope to emulate in some way with my wife is ossie davis and Ruby dee ... But if you want a good example, look at the life of Ossie Davis (the late) and Ruby Dee. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Film fest offers free fun Nov 3, 2006
A film version of the successful stage play written by and starring Ossie Davis. Purlie Victorious, a flamboyant self-ordained minister returns to Georgia to buy an old barn and convert it into a church. (Pensacola News Journal)
The Terrorists' Legal Team Oct 3, 2006
The late actor Ossie Davis and his wife, actress Ruby Dee, gave up to $2,499 in 2002. Singer Natalie Merchant gave as much as $99,999 in 2005. (Human Events Online)
Turn a page, find a jewel Oct 1, 2006
Anderson said she had also been enticed to the festival by the appearance yesterday of actress and civil rights activist Ruby Dee, who was reading from a collection of writings and speeches by her husband, Ossie Davis. "He treated words as if they tasted good - you know what I mean," Dee said in her sultry, full-bodied voice during the reading yesterday at the. (SunSpot.net)
Justice On Trial Sep 17, 2006
There was also a 1997 television adaptation on Showtime that starred George C. Scott, Jack Lemmon and Ossie Davis. Life Does Not Imitate Art. (CTNow.com)
Coast to Coast: A few random thoughts Aug 26, 2006
Of course, no in the home believes him but his friend John F. Kennedy staying in the home for protection's sake, and played brilliantly by Ossie Davis. Elvis and JFK, delusional or not, team up to fight a soul-stealing mummy, saving the oblivious housemates. (Ridgecrest Daily Independent, CA)
2007 Trumpet Awards Goes To Las Vegas Jul 14, 2006
Over the years, the Trumpet Awards have paid tribute to Muhammad Ali, Spike Lee, Dr. "J" Julius Erving, Vernon Jordan, Nelson Mandela, Angela Bassett, Della Reese, Condoleezza Rice, Tiger Woods, Colin Powell, and Ossie Davis Dee. Some of the 2006 Trumpet Award winners included Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Stevie Wonder, Usher, Reverend C.T. Vivian, Dr. Bobby Jones, and Lorenzo Creighton, President f New York-New York Hotel and Casino and the first African-American to head a property on the Las Vegas... (Atlanta Daily World, GA)
Falling in love/staying in love Jul 8, 2006
Ossie Davis and Ruby Dees love is SO INSPIRING. NoNonsense Loved your 10:33 post. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Leaders & Success Jun 14, 2006
As the actor Ossie Davis said in an "American Masters" documentary devoted to Hammond, "By introducing (blacks) to the mainstream, (Hammond) permanently changed the face of America.". Hammond (1910-1987) was an unlikely advocate for what was then called "race" music. (Investors Business Daily)
Visiting with Ruby Dee Jun 10, 2006
She's hungry for any words that equate or evoke memories of the long, in-depth talks she had in her 56-year marriage with Ossie Davis before his death in February 2005 ... Actors Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis (shown at the Salute to Greatness Awards Dinner in Atlanta in 1999) were married for 56 years. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Sinise considers it a privilege to salute nation's veterans May 29, 2006
The intense, soft-spoken Sinise recalls his 2005 National Memorial Day Concert experience as "terrific. It was such a pleasure and a privilege to be a part of it. It was very moving." Sinise and Mantegna essentially replace the late actor Ossie Davis, the program's host for many years. "I've known Joe a while," Sinise reports, "and he was aware that I'm very active with the USO. I've been all over the world doing their tours. Last year, a section of (the concert) was dedicated to the USO, so... (Buffalo News -- Entertainment)
For hosts, Memorial Day concert is personal May 29, 2006
Mantegna, a stage and film actor who co-starred in the TV series "Joan of Arcadia," stepped in as host of the Memorial Day concert last year after the death of Ossie Davis, inviting Sinise to perform for that show and to join him as host this year. There are some in the entertainment industry who cite politics in declining to take part, Mantegna said. (CNN -- Showbiz)
SUMMER SURVIVAL GUIDE 2006: DVDs May 10, 2006
Ossie Davis, John Turturro, Rosie Perez, Danny Aiello, comic Robin Harris and Giancarlo Esposito are all very different actors, but Lee draws on their differences and makes them mesh into one melting pot of tension and community. DVD EXTRAS: Commentary, behind the scenes footage, documentary and original story boards. (Up & Coming Magazine, NC)
Ford Freedom Award Fundraiser to Pay Tribute to Actors Ossie Davis, Morgan Freeman May 9, 2006
Theatre founder Woodie King to receive Ford Freedom Pioneer Award DETROIT, May 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Legendary actors Ossie Davis and Morgan Freeman will be honored at the 2006 Ford Freedom Award black-tie gala, which will be held on Monday, May 15 at 6 p.m. at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History ... "As we commemorate the life of Ossie Davis and appreciate the work of Morgan Freeman, we at Ford Motor Company applaud their contributions to society and their efforts to unite... (PR Newswire)
VIDEO PREVIEW: Academy Award nominees continue to lead video lineup May 9, 2006
Back on these shores, the fact-based "Proud" (Lionsgate), the late Ossie Davis' final film, salutes the only black crew to take a Navy ship into World War II combat. "If Only" (Sony) focuses on the star-crossed romance between an aspiring singer (Jennifer Love Hewitt) and a British businessman (Paul Nichols), while a 14-year-old misfit (Emile Hirsch) struggles to overcome his mother's death in "The Mudge Boy" (Strand). (Las Vegas Review-Journal -- Life)
Stars by example Apr 28, 2006
Also in uniform were Carl Reiner, John Agar, Jeff Chandler, Ossie Davis, Frank Gorshin, Werner Klemperer, Rick Jason (who starred for five seasons on TV's "Combat"), Charlton Heston, William Holden, Robert Montgomery, Desi Arnaz (first rejected for being a Cuban, he was injured as an infantryman), Norman Mailer (invaded the Philippines), Alex Haley, Louis L'Amour (Normandy) and Bob Keeshan of "Captain Kangaroo" fame. LADIES' NIGHT. (Townhall.com)
Immigration issue celeb no-no Apr 21, 2006
The celebrity silence is a far cry from the courageous voices that decried the Vietnam War and rallied support for the civil rights movement: people like Ossie Davis and Harry Belafonte, whose careers suffered, or Dick Gregory and Eartha Kitt, who found themselves on Nixon's infamous enemies list. Still, the groundswell of immigrant rights marches surprised not only mainstream America but Hollywood, too. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
Starz InBlack Pays Tribute to Director Gordon Parks With Special Presentation of Original Documentary 'UNSTOPPABLE: A Conversation with Melvin Van Peebles, Gordon Parks and Ossie Davis' Mar 9, 2006
March 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Starz InBlack pays tribute to internationally acclaimed filmmaker, photojournalist, novelist and composer Gordon Parks, with a special presentation of its original production "UNSTOPPABLE: A Conversation with Melvin Van Peebles, Gordon Parks and Ossie Davis." The documentary airs this Friday, March 10th at 6:50 p.m. (et/pt) ... "UNSTOPPABLE: A Conversation with Melvin Van Peebles, Gordon Parks and Ossie Davis" provides a candid and revealing look at the first African... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
David Aldridge | Not black enough? No, just too dull Feb 25, 2006
" Gumbel's gotten knocked around pretty well ever since, in newsprint and on Web sites. Here's my problem with what he said: When we start talking about seeing too many black people - or white people - playing a sport, we're in trouble. The NBA has been fighting the notion that it's "too black" for some people's comfort for two decades. (This is different, mind you, from a white kid's getting inspiration from seeing, say, Steve Nash play basketball, or a black kid's getting inspired by watching... (Philly.com -- Sports)
Five Revolutionary Films - One Legendary Director Feb 23, 2006
The extraordinary cast includes Spike Lee, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Samuel L. Jackson, Lonette McKee, John Turturro and two-time Academy Award winner Anthony Quinn. DISC 2. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
New Book Encourages Blacks To Go Beyond History of Civil Rights Leaders and Other Notable Blacks, and Begin to Reconcile Their Own Personal Histories Feb 14, 2006
While attending a press conference at Yale University for filmmaker Spike Lee and actors Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee, Allen was fascinated by Lee s response to a question from one of the reporters. According to Allen when Lee was asked what inspires the topics he chooses for his films, Lee avoided answering the question directly. (NewsIsFree-India)
Sundance favorites, 2006 Jan 29, 2006
Amazingly, just one day after filming started in New Zealand, Dee got news her longtime husband Ossie Davis had died. Two weeks later she returned to finish the movie, a move she said was in line with her husband's outlook on life. (CNET.com)
Spotlight on Toa Fraser at Sundance Jan 21, 2006
Less than 24 hours later, Dee had a phone call to say Ossie Davis, her beloved husband of 56 years, had died in a Florida hotel room. The 87-year-old actor and fellow activist had been working on a film called Retirement. (New Zealand Herald)
Starz InBlack Celebrates Black History Month With a Diverse Array of Fresh Entertainment Jan 18, 2006
Starz InBlack will also present its original documentary "UNSTOPPABLE: A Conversation with Melvin Van Peebles, Gordon Parks and Ossie Davis" on Tuesday, February 28. "UNSTOPPABLE: A Conversation with Melvin Van Peebles, Gordon Parks and Ossie Davis" provides a candid and revealing look at the first African Americans to direct Hollywood features -- Melvin Van Peebles ("Sweet Sweetbacks' Baadasssss Song," "Classified X"), Gordon Parks ("The Learning Tree," "Shaft") and Ossie Davis ("Cotton Comes... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Bidding a 2005 farewell to the best and brightest Jan 1, 2006
THEATER, DANCE In 2005, house lights dimmed for a trio of incandescent stars: the multitalented Ossie Davis, an actor, director, playwright (''Purlie Victorious"), and passionate crusader for social justice; Anne Bancroft, the Tony- and Oscar-winning actress best known for her roles in ''The Miracle Worker" and ''The Graduate"; and John Raitt, Broadway's leading man in landmark productions of ''Carousel", ''The Pajama Game," and ''Oklahoma." The dance world said goodbye to Fernando Bujones, the... (Boston Globe)
