Iconic Actress Ruby Dee Dies at 91

Sad news! Legendary actress Ruby Dee has died at the age of 91. She was said to have died peacefully at her New Rochelle, New York, home on Wednesday. Her representative, Michael Livingston, confirmed the news of Ms. Dee’s death to CNN.

Throughout her career, Ms. Dee starred in several Hollywood films and Broadway plays, as well as television shows. She played Rachel Robinson in The Jackie Robinson Story in 1950, and costarred alongside Nat King Cole, Eartha Kitt and Cab Calloway in St. Louis Blues (1958). One of her most known and amazing roles was her character Ruth Younger in A Raisin in the Sun, opposite Sidney Poitier. With her long-standing career, she earned an Emmy, a Grammy, and a Screen Actors Guild Award, among several others.

Most recently, the late actress earned her only Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, for her role in American Gangster (2007), which starred Denzel Washington. Her final film will be the crime drama “King Dog,” alongside Ice-T, which is still in production.

She and her husband and partner, actor Ossie Davis (who passed away in February 2005), often worked together, and even had their own short-lived show, “Ossie and Ruby!” which aired from 1980-81. The two were also pioneers in the Civil Rights Movement, and received the National Civil Rights Museum’s Lifetime Achievement Freedom Award in 2005 before Mr. Davis’ death.

So sad, but Ruby Dee definitely lived a full life. To be 91, still working and on the move, and looking GOOD, she deserves peace. Thoughts and prayers to her family and friends.

Image via Afro Newspaper/Gado/Getty Images

Iconic Actress Ruby Dee Dies at 91

Sad news! Legendary actress Ruby Dee has died at the age of 91. She was said to have died peacefully at her New Rochelle, New York, home on Wednesday. Her representative, Michael Livingston, confirmed the news of Ms. Dee’s death to CNN.

Throughout her career, Ms. Dee starred in several Hollywood films and Broadway plays, as well as television shows. She played Rachel Robinson in The Jackie Robinson Story in 1950, and costarred alongside Nat King Cole, Eartha Kitt and Cab Calloway in St. Louis Blues (1958). One of her most known and amazing roles was her character Ruth Younger in A Raisin in the Sun, opposite Sidney Poitier. With her long-standing career, she earned an Emmy, a Grammy, and a Screen Actors Guild Award, among several others.

Most recently, the late actress earned her only Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, for her role in American Gangster (2007), which starred Denzel Washington. Her final film will be the crime drama “King Dog,” alongside Ice-T, which is still in production.

She and her husband and partner, actor Ossie Davis (who passed away in February 2005), often worked together, and even had their own short-lived show, “Ossie and Ruby!” which aired from 1980-81. The two were also pioneers in the Civil Rights Movement, and received the National Civil Rights Museum’s Lifetime Achievement Freedom Award in 2005 before Mr. Davis’ death.

So sad, but Ruby Dee definitely lived a full life. To be 91, still working and on the move, and looking GOOD, she deserves peace. Thoughts and prayers to her family and friends.

Image via Afro Newspaper/Gado/Getty Images

Legendary Writer Maya Angelou Passes Away At 86

It has been confirmed that legendary poet and writer Maya Angelou has passed away at the age of 86.
Her literary agent, Helen Brann, confirmed that Dr. Angelou died at her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. As many of us know, Dr. Angelou’s work spans over 50 years, and goes beyond just writing. She’s recorded albums, starred in several films and productions, as well as directed film.

One of my favorite works by her would have to be her famous book, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” an autobiographical book. Self-taught, she made a name for herself and was a true inspiration to look up to. I’m saddened to hear about her passing, but it’s good to know that she lived a full life of purpose and joy, doing what she loved and impacting literally millions. That’s a great legacy to leave. 

Thoughts and prayers go out to her loved ones. For now, I leave you all with one of my favorite poems by Dr. Maya Angelou, “Phenomenal Woman.” Rest in Peace.

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Legendary Writer Maya Angelou Passes Away At 86

It has been confirmed that legendary poet and writer Maya Angelou has passed away at the age of 86.
Her literary agent, Helen Brann, confirmed that Dr. Angelou died at her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. As many of us know, Dr. Angelou’s work spans over 50 years, and goes beyond just writing. She’s recorded albums, starred in several films and productions, as well as directed film.

One of my favorite works by her would have to be her famous book, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” an autobiographical book. Self-taught, she made a name for herself and was a true inspiration to look up to. I’m saddened to hear about her passing, but it’s good to know that she lived a full life of purpose and joy, doing what she loved and impacting literally millions. That’s a great legacy to leave. 

Thoughts and prayers go out to her loved ones. For now, I leave you all with one of my favorite poems by Dr. Maya Angelou, “Phenomenal Woman.” Rest in Peace.

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James Avery Passes Away

Very sad news to start the new year! James Avery, best known for his role as Uncle Phil on “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” died on Tuesday, his publicist confirmed to ABC News. The actor died from complications of open heart surgery, Cynthia Snyder informed the media.

Before becoming an actor, James served in the Navy in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1969. He returned back to the States, moving to San Diego, and wrote poetry and TV scripts for PBS, including the Emmy Award-winning production, “Ameda Speaks: Poet James Avery.” In addition to Fresh Prince, he also lent his voice to several animated TV series, including “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and “Iron Man.”  Most recently, James worked on Zach Braff‘s film, “Wish I Was Here,” which will premiere at the Sundance film festival.

“Fresh Prince” co-star Alfonso Ribeiro, who played Carlton, tweeted earlier today:

I’m deeply saddened to say that James Avery has passed away. He was a second father to me. I will miss him greatly. pic.twitter.com/UrW0EeBFbO
— Alfonso Ribeiro (@alfonso_ribeiro) January 1, 2014

//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsPrayers go out to his family and friends! Of course, James was best known to us all as Uncle Phil on a series that is timeless. His legacy as an actor, and more importantly, as a stand up person to his loved ones will live on! Here is my favorite scene from the show. Emotional, yet powerful. RIP James Avery.

Image via Michael Tran/Getty Images

James Avery Passes Away

Very sad news to start the new year! James Avery, best known for his role as Uncle Phil on “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” died on Tuesday, his publicist confirmed to ABC News. The actor died from complications of open heart surgery, Cynthia Snyder informed the media.

Before becoming an actor, James served in the Navy in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1969. He returned back to the States, moving to San Diego, and wrote poetry and TV scripts for PBS, including the Emmy Award-winning production, “Ameda Speaks: Poet James Avery.” In addition to Fresh Prince, he also lent his voice to several animated TV series, including “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and “Iron Man.”  Most recently, James worked on Zach Braff‘s film, “Wish I Was Here,” which will premiere at the Sundance film festival.

“Fresh Prince” co-star Alfonso Ribeiro, who played Carlton, tweeted earlier today:

I’m deeply saddened to say that James Avery has passed away. He was a second father to me. I will miss him greatly. pic.twitter.com/UrW0EeBFbO
— Alfonso Ribeiro (@alfonso_ribeiro) January 1, 2014

Prayers go out to his family and friends! Of course, James was best known to us all as Uncle Phil on a series that is timeless. His legacy as an actor, and more importantly, as a stand up person to his loved ones will live on! Here is my favorite scene from the show. Emotional, yet powerful. RIP James Avery.

Image via Michael Tran/Getty Images

Moesha’s Yvette Wilson Passes Away From Cancer

Sad news to start the morning. Just found out that Yvette Wilson, who played Andell Wilkerson on Moesha and The Parkers, passed away from cervical cancer last night. She was only 48 years old. The actress was suffering at Stage 4 with the cancer.

Yvette’s friend and former co-star, Shar Jackson (she played Moesha’s best friend Niecy), had been tweeting, asking her followers to pray for Yvette for the past few days now. She revealed the news that Yvette had passed away last night on her Twitter.

I didn’t even know that she was sick! Terrible news! I used to watch Moesha and The Parkers all the time growing up and I loved her character. Thoughts and prayers go to Shar, and Yvette’s family and friends during this difficult time. 

Moesha’s Yvette Wilson Passes Away From Cancer

Sad news to start the morning. Just found out that Yvette Wilson, who played Andell Wilkerson on Moesha and The Parkers, passed away from cervical cancer last night. She was only 48 years old. The actress was suffering at Stage 4 with the cancer.

Yvette’s friend and former co-star, Shar Jackson (she played Moesha’s best friend Niecy), had been tweeting, asking her followers to pray for Yvette for the past few days now. She revealed the news that Yvette had passed away last night on her Twitter.

I didn’t even know that she was sick! Terrible news! I used to watch Moesha and The Parkers all the time growing up and I loved her character. Thoughts and prayers go to Shar, and Yvette’s family and friends during this difficult time. 

Whitney Houston Passed Away

I woke up to some terrible news just now. Legendary songstress, Whitney Houston, has passed away at the age of 48. The singer was known for her outstanding music and movie career, as well as her sad drug use and her crazy marriage to singer Bobby Brown.

Whitney’s publicist, Kristen Foster, said Saturday that the singer had died, but the cause and the location of her death were unknown, according to ABC. Several other news sources such as CNN and TMZ has reported the singer’s passing as well.

I honestly am in shock. One, because Whitney was only 48. That’s my parents’ age. I could only imagine. Two, she seemed to be on the road to getting herself together. We are truly losing all of our legends. Etta James, Don Cornelius, and now Whitney! It’s terrible! Praying for Bobbi Kristina and the rest of Whitney’s family. This is truly unbelievable!

RIP Whitney!  

Whitney Houston Passed Away

I woke up to some terrible news just now. Legendary songstress, Whitney Houston, has passed away at the age of 48. The singer was known for her outstanding music and movie career, as well as her sad drug use and her crazy marriage to singer Bobby Brown.

Whitney’s publicist, Kristen Foster, said Saturday that the singer had died, but the cause and the location of her death were unknown, according to ABC. Several other news sources such as CNN and TMZ has reported the singer’s passing as well.

I honestly am in shock. One, because Whitney was only 48. That’s my parents’ age. I could only imagine. Two, she seemed to be on the road to getting herself together. We are truly losing all of our legends. Etta James, Don Cornelius, and now Whitney! It’s terrible! Praying for Bobbi Kristina and the rest of Whitney’s family. This is truly unbelievable!

RIP Whitney!