Famed actress Ruby Dee uses time, energy to 'do good' for others
By SHIRLEY UPTON, T&D Correspondent Tuesday, August 07, 2007SANTEE, S.C. - A woman familiar to movie goers and TV viewers around the globe visited Santee Saturday.
Legendary actress, writer, producer and activist Ruby Dee made two appearances during the annual Rudolph Canzater Memorial Classic sponsored by the James E. Clyburn Scholarship Foundation. Dee attended the Spouses Luncheon presided over by U.S. Congressman Jim Clyburn's wife, Emily Clyburn, on Saturday afternoon and the Canzater Classic Scholarship Awards Banquet on Saturday evening.
"I am very excited to be here, and I thank Pfizer for arranging it." Dee said. "I'm a long-time admirer of Congressman Clyburn's education and health initiatives."
Dee has appeared in more than 20 films. She said some of her favorite roles on stage and screen include Lutiebelle in "Purlie Victorious" (written by her late husband, Ossie Davis); Ruth in "A Raisin in the Sun;" Lena in "Boesman and Lena," for which she received an Obie and a Drama Desk award; and Mary Tyrone in "A Long Day's Journey Into Night," for which she received a Cable ACE award. In 1991, Dee won an Emmy for her performance in "Decoration Day."
The actress is a well-known activist and a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Over the years, she has actively encouraged people of all ages to become advocates of their health and the health of their loved ones.
At the Canzater Classic Scholarship Awards Banquet, Dee shared her personal journey of health and wellness and the importance of making personal health a priority for everyone.
"I commend Congressman Clyburn for working to educate us all about health management and how we can learn from Rudolph Canzater's story," she said. "I am truly honored to participate and speak during the Classic this year."
The Canzater Classic is named for Rudolph "Candy" Canzater, a charter member and volunteer organizer who died of a ruptured aorta in 1988 at the age of 49.
Dee said she has no intention of curtailing her many activities.
"There's no such thing as being retired," Dee said. "As I get older, I use my time and energy to do good."
T&D Correspondent Shirley Upton can be reached by e-mail at writer@ntinet.com. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.
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