Ruby Dee
Actress, dancer, and civil rights activist with 70-year career
Ruby Dee (October 27, 1922 – June 11, 2014) was an American actress, dancer, singer, and civil rights activist whose career spanned over 70 years. Born as Ruby Ann Wallace in Cleveland, Ohio, she became one of the first Black actresses to have substantial roles in major films and television productions. She was a founding member of the Negro Repertory Company and performed extensively on Broadway, earning critical acclaim for her theatrical work. Dee's film roles included appearances in "Do the Right Thing" and "American Gangster," but she was perhaps best known for her partnership with her husband Ossie Davis, with whom she advocated for civil rights and against racial injustice throughout the Civil Rights era. She received numerous honors, including a Grammy Award and was nominated for Emmy Awards. Her legacy extends beyond entertainment into activism, as she used her platform to champion equality and social justice.
Ruby Franke
YouTuber and family vlogger involved in child welfare scandal
Ruby Rose
Actress in "Orange Is the New Black" and "John Wick: Chapter 3"
Ruby Walsh
Champion jockey, Grand National and Cheltenham Gold Cup winner
Ruby Bridges
First Black student to desegregate an all-white school in 1960
Ruby Wax
Comedian and mental health advocate
Ruby Keeler
Dancer and actress in 1930s-40s Hollywood musicals
Entertainment
American
1922
2014
Thinking about the name
Ruby
Latin origin
“Derived from the Latin Rubeus meaning 'red,' Ruby is named after the precious gemstone prized for its deep crimson color and historical significance in crowns and royal regalia. The name emerged as a gemstone name in the Victorian era and became a major cultural touchstone through literature, music, and film. It balances vintage charm with timeless appeal, evoking both luxury and warmth.”