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With Ossie and Ruby: In This Life Together
Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee are legendary stars of the American stage, television, and film, a beloved and revered couple cherished not just for their acting artistry but also for their lifelong commitment to civil rights, family values, and the black community. Now they look back on a half- century of their personal and political struggles to maintain a healthy marriage and to create the record of distinguished accomplishment that earned each a Presidential Medal for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts.With Ossie and Ruby overflows with consummate storytelling skill developed by decades in the spotlight. From their early years as struggling actors in Harlem's black theater to Broadway and Hollywood stardom, they regale the reader with colorful, entertaining tales of the places they've been and the people they've met. But their charming humor is leavened with a more serious side, as they share their experiences of keeping a family together in a world where scandal and divorce is the rule, and of being artists and political activists in an era of intense racial ferment. Born into the struggle, their characters were shaped by the dynamic collisions of life, politics, and art; and from those experiences, they achieved some sense of their worth as married people, friends, and lovers.
Warm, positive, and compelling, this is a book that will surprise and challenge readers everywhere -- black and white, male and female, young and old. Lifting the veil of public image, media hype, and mystique, Ossie and Ruby speak of the real-life dilemmas and rewards of their lifelong search for purpose and value.
Warm, positive, and compelling, this is a book that will surprise and challenge readers everywhere -- black and white, male and female, young and old. Lifting the veil of public image, media hype, and mystique, Ossie and Ruby speak of the real-life dilemmas and rewards of their lifelong search for purpose and value.
496 pages, Hardcover
First published November 4, 1998
6 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Ossie Davis
47 books14 followersOssie Davis was born Raiford Chatman Davis, a son of Kince Charles Davis, a railway construction engineer, and his wife Laura Cooper. The name Ossie came from a county clerk who misheard his mother's pronunciation of his initials "R.C." when he was born. Following the wishes of his parents, he attended Howard University but dropped out in 1939 to fulfill his acting career in New York; he later attended Columbia University School of General Studies. His acting career, which spanned seven decades, began in 1939 with the Rose McClendon Players in Harlem. He made his film debut in 1950 in the Sidney Poitier film No Way Out. He voiced Anansi the spider on the PBS children's television series Sesame Street in its animation segments.
Davis experienced many of the same struggles that most African American actors of his generation underwent; he wanted to act but he did not want to play stereotypical subservient roles, such as a butler, that was the standard for black actors of his generation. Instead, he tried to follow the example of Sidney Poitier and play more distinguished characters. When he found it necessary to play a Pullman porter or a butler, he tried to inject the role with a certain degree of dignity.
In 2003, both Ossie Davis and his wife Ruby Dee starred and narrated in the HBO film Unchained Memories, a tribute to the WPA slave narratives.
Davis experienced many of the same struggles that most African American actors of his generation underwent; he wanted to act but he did not want to play stereotypical subservient roles, such as a butler, that was the standard for black actors of his generation. Instead, he tried to follow the example of Sidney Poitier and play more distinguished characters. When he found it necessary to play a Pullman porter or a butler, he tried to inject the role with a certain degree of dignity.
In 2003, both Ossie Davis and his wife Ruby Dee starred and narrated in the HBO film Unchained Memories, a tribute to the WPA slave narratives.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 11, 2015
I picked this book up because I love Ossie and Ruby Davis. I'd never read an Autobiography before and it sat on my shelf for awhile. But I picked it up and although it's a heavy hardback, I carried it everywhere. I adored their story and outlook on life. My tbr pile is huge but I pulled it off the shelf for a reread anyway. This book reads like you're just sitting around with older family members telling you about their lives. Absolutely beautiful
June 21, 2011
They share a unique story: a long last marriage together with successful careers and well nourished children. They lived full lives within the frailties and limitations of the world they lived in. I listened to the audiobook which Ruby and Ossie read themselves. I found the language/writing at times awkward and uneven, but whenever they shared something dear to their hearts, that awkwardness vanished and their story would shine forth strongly. They leave tried true message of overcoming-through-struggle as a heritage to their family and those that desire to follow in the footsteps. They leave some great nuggets to feast upon.
December 3, 2022
With Ossie and Ruby: In This Life Together by Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee is an autobiographic work that not only tells the story of their lives and their contributions but is a social history of theatre and dramatic representation of Black Americans from the 1940s until the 1990s.
Ossie begins in rural Georgia and after time at Howard University, he makes his way to NYC and the theatre. Ruby, while she was born in Cleveland, grows up in NYC and is educated there, as well as making her way into theatre. Ossie who saw himself as a writer, comes into the theater as well, but it is a while before his is writing and directing. He does act in a variety of roles. Their stories tell much about the racism and the difficulties of creating authentic voices of the African American experience. Yes, they played many servants and had small roles in the theatre. The Struggle was a constant part of their lives, even before they were a couple and married. They were not out in front, but soldiers and friends of many people who were on the front lines.
This book reveals much about building careers when racism was still the shape of the industry. The cost of challenging barriers and raising a family when your own income is not consistent. Ruby also talks about the costs of motherhood and how it did interfere with her own career. Ossie, raised when men were in control, had to learn to give his wife space so that she could “fly.” They have to learn to respect each other’s space and support their own quests. They did important work in theatre, film and television, especially in expanding the representation of people of color.
They had three children, who kept them grounded. Yet, the children in their own way to continue with the Struggle. In addition to marriage and family, the book talks much about the theatrical world and political climate of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. I learned much about New York City during this era. They were part of the Struggle and knew many people who were also pushing barriers. I was familiar with many of the characters they played, so it is neat to look at all the work behind crafting different representations that inspired young people like me to dream big.
Ossie begins in rural Georgia and after time at Howard University, he makes his way to NYC and the theatre. Ruby, while she was born in Cleveland, grows up in NYC and is educated there, as well as making her way into theatre. Ossie who saw himself as a writer, comes into the theater as well, but it is a while before his is writing and directing. He does act in a variety of roles. Their stories tell much about the racism and the difficulties of creating authentic voices of the African American experience. Yes, they played many servants and had small roles in the theatre. The Struggle was a constant part of their lives, even before they were a couple and married. They were not out in front, but soldiers and friends of many people who were on the front lines.
This book reveals much about building careers when racism was still the shape of the industry. The cost of challenging barriers and raising a family when your own income is not consistent. Ruby also talks about the costs of motherhood and how it did interfere with her own career. Ossie, raised when men were in control, had to learn to give his wife space so that she could “fly.” They have to learn to respect each other’s space and support their own quests. They did important work in theatre, film and television, especially in expanding the representation of people of color.
They had three children, who kept them grounded. Yet, the children in their own way to continue with the Struggle. In addition to marriage and family, the book talks much about the theatrical world and political climate of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. I learned much about New York City during this era. They were part of the Struggle and knew many people who were also pushing barriers. I was familiar with many of the characters they played, so it is neat to look at all the work behind crafting different representations that inspired young people like me to dream big.
January 30, 2024
I had no idea that Ossie wrote with such intention, such beauty!! I remember first seeing him on Spike Lee’s “Do The Right Thing” and I thought, “Wow! What an ugly man!” And I thought that Ruby Dee played a mean window woman that eventually allowed us to see her soften… she was such a beauty only to find out that they were in fact married in real life LOL!!! Can’t nobody hate you like the ones you love!! But seriously, this book was soooo stunningly beautiful, I truly had no clue. So much so, I recommended it to my brother cause I love the relationship that he and his wife have & I think that they can relate to a story like this. The vulnerability that was placed throughout followed by the passion that they both had for the arts was endearing and electrifying… it made me wonder, “what makes me feel this way?” questions that I’m always asking myself. All in all, a beautiful book about a beautiful, loving couple… add it to your library cause it won’t disappoint!!!
September 22, 2021
Love can be beautiful if you let the process happen organically. Yes, there will be struggles but the outcome can be so rewarding. With Ossie and Ruby: In This Life Together by Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee, is a love story like no other. This book reflects the full process of their lives beginning with before they met to love, marriage and struggles. You will learn about how each channeled their trek within the entertainment industry during the era of racism, discrimination, and prejudices that catapulted them into the pathway of work that they are each known for today and how these individual passions brought them together. Ossie and Ruby Dee's work touches many whether it is through theatre, film, writer, director, or as an author. Here is a shortlist of some of their work: Let’s Do It Again, School Daze, Do The Right Thing, Jungle Fever, Gladiator, Malcolm X, American Gangster, Grumpy Old Men, Doctor Doolittle, Get on the Bus, Their Eyes Were Watching God; behind the camera as either a writer or director in films like Cotton Comes to Harlem, or as an author with books like My One Good Nerve.
I enjoyed this book because of the transparency of Ossie and Ruby. In this book they depicted that their marriage was not wine and roses, it was the roll up your sleeves and get down to work, kind of love and marriage. During their 56 years together they’ve individually and collectively achieved a lifetime of success, struggles, and intentional steps to make a mark in this world. In their private lives, they fought for Civil Rights along with Martin Luther King, Jr, and other leaders and continued this work after King’s death. Even after Ossie’s death in 2005 Ruby Dee continued to become a catalyst of change in her diverse body of work. Ossie and Ruby Dee resonate with the idea of bonded love because they made a pact that they would be cremated and placed in ‘one’ urn big enough to hold both their ashes to be forever united even after death. On the urn is the inscription lovely entitled: Ruby and Ossie: In This Thing Together. Get your copy today.
With Ossie and Ruby: In This Life Together
I enjoyed this book because of the transparency of Ossie and Ruby. In this book they depicted that their marriage was not wine and roses, it was the roll up your sleeves and get down to work, kind of love and marriage. During their 56 years together they’ve individually and collectively achieved a lifetime of success, struggles, and intentional steps to make a mark in this world. In their private lives, they fought for Civil Rights along with Martin Luther King, Jr, and other leaders and continued this work after King’s death. Even after Ossie’s death in 2005 Ruby Dee continued to become a catalyst of change in her diverse body of work. Ossie and Ruby Dee resonate with the idea of bonded love because they made a pact that they would be cremated and placed in ‘one’ urn big enough to hold both their ashes to be forever united even after death. On the urn is the inscription lovely entitled: Ruby and Ossie: In This Thing Together. Get your copy today.
With Ossie and Ruby: In This Life Together
May 3, 2010
An interesting pair of lives lived, but I found a great deal of the detail to be tedious. Listening to Ossie And Ruby reading their book does add a wonderful texture to the narrative.
April 10, 2015
very good read and very interesting. I especially loved the last portion of the book. if you listen to it it's read by the authors.
July 3, 2020
I've always loved Ossie and Ruby, even before I knew how important they were in the Civil Rights Movement. From marching with Martin to eulogizing Malcolm, they were there through it all. And they managed to keep an amazing marriage.
Their Struggle started when they were born in the first quarter of the 20th Century and they write about every step of that Struggle and when they realized what was happening and how they were made to feel different and "less than." It took them a good part of their lives to understand that they WEREN'T "less than." As much as someone like me reads about racism and what it does to people, if I've never dealt with it, I can't fully understand it. That's why it's so important to read books like this from the perspective of someone who DID live through it and had a hand in trying so hard to make changes. We have to be made to understand so that we can also help make the change.
This dual autobiography is written sort of like a conversation between the two of them, each one getting sections and sometimes interacting with each other. It's a really interesting way to write about a life together and it made it that much better. Of course, you can hear them reading it in their own voices better that way.
If all you know of Ossie and Ruby is Do The Right Thing, American Gangster, and Bubba Ho-Tep, check this book out. They may not have been trailblazers or leaders in the Movement (which they both fully admit), but they were there for all of it, supporting the leaders the whole way. That makes them just as important, because what is a leader without supporters?
The Struggle still goes on. Ossie and Ruby are gone and so are most of their friends and leaders. But, here we are, in the midst of another sea-change. Another generation trying desperately to make sure that we all know that Black Lives Matter. Trying so hard to break the cycle. Maybe we can finally take the biggest step towards healing this world.
Their Struggle started when they were born in the first quarter of the 20th Century and they write about every step of that Struggle and when they realized what was happening and how they were made to feel different and "less than." It took them a good part of their lives to understand that they WEREN'T "less than." As much as someone like me reads about racism and what it does to people, if I've never dealt with it, I can't fully understand it. That's why it's so important to read books like this from the perspective of someone who DID live through it and had a hand in trying so hard to make changes. We have to be made to understand so that we can also help make the change.
This dual autobiography is written sort of like a conversation between the two of them, each one getting sections and sometimes interacting with each other. It's a really interesting way to write about a life together and it made it that much better. Of course, you can hear them reading it in their own voices better that way.
If all you know of Ossie and Ruby is Do The Right Thing, American Gangster, and Bubba Ho-Tep, check this book out. They may not have been trailblazers or leaders in the Movement (which they both fully admit), but they were there for all of it, supporting the leaders the whole way. That makes them just as important, because what is a leader without supporters?
The Struggle still goes on. Ossie and Ruby are gone and so are most of their friends and leaders. But, here we are, in the midst of another sea-change. Another generation trying desperately to make sure that we all know that Black Lives Matter. Trying so hard to break the cycle. Maybe we can finally take the biggest step towards healing this world.
July 28, 2023
This was a beautiful read! There were so many wonderful gems and eye-openers that were dropped by Ruby and Ossie particularly regarding the civil rights era and the major figures involved such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and Lorraine Hansberry to name a few. Of course, they were prominent figures in the Struggle but to see them as regular people in their role as friends to Ossie and Ruby made me appreciate them even more. I got a true understanding of Ruby and Ossie’s life, before, during and after they reached the heights of celebrity. They didn’t become different people but used fame as a vehicle to continue to fight, to break the walls of racism down and to enlighten others about the Struggle. They never forgot about the Struggle and that’s always important as a highly esteemed figure.
This 446-page book was filled with nuggets of wisdom that both had so much of to share. The reader received a thorough narration of their lives, as actor and actress, mom and dad, and son and daughter. Hearing them discuss their time as actor and actress, how they navigated through the business, going from novice actors to greatly revered and respected thespians, writers and directors was awe-inspiring. The book was chock full of information about their work in theatre, television, radio and films that they were featured in, primarily here in NYC and throughout the world. I love reflecting on and hearing about history (especially within the arts and Hollywood) and it was so interesting to learn about all the people they’d met and worked with along the way (Robert Redford, Sean Connery, Louis Gosset Jr., Sidney Poitier and Diana Sands to name a few). The chapters where they spoke about love and marriage were the icing on the cake. My oh my did Ruby have such an admirable way with words. This book is a treasure to have on the shelf and one I’ll revisit and consult time and time again!
This 446-page book was filled with nuggets of wisdom that both had so much of to share. The reader received a thorough narration of their lives, as actor and actress, mom and dad, and son and daughter. Hearing them discuss their time as actor and actress, how they navigated through the business, going from novice actors to greatly revered and respected thespians, writers and directors was awe-inspiring. The book was chock full of information about their work in theatre, television, radio and films that they were featured in, primarily here in NYC and throughout the world. I love reflecting on and hearing about history (especially within the arts and Hollywood) and it was so interesting to learn about all the people they’d met and worked with along the way (Robert Redford, Sean Connery, Louis Gosset Jr., Sidney Poitier and Diana Sands to name a few). The chapters where they spoke about love and marriage were the icing on the cake. My oh my did Ruby have such an admirable way with words. This book is a treasure to have on the shelf and one I’ll revisit and consult time and time again!
August 18, 2024
To the Davis family THANK YOU for sharing your wonderful parents and grandparents with the public. I needed to hear this via audio as I grew up watching Father/Uncle Ossie and Mother/Sister Ruby as I was told to address them as growing up in the 60/70s. I’m so thankful for the blessings that I received from them and what I’ve learned. Having heard their life story that they were willing to share with us just brings me back to life experiences as a young girl growing up in the 60s and 70s. My parents used to read articles about them on Sunday evening, and they would have family and friends come together at our home and eat and drink and smoke cigarettes and talk about the articles about a lot of the black leadership in our communities and throughout the United States. And often I would be at the top of the stairs, listening to the conversations as you know young people back, then didn’t ask questions and weren’t in grown folks conversations. However, I often would hear about some of the work that, Uncle Ozzie and Auntie Ruby would be performing. And so this took me back to those moments in my childhood which from my angle they never know how many lives they have touched and I would just like to say thank you. I highly recommend this book to everyone as it gives you a glimpse just a small glimpse into the life challenges, struggles, love, accomplishments, blessings, gifts, education, strengths, weaknesses, in the Black community.Bravo well done.
February 26, 2020
This is really a wonderful book. Ossie and Ruby are two such very different personalities, yet they loved each other dearly and made it work. I was most interested in reading of the racial, labor and political struggles they were part of. I loved Ossi's honesty in self-reflection of how much he was or wasn't involved in those struggles, and also how difficult it was for him to recognize and work to overcome the part of him that was the "good little black child" wanting to be liked by whites. I was less interested in the long list of all the plays and movies they were in and all the people who were working with them. This is an honest love story - about the ups and downs of a long-term relationship - and how they made it work. It's also a great overview of the many movements they were involved with during a critical time in the history of civil rights.
May 24, 2020
excellent autobiography(ies). It has an interesting format: the first half is each telling the story of their own life before they got together. In the second half, they address significant times in their lives, with each taking their turn relating what happened (sometimes correcting or disagreeing on events) and what it meant to them individually. They sometimes carry on an argument. They are very honest about their shortcomings and aspirations. Their commitment to the Struggle is inspiring. Davis' explanations of what it meant to be a black man in the Jim Crow era, how he had to adopt a subservient attitude, and how just that adaptation made him less of a man than he wanted to be, is a revelation to this white man.
February 23, 2018
A fascinating read that is not just a story about 2 Hollywood/Broadway icons but an in depth look at the how the surrounding culture of the day (Malcolm X, Dr.,MLK, RFK, LBJ, the Vietnam War, the South, for instance affected the choices they made in life.
Their book speaks to the struggle for all cultures to be recognized in the business.
Their interwoven story is about: love, commitment, honesty, work, friends, family and how all of these elements, when shared by 2 people - can lead to a lifetime of togetherness.
Their book speaks to the struggle for all cultures to be recognized in the business.
Their interwoven story is about: love, commitment, honesty, work, friends, family and how all of these elements, when shared by 2 people - can lead to a lifetime of togetherness.
June 2, 2022
"With Ossie and Ruby." is a memoir of both the talented actors. Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee are married and take turns talking of their lives. In part one they each take chapters writing of their childhoods and young adults. Then part two is after they meet marry and the rest of their lives.
They talk of their careers and the roles they had separate from each other and the roles where they worked together. The struggles they had. raising a family. The fights for equality and so much more. A good read to me. I liked reading about their lives.
They talk of their careers and the roles they had separate from each other and the roles where they worked together. The struggles they had. raising a family. The fights for equality and so much more. A good read to me. I liked reading about their lives.
January 21, 2024
I enjoyed this joint memoir by the famous long married couple. The parts where they comment on each others versions of events are cute as well. I feel, however, that each person could have written a memoir, or at least, each could have written fleshed out stories of their beginnings separately and then came together when their stories intertwined. There were a few moments where i wished the story teller went deeper or connected the dots, but as is sometimes going back and forth, the stories could be disjointed. Nonetheless, it's worth a read to learn a little more about this inspiring couple.
September 1, 2017
The audio-book narration is top notch with both actors reading their respective chapters. Their story starts with their childhood and continues to their marriage. Both Ossie and Ruby are both successful actors during a turbulent 1960-70's civil rights. Many interesting historical perspectives as well as touching moments between the two. The writing style is average but the main points are well described. The book is accessible to the reader but the story at times becomes a bit long-winded.
May 25, 2018
What a beautiful, vulnerable and complicated love story. They are shining examples of how great communication and teamwork can turn into partnership on and off screen. I learned so much about historical moments in the civil Rights era from their perspective. Their voice gave great insight about their highs and lows as Black people, married people, and artists. I thoroughly enjoyed this book
December 14, 2021
This couples love journey was heartfelt to me as they openly shared their trail, tribulations and support for one another.
October 29, 2011
I adore this couple and all that they stand for, kids. They make me truly proud to be a part of my profession. They make me want to stand up and speak out for the things I believe in and to make the changes I want to see made. I was fortunate enough to get to hear them speak in person when I was a kid, and I will never forget how magical that experience was. The mere sound of their two voices blending together was enough to inspire me, to make me feel stronger and more capable, to make me feel like someone of value and importance and merit. I walked out of there thinking "I mean something to the world, and the world means something to me." It was at once a very humbling, very empowering, and very enriching signpost in my life. I have never looked back.
So I recommend you do what I did. This book is the life story of the late great Ossie Davis and the magnificient Ruby Dee. No one can tell that story better than they can, so let them tell it in their own words, and buy the Audio CD. Even if you're not the type who likes the whole idea of a recorded book. It is SO much better to HEAR them tell it.
So I recommend you do what I did. This book is the life story of the late great Ossie Davis and the magnificient Ruby Dee. No one can tell that story better than they can, so let them tell it in their own words, and buy the Audio CD. Even if you're not the type who likes the whole idea of a recorded book. It is SO much better to HEAR them tell it.
August 9, 2013
Ruby's writing style made it easy for me to read this book. The book gave a detailed account of these two legendary actors. I personally enjoyed reading Ruby's stories more than I did Ossie's. There were more life lessons in Ruby's stories.
Yes, it was a long book and should have been edited down to 300 pages. However my fascination with these two legends made me start reading and before I knew it I was finished.
Yes, it was a long book and should have been edited down to 300 pages. However my fascination with these two legends made me start reading and before I knew it I was finished.
January 29, 2017
I already had an affection for Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee, so I was very interested in their stories. It was a slower start, and it is a long book, but when you've done as much as they have, it makes sense. A lot of what they said about their concerns for their grandchildren about the state of our country still ring true, unfortunately.
July 16, 2018
Really intricate and fascinating details about how they managed to remain married for 50 years. It was also an historical account of black history from the 30s onward. I learned much more about the civil rights movement from an actors’ perspective. I didn’t think it needed to be 500 pages long though...
September 22, 2007
This is an excellent book. I love how Ossie and Ruby alternate chapters. Sometimes Ossie loses me because he kind of drags on a bit, but that was his personality I guess. I learned so much about what took place during their marriage. So far I have enjoyed this autobiography the most.
August 9, 2014
This book was a fascinating read. It speaks flawlessly about the struggle for all cultures to be recognized. I love that it is not a love story, but it is a story about love, commitment, honesty, work, friends, family and how all of these elements by 2 people can lead to a lifetime of togetherness.
December 21, 2007
A frank and open discussion on a life fully lived.
Want to read
May 22, 2008I read an interview in Interview magazine with Ruby Dee and it was enticing! She seems like a super neat lady.
Read
December 19, 2008Very good book about two of the best entertainers and trail blazers in film and the arts.
January 1, 2016
Excellent, if rather long, audiobook. I miss their two voices in the world.
June 22, 2014
Well...I'm a little biased because I'm mentioned in it. But...I didn't know it, until I read it! They were amazing. They changed lives by example.
July 1, 2015
I'm so glad I read this book. What a wonderful perspective on history, entertainment, marriage and life in general. May they both rest in eternal peace.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews