February 4, 2005
Ossie Davis Dies
Gothamist was so sad to hear about Ossie Davis's death today. Davis was a wonderful actor, as well as an activist for civil rights. The Georgia-born Davis arrived in NYC in 1939 and became active in the arts scene in Harlem. The first thing we thought of when we heard was "Oh, no! Ruby Dee!" Davis and Dee had been married for over 50 years and performed together on numerous occasions.
Davis starred in many Spike Lee films, including reading the eulogy he gave for Malcolm X in the film Malcolm X, but our favorite is his role as Da Mayor in Do The Right Thing - "Always do the right thing."
Updated: The NY Times obituary, which notes that Broadway theaters dimmed their lights for Davis last night.
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he gave the eulogy at Malcom X's funeral...not just the film version moron.
Cheers for the memorial Gothamist. Jeers for mixing up the facts:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ossie_Davis
"Ossie Davis and his wife, actor Ruby Dee (they married in 1948), were well-known civil rights activists, being personal friends of Malcolm X, Jesse Jackson, Martin Luther King Jr. and others. Davis delivered the eulogy at the funeral of Malcolm X. He re-read part of the eulogy at the end of Spike Lee's film Malcolm X."
He was important not because of his acting as much as the fact his acting and real life mirrored one another.
I will miss Ossie terribly. Condolences to Ruby Dee and the children. He was a fine actor and activist. No one can replace him.
This is a sad day. As mentioned, He and his wife were activists whom spoke up when ever they thought something was wrong.
My condolances to the family.
I did know that Ossie Davis gave the eulogy at Malcolm X's funeral and that Spike Lee asked him to narrate it for the film... sorry if I wasn't clear enough.
"reading the eulogy he gave for Malcolm X in the film Malcolm X."
Jen, I understood it perfectly. I'm not sure why it required someone calling you a moron.
I am also truly saddened to hear of the death of Mr. Davis. I had the privilege to meet him one day about a year ago. A group that I was working with was giving him an award, and he spoke with me briefly about a childrens group that he was helping to start, but I don't remember the name of it. Does anyone know more details? It was intended to spread cross-cultural understanding, by my recollection.
I am sad to hear the news of Ossie Davis.I always admired him and his wife. May I send condolences to his family. Keep you all in my prayers.
I met and shook hads with Ossie Davis and I admired the loving long relationship he shared with his wife, Ruby Dee. My prayers and heart goes out to Ruby and all of thier family and friends.
Alberta McCrory, Hobson City, AL February 10, 2005
The children's group may have been:
Today's Students/Tomorrow's Teachers
Elmsford, NY
My condolances to his family and friends.
The world has suffered a great loss, but received a great gift during his life and continues to do so through the part of his spirit he has instilled in his family and millions around the world. Gone, but never forgotten. - Jake