Ruby Dee

NEW YORK — Ruby Dee, an acclaimed actress and civil rights activist whose versatile career spanned stage, radio, television and film, has died at age 91, according to her daughter.

Nora Davis Day said Thursday that her mother died at home in New Rochelle on Wednesday night of “natural causes.”

Dee, who frequently acted alongside her husband of 56 years, Ossie Davis, was with loved ones, she added.

“We have had her for so long and we loved her so much,” Day said. “She took her final bow last night at home surrounded by her children and grandchildren.”

Day added: “We gave her our permission to set sail. She opened her eyes, closed her eyes and away she went.”

Her long career brought her an Oscar nomination at age 83 for best supporting actress for her maternal role in the 2007 film “American Gangster.” She also won an Emmy and was nominated for several others.

She and her late husband were frequent collaborators. Their partnership rivaled the achievements of other celebrated acting couples. But they were more than performers; they were also activists who fought for civil rights, particularly for blacks.

In 1998, the pair celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and their association in show business with the publication of a dual autobiography, “With Ossie and Ruby: In This Life Together.” Davis died in February 2005.