ruby dee

Whoopi Goldberg, Jada Pinkett Smith and Spike Lee were among the stars who used social media to share their thoughts about Oscar-nominated actress, poet, playwright and civil rights activist Ruby Dee, who died Wednesday at 91.

Goldberg referred to Dee as a “spectacular woman, actor & activist” who is “reunited at last” with her late husband Ossie Davis.

Smith called the late Hollywood legend “her cherished friend,” and thanked her, “for the care you always showed me.”

Spike Lee referred to her as his “spiritual mother.” Russell Simmons tweeted that she “inspired” him, and Mia Farrow paid tribute to Dee’s role in the civil rights movement.

The actress was active in politics and served as a member of the NAACP and Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, among other organizations.

Others remembering Dee include actor Wendell Pierce, actress Martha Plimpton and CNN anchor Don Lemon.

Anika Noni Rose, who stars in the Broadway revival of A Raisin in the Sun, which Dee starred in in 1961, thanked Dee for being a trailblazer.