Sad news! Legendary actress Ruby Dee has died at the age of 91. She was said to have died peacefully at her New Rochelle, New York, home on Wednesday. Her representative, Michael Livingston, confirmed the news of Ms. Dee’s death to CNN.

Throughout her career, Ms. Dee starred in several Hollywood films and Broadway plays, as well as television shows. She played Rachel Robinson in The Jackie Robinson Story in 1950, and costarred alongside Nat King Cole, Eartha Kitt and Cab Calloway in St. Louis Blues (1958). One of her most known and amazing roles was her character Ruth Younger in A Raisin in the Sun, opposite Sidney Poitier. With her long-standing career, she earned an Emmy, a Grammy, and a Screen Actors Guild Award, among several others.









Most recently, the late actress earned her only Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, for her role in American Gangster (2007), which starred Denzel Washington. Her final film will be the crime drama “King Dog,” alongside Ice-T, which is still in production.

She and her husband and partner, actor Ossie Davis (who passed away in February 2005), often worked together, and even had their own short-lived show, “Ossie and Ruby!” which aired from 1980-81. The two were also pioneers in the Civil Rights Movement, and received the National Civil Rights Museum’s Lifetime Achievement Freedom Award in 2005 before Mr. Davis’ death.

So sad, but Ruby Dee definitely lived a full life. To be 91, still working and on the move, and looking GOOD, she deserves peace. Thoughts and prayers to her family and friends.

Image via Afro Newspaper/Gado/Getty Images

10:36:00 AM

It has been confirmed that legendary poet and writer Maya Angelou has passed away at the age of 86.
Her literary agent, Helen Brann, confirmed that Dr. Angelou died at her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. As many of us know, Dr. Angelou’s work spans over 50 years, and goes beyond just writing. She’s recorded albums, starred in several films and productions, as well as directed film.

One of my favorite works by her would have to be her famous book, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," an autobiographical book. Self-taught, she made a name for herself and was a true inspiration to look up to. I’m saddened to hear about her passing, but it’s good to know that she lived a full life of purpose and joy, doing what she loved and impacting literally millions. That’s a great legacy to leave. 

Thoughts and prayers go out to her loved ones. For now, I leave you all with one of my favorite poems by Dr. Maya Angelou, “Phenomenal Woman.” Rest in Peace.

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7:20:00 AM

Very sad news to start the new year! James Avery, best known for his role as Uncle Phil on "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air," died on Tuesday, his publicist confirmed to ABC News. The actor died from complications of open heart surgery, Cynthia Snyder informed the media.

Before becoming an actor, James served in the Navy in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1969. He returned back to the States, moving to San Diego, and wrote poetry and TV scripts for PBS, including the Emmy Award-winning production, "Ameda Speaks: Poet James Avery." In addition to Fresh Prince, he also lent his voice to several animated TV series, including "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" and "Iron Man."  Most recently, James worked on Zach Braff's film, "Wish I Was Here," which will premiere at the Sundance film festival.

"Fresh Prince" co-star Alfonso Ribeiro, who played Carlton, tweeted earlier today:

I'm deeply saddened to say that James Avery has passed away. He was a second father to me. I will miss him greatly. pic.twitter.com/UrW0EeBFbO
— Alfonso Ribeiro (@alfonso_ribeiro) January 1, 2014

Prayers go out to his family and friends! Of course, James was best known to us all as Uncle Phil on a series that is timeless. His legacy as an actor, and more importantly, as a stand up person to his loved ones will live on! Here is my favorite scene from the show. Emotional, yet powerful. RIP James Avery.

Image via Michael Tran/Getty Images

12:46:00 PM

Sad news to start the morning. Just found out that Yvette Wilson, who played Andell Wilkerson on Moesha and The Parkers, passed away from cervical cancer last night. She was only 48 years old. The actress was suffering at Stage 4 with the cancer.

Yvette's friend and former co-star, Shar Jackson (she played Moesha's best friend Niecy), had been tweeting, asking her followers to pray for Yvette for the past few days now. She revealed the news that Yvette had passed away last night on her Twitter.

I didn't even know that she was sick! Terrible news! I used to watch Moesha and The Parkers all the time growing up and I loved her character. Thoughts and prayers go to Shar, and Yvette's family and friends during this difficult time. 

2:58:00 AM

I woke up to some terrible news just now. Legendary songstress, Whitney Houston, has passed away at the age of 48. The singer was known for her outstanding music and movie career, as well as her sad drug use and her crazy marriage to singer Bobby Brown.

Whitney's publicist, Kristen Foster, said Saturday that the singer had died, but the cause and the location of her death were unknown, according to ABC. Several other news sources such as CNN and TMZ has reported the singer's passing as well.

I honestly am in shock. One, because Whitney was only 48. That's my parents' age. I could only imagine. Two, she seemed to be on the road to getting herself together. We are truly losing all of our legends. Etta James, Don Cornelius, and now Whitney! It's terrible! Praying for Bobbi Kristina and the rest of Whitney's family. This is truly unbelievable!

RIP Whitney!  

5:38:00 PM

*Tear* According to TMZ, Don Cornelius, the creator and famous host of the hit show Soul Train (which ran from 1971-2006), was found dead in his Sherman Oaks, CA home this morning. Law enforcement sources tell TMZ it appears he committed suicide. Cops discovered the body at around 4 a.m PST.

Cornelius died from a gunshot wound to the head and officials believe the wound was self-inflicted. He was taken to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead. He was 75.

I would be lying if I said I was a regular viewer of Soul Train, and, of course, I didn't watch it when Mr. Cornelius was hosting. However, he is a legend, and to lose any legend is upsetting. But to lose a legend who felt the need to end his life himself is even sadder. Condolences to his family and friends. RIP!

6:58:00 AM

Hip hop legend Heavy D passed away today, according to VIBE Magazine. I was in class just now when I saw "RIP Heavy D" on Twitter, and I literally froze. Then I swept it under the rug, because Twitter's always killing people. The news, unfortunately, is true.

Legend Grandmaster Flash tweeted the news, while a source confirmed to VIBE that Heavy D passed away in Los Angeles due to respiratory issues. More info will be added, as soon as I find out more.

I seriously can't believe this. Not that I was the biggest fan of him that ever existed, but I knew a good amount of his music (and rocked HARD with that Candy Rain Remix by Soul 4 Real he was featured on). It's crazy, because he was just on the BET Hip Hop Awards last month, jamming and rocking it out on stage. Life is short, man. RIP Heavy! Your presence will be greatly missed!

2:47:00 PM

Just moments ago, the jury on the case against Dr. Conrad Murray announced their verdict. The jury found Dr. Murray guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the death of King of Pop, Michael Jackson. MJ passed away on June 25, 2009. I listened to the broadcast live online.

The judge and lawyers are figuring out sentencing dates in court now. I agree with the verdict. I don't believe that Dr. Murray had any malicious intent to kill Michael (because, honestly what sense would that have made to kill someone who was signing your check?) But tes, Dr. Murray should have been found guilty for involuntary manslaughter. In the end, he did Michael that lethal dose of Propofol. To me, this entire matter came down to ethics. Yes, Michael wanted the drug, and probably would've found somebody to give it him eventually. However, it was Dr. Murray's call whether or not he was going to be the one to give it to him. As a doctor, he had to have known that it was wrong to be giving Michael those doses in the first place, regardless of how much money he was being paid.


I hope that the Jackson family can sit well with this verdict. May Michael's soul rest in peace. 

What do you think about the verdict?

1:39:00 PM

According to Entertainment Weekly, Amy Winehouse's father, Mitch Winehouse, has come out with the truth of what was behind Amy's death. While taping Anderson Cooper's new show, Anderson, Mr. Winehouse said that traces of the prescription drug Librium, which is used to fight anxiety and symptoms of alcoholism, were found in her body after Amy passed away on July 23. Amy suffered a seizure from alcohol detoxification. Toxicology reports showed there was also some alcohol in her bloodstream, but it is unclear how that contributed to her death.

Mr. Winehouse also said that he regretted that his daughter was trying to get over her addiction without the help of a doctor. She really was trying to change her life around, but she definitely needed help to do it.

Gone too soon....RIP Amy.

6:03:00 AM

Sad news to report. According to The Guardian, Amy Winehouse was found dead in her London flat. Her death is unexplained as of yet.

The Metropolitan police said: "Police were called by London ambulance service to an address in Camden Square shortly before 16.05hrs today, Saturday 23 July, following reports of a woman found deceased. On arrival officers found the body of a 27-year-old female who was pronounced dead at the scene."

Amy was last seen with her goddaughter Dionne Bromfield earlier last week when the teenager performed at the iTunes festival.

Such sad news. I was just skyping my friend Ben in Australia when he told me the news. Absolutely crazy. I always talked about how talented Amy was, but that she just needed to get her life together. And now she's gone. It's a very sad situation. Prayers to her family and friends...rest in peace Amy.

11:49:00 AM