Ruby Dee, one of the most recognizable actresses of all time, has died, sparking thousands of fans to leave messages of condolence on social media sites and forums around the globe. She leaves behind her estate, worth approximately $2.5 million, which is believed to be inherited by her family, consisting of her children Hasna Muhammad Davis, Nora Day Davis and Nora Day Davis.

Dee was born Ruby Ann Wallace in Cleveland, Ohio on October 27, 1922. Her first notable role was when she played Rachel (aka Rae) Robinson and starred alongside Brooklyn Dodgers legend Jackie Robinson in his autobiographical film The Jackie Robinson Story in 1950.

In addition, Dee also played as Ruth Younger in the 1961 movie entitled A Raisin in the Sun where she co-starred with legendary actors such as Sidney Poitier and Louis Gossett, Jr.

Furthermore, she featured in the all-star cast that includes her husband Ossie Davis, Spike Lee, Martin Lawrence, Rosie Perez, Danny Aiello, John Turturro, and Samuel L. Jackson in the classic film Do The Right Thing in 1989.

"People, I Just Found Out The Loss Of Spiritual Mother, The Late, Great Ruby Dee. I'm Crushed by This Bad...," wrote Spike Lee on Twitter on June 12.

Samuel Jackson echoed Lee's sentiments about the passing of an American icon.

"We Lost A Jewel Today, Mrs Ruby Dee, So Great, So Loved! R.I.P. All sympathy to her family," wrote Jackson via Twitter on Thursday.

Her last major role was when played as Mama Lucas in the biographical movie "American Gangster," which also starred Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe in 2007. As a result, Dee received her only Oscar nomination for her aforementioned role as real life criminal Frank Lucas's mother in the popular film.

Dee and her late husband, actor Ossie Davis, were civil rights leaders who presided over the 1963 March on Washington ceremony, in the crusade where Americans of all races fought for equal rights. In addition, Davis delivered the eulogy at the funeral of the late civil rights leader Malcolm X.

Dee is survived by her three children Guy Davis, Nora Day Davis and Hasna Muhammad Davis and seven grandchildren. When she passed away on June 11, 2014, she was 91 years old.