Ossie Davis was an American actor, director, poet, playwright, and social activist. He was best known for his roles in films such as Do the Right Thing, Grumpy Old Men, and Get on the Bus. He was also a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement, and was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1995. Davis was often seen alongside his wife, Ruby Dee, who was also an actor, and the two were often referred to as 'the first couple of black America'. They worked together on several projects, including the film adaptation of August Wilson's play, The Piano Lesson.