Image: Pat Greenhouse / Boston Globe via Getty Images
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died Friday at age 87.
The absolutely awful news will of course usher in lots of worthy look backs at her illustrious career. However, in addition to being a beloved Supreme Court Justice known for her fiery dissents, she was also a pop culture icon lovingly referred to as the Notorious RBG — a nickname she seemed to delight in, noting in 2019 it was “beyond her wildest imagination.”
There were RBG earrings, baby costumes, Tumblrs, and books — and with that, plenty of onscreen celebrations. If you’re upset about her death, the first thing you should do is email your senators about not holding hearings for her replacement until after the election. (Hear that?)
But the second thing you can do? Enjoy one or more of these Ginsburg pop culture moments below and raise a glass to a hero.
1. RBG
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This endearing, sweet 2018 documentary focused on just why Ruth Bader Ginsburg was so wonderful. While the film — which earned a nod for Best Documentary at the Oscars — covers her whole life, what most stuck out to many viewers was just how well liked she was, even by people whom she had deep philosophical disagreements with, like Justice Scalia. Many in the documentary note that they would not be able to be so friendly to someone who, basically, sucked so much. But she found a way!
The other through-line of the doc is her relationship with her husband Martin, whom she clearly adored — and who remained a vocal advocate for Ruth’s law career and placement on the highest court. This reporter will remember it fondly for the scene where real RBG watches Kate McKinnon’s SNL impression of her and giggles with delight.
Watch it on: Hulu
2. Saturday Night Live
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Speaking of…once the “Notorious RBG” took off on social media, it was only a matter of time before SNL got in on the fun behind the justice. Kate McKinnon’s impression of her quickly became a fan fave, imagining the woman working out like a fiend, poking fun at her diminutive size and portraying her as an insult comic: “That’s a Gins-BURN.”
3. On the Basis of Sex
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This drama starring Felicity Jones showcases Ginsburg’s early years as a law student and lawyer and her relationship with beloved husband Martin (Armie Hammer).
The film illustrates how Ginsburg viewed the law as a tool to help people. Amongst her contemporaries fighting for justice on the streets and in the papers, Ginsburg saw the opportunity that courtrooms and legal precedent offered. Ginsburg herself even has a cameo! Fair warning: You’ll certainly cry.
Watch it on: Amazon Prime
4. The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part
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If you’re in need of a smile right now (and we totally understand why you might), revisit the late justice’s dazzling role in The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part — a charming cameo approved but not voiced by Ginsburg. You can get a little glimpse of it for free above, since the rest of the movie is fine but not great. Then while you’re at it, hunt down RBG’s less official “cameo” in Deadpool 2. — Ali Foreman, Entertainment Reporter
Watch it on: Amazon Prime
5. Late Show with Stephen Colbert
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Ginsburg herself wasn’t an actor, of course, but she was a delightful and fun talk show guest, always down to laugh at herself and be silly about the hype that surrounded her. Just look at this goofy Late Show clip from 2018, when Ginsburg puts Stephen Colbert through the paces of her workout. What an absolute champ. Brooklyn forever!
Want even more? Ginsburg’s story — in her own words — published in 2015.