Stories

Dick Gregory, Civil Rights Activist And Stand-Up Comedian, Dies At 84

He broke ground at the Playboy Club in Chicago and on Jack Paar’s ‘Tonight Show,’ then became a potent activist for civil rights

Dick Gregory (October 12, 1932 – August 19, 2017), a pioneering force of comedy in the 1960s who parlayed his career as a stand-up into a life of social and political activism, has died Saturday of heart failure, his rep confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. He was 84.

“It is with enormous sadness that the Gregory family confirms that their father, comedic legend and civil rights activist Mr. Dick Gregory departed this earth tonight in Washington, D.C.,” his son, Christian Gregory said via a statement from his father’s rep. “The family appreciates the outpouring of support and love and respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time.”

“He was one of the sweetest, smartest, most loving people one could ever know,” his publicist of 50 years, Steve Jaffe, tells THR. “I just hope that God is ready for some outrageously funny times.” A full statement and details of Gregory’s funeral will be released Sunday, Jaffe said.

According to an Aug. 17 statement written by his son, Gregory was recently hospitalized.

1 of 4 Next

Show comments
Share
Published by

Recent Posts

91-Year-Old Graduates From College 70 Years After Becoming Student

If there are two lessons to living a full and happy life, it's age is…

1 hour ago

The Beach Boys Credit John Lennon And Paul McCartney For The Success Of Their 1966 Album

After making waves with up to ten studio albums in 1966, the Beach Boys got…

13 hours ago

Jason Aldean Pays Tribute To Toby Keith At 2024 ACM Awards

The 2024 ACM Awards were a particularly bittersweet affair this year. While the event celebrates…

16 hours ago

83-Year-Old Faye Dunaway Makes Rare Appearance On Cannes Film Festival Red Carpet

Mommie Dearest star Faye Dunaway graced the 77th Cannes Film Festival for the premiere of…

18 hours ago

40 Years Ago, Madonna Performed ‘Like A Virgin’ For The First Time

Keith Haring and a few of his friends were privileged to have a first listen…

19 hours ago

‘70s Music Icon Iggy Pop Goes Casual To Cannes Film Festival In Flip-Flops

The Passenger’s Iggy Pop made a statement at the recent Cannes Film Festival in South…

20 hours ago