Dick Gregory
Richard Claxton Gregory (October 12, 1932 – August 19, 2017) was an American comedian, actor, writer, activist and social critic. His writings were best sellers. Gregory became popular among the African-American communities in the southern United States with his "no-holds-barred" sets, poking fun at the bigotry and racism in the United States. In 1961 he became a staple in the comedy clubs, appeared on television, and released comedy record albums.
Dick Gregory | |
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Gregory in 1964 | |
| Born | Richard Claxton Gregory October 12, 1932 St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Died | August 19, 2017 (aged 84) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
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| Years active | 1954–2017 |
| Spouse |
Lillian Smith (m. 1959) |
| Children | 11 |
| Comedy career | |
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| Notable works and roles | In Living Black and White (1961) Nigger: An Autobiography by Dick Gregory (1964) Write Me In! (1968) |
| Website | www |
Gregory was at the forefront of political activism in the 1960s, when he protested the Vietnam War, racial injustice, and animal rights. He was arrested multiple times and went on many hunger strikes. He later became a speaker and author. Gregory died of heart failure, aged 84, at a Washington, D.C., hospital in August 2017.