Dick Gregory

Date of Birth: October 12, 1932

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: August 19, 2017

Biography

Dick Gregory, born Richard Claxton Gregory, was an influential American comedian, civil rights activist, social critic, writer, and entrepreneur. Born on October 12, 1932, in St. Louis, Missouri, Gregory’s comedy career began in the 1950s when he performed in small, segregated clubs. He broke into the national spotlight in 1961 after a performance at the Playboy Club in Chicago, where his cutting-edge humor about racial issues resonated with a diverse audience. Gregory used his platform to address social injustices, becoming a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement. He marched alongside Martin Luther King Jr., participated in numerous protests, and was frequently arrested for his activism. Beyond his comedy and activism, Gregory was also a prolific author, writing several books on health, nutrition, and social issues. He pursued various business ventures, including a health food company. Gregory continued to perform and speak out on social issues until his death on August 19, 2017. His legacy lives on as a trailblazer who used humor to fight for equality and justice.

5 Interesting Facts about Dick Gregory

1. Dick Gregory was one of the first black comedians to gain popularity among white audiences in the early 1960s.

2. He ran for President of the United States in 1968 as a write-in candidate for the Peace and Freedom Party, receiving approximately 47,000 votes.

3. Gregory was an advocate for vegetarianism and health foods, authoring books such as “Dick Gregory’s Natural Diet for Folks Who Eat: Cookin’ with Mother Nature.”

4. He was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2015 for his contributions to live performance.

5. Gregory was known for his extensive hunger strikes to protest various social injustices, including the Vietnam War and police brutality.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Dick Gregory

1. “Political promises are much like marriage vows. They are made at the beginning of the relationship between candidate and voter, but are quickly forgotten.”

2. “I never believed in Santa Claus because I knew no white dude would come into my neighborhood after dark.”

3. “I got more publicity than I’ve ever gotten in my life, and the fact that it came from my hunger strike shames me.”

4. “When you have a good mother and no father, God kind of sits in. It’s not enough, but it helps.”

5. “Because I know I’m right, I don’t care if I’m wrong.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Dick Gregory’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

Dick Gregory and his wife Lillian Gregory had ten children together: Michele, Lynne, Richard Jr., Pamela, Paula, Stephanie, Gregory, Christian, Miss, and Ayanna.