PEOPLE

Remembering Dick Gregory (1932-2017)

In this July 21, 2012 file photo, comedian and activist Dick Gregory poses for a portrait during the PBS TCA Press Tour in Beverly Hills, Calif. Gregory, the comedian and activist and who broke racial barriers in the 1960s and used his humor to spread messages of social justice and nutritional health, has died. He was 84. Gregory died late Aug. 19, 2017, in Washington, D.C. after being hospitalized for about a week, his son Christian Gregory told The Associated Press. He had suffered a severe bacterial infection.
In this July 21, 2012 file photo, comedian and activist Dick Gregory poses for a portrait during the PBS TCA Press Tour in Beverly Hills, Calif. Gregory, the comedian and activist and who broke racial barriers in the 1960s and used his humor to spread messages of social justice and nutritional health, has died. He was 84. Gregory died late Aug. 19, 2017, in Washington, D.C. after being hospitalized for about a week, his son Christian Gregory told The Associated Press. He had suffered a severe bacterial infection.
Matt Sayles, Invision/AP
Speaking beside the canopy over famed Plymouth Rock, spokesman Dick Gregory urged a fast on Thanksgiving Day to protest the Vietnam War on Nov. 26, 1969. Gregory told the audience of his 85-day fast of protest in prison.
Speaking beside the canopy over famed Plymouth Rock, spokesman Dick Gregory urged a fast on Thanksgiving Day to protest the Vietnam War on Nov. 26, 1969. Gregory told the audience of his 85-day fast of protest in prison.
Bill Chaplis, AP
Dick Gregory speaks on stage following the opening night performance of 'Turn Me Loose' held at The Westside Theatre on May 19, 2016 in New York.
Dick Gregory speaks on stage following the opening night performance of 'Turn Me Loose' held at The Westside Theatre on May 19, 2016 in New York.
Brent N. Clarke, FilmMagic
Dick Gregory, talks to the crowd at the 16th annual Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival, MLK Leadership Luncheon, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016, at the University Area Community Development Center, in Tampa, Fla. Gregory spoke about a wide range of issues including race relations and the state of African Americans in the U.S. today.
Dick Gregory, talks to the crowd at the 16th annual Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival, MLK Leadership Luncheon, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016, at the University Area Community Development Center, in Tampa, Fla. Gregory spoke about a wide range of issues including race relations and the state of African Americans in the U.S. today.
Scott Keeler, The Tampa Bay Times Via AP
Dick Gregory and friends attend the ceremony honoring him with a Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame held at the corner of Vine Street and Hollywood Boulevard , in Hollywood, California, February 2, 2015.
Dick Gregory and friends attend the ceremony honoring him with a Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame held at the corner of Vine Street and Hollywood Boulevard , in Hollywood, California, February 2, 2015.
Valerie Macon, AFP/Getty Images
Dick Gregory poses with Stevie Wonder and his wife Lillian on the Hollywood Walk of Fame during a ceremony in Hollywood, Calif. on Feb. 2, 2015.
Dick Gregory poses with Stevie Wonder and his wife Lillian on the Hollywood Walk of Fame during a ceremony in Hollywood, Calif. on Feb. 2, 2015.
Nina Prommer, European Pressphoto Agency
Dick Gregory attends the Roger Ebert Memorial Tribute at Chicago Theatre on April 11, 2013 in Chicago, Ill.
Dick Gregory attends the Roger Ebert Memorial Tribute at Chicago Theatre on April 11, 2013 in Chicago, Ill.
Timothy Hiatt, Getty Images
Comedian and activist Dick Gregory is arrested by US Secret Service police during a demonstration at the Sudanese Embassy on July 20, 2004, in Washington. Tens of thousands of people have been killed in the Darfur region of Sudan, where Arab militiamen have launched a campaign to force black Africans from their homes.
Comedian and activist Dick Gregory is arrested by US Secret Service police during a demonstration at the Sudanese Embassy on July 20, 2004, in Washington. Tens of thousands of people have been killed in the Darfur region of Sudan, where Arab militiamen have launched a campaign to force black Africans from their homes.
EVAN VUCCI, AP
Actor George Clooney embraces activist Dick Gregory during a protest at the Sudan Embassy in Washington, March 16, 2012. The demonstrators are protesting the escalating humanitarian emergency in Sudan that threatens the lives of 500,000 people. Clooney's father is at right.
Actor George Clooney embraces activist Dick Gregory during a protest at the Sudan Embassy in Washington, March 16, 2012. The demonstrators are protesting the escalating humanitarian emergency in Sudan that threatens the lives of 500,000 people. Clooney's father is at right.
Cliff Owen, AP
Comedian Dick Gregory performs at the Bud Light Presents Wild West Comedy Festival - at Zanies on May 14, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn.
Comedian Dick Gregory performs at the Bud Light Presents Wild West Comedy Festival - at Zanies on May 14, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn.
Jason Davis, Getty Images For Bud Light
From L to R, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Dick Gregory and actor Chris Tucker attend a Martin Luther King Day ceremony under the statue of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. at the MLK Memorial on Jan. 20, 2013, in Washington.
From L to R, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Dick Gregory and actor Chris Tucker attend a Martin Luther King Day ceremony under the statue of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. at the MLK Memorial on Jan. 20, 2013, in Washington.
Joe Klamar, AFP/Getty Images
From left, activist Dick Gregory, Rev. Al Sharpton, and Washington Mayor Vincent Gray say a prayer during a ceremony at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington on Jan. 16, 2012, during a ceremony to honor his legacy.
From left, activist Dick Gregory, Rev. Al Sharpton, and Washington Mayor Vincent Gray say a prayer during a ceremony at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington on Jan. 16, 2012, during a ceremony to honor his legacy.
Evan Vucci, AP
Singer Stevie Wonder listens while comedian and activist Dick Gregory speaks during a dedication ceremony at the Martin Luther King Memorial on the National Mall October 16, 2011, in Washington, DC. President Barack Obama, entertainers, civil rights leaders and others attend the ceremony to formally dedicate the memorial to the civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King who was assassinated in 1968.
Singer Stevie Wonder listens while comedian and activist Dick Gregory speaks during a dedication ceremony at the Martin Luther King Memorial on the National Mall October 16, 2011, in Washington, DC. President Barack Obama, entertainers, civil rights leaders and others attend the ceremony to formally dedicate the memorial to the civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King who was assassinated in 1968.
Brendan Smialowski, Getty Images
Director Dan Pritzker, right, is seen on the set with actor Dick Gregory, playing old Buddy Bolden, during the filming of the movie "Bolden" at Screen Gems Studios in Wilmington, N.C. on July 23, 2010.
Director Dan Pritzker, right, is seen on the set with actor Dick Gregory, playing old Buddy Bolden, during the filming of the movie "Bolden" at Screen Gems Studios in Wilmington, N.C. on July 23, 2010.
Gerry Broome, AP
Dick Gregory (C) gestures as he addresses the crowd while (L-R) professor and author Cornel West, founder and managing director of Brazile & Associates, Donna Brazile, executive director of TransAfrica Forum, Nicole Lee and President of Morehouse College, Robert Michael Franklin look on at the 'State Of The Black Union' symposium at the Ernest E. Morial Convention Center Feb. 23, 2008, in New Orleans, La.
Dick Gregory (C) gestures as he addresses the crowd while (L-R) professor and author Cornel West, founder and managing director of Brazile & Associates, Donna Brazile, executive director of TransAfrica Forum, Nicole Lee and President of Morehouse College, Robert Michael Franklin look on at the 'State Of The Black Union' symposium at the Ernest E. Morial Convention Center Feb. 23, 2008, in New Orleans, La.
Richard Alan Hannon, Getty Images
Jay-Z and Dick Gregory pose at Radio One's 25th Anniversary Awards Gala Aug. 17, 2006, in Washington DC.
Jay-Z and Dick Gregory pose at Radio One's 25th Anniversary Awards Gala Aug. 17, 2006, in Washington DC.
Nancy Ostertag, Getty Images
Dick Gregory (L), US Rep. John Lewis (D-GA)(C), and former Washington DC Mayor Marion Barry (R) share a few words on stage during the 40th Anniversary March honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Aug. 23, 2003, on the steps of the Lincloln Memorial where Dr. King gave his 'I have a Dream' speech 40-years ago.
Dick Gregory (L), US Rep. John Lewis (D-GA)(C), and former Washington DC Mayor Marion Barry (R) share a few words on stage during the 40th Anniversary March honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Aug. 23, 2003, on the steps of the Lincloln Memorial where Dr. King gave his 'I have a Dream' speech 40-years ago.
Paul J.Richards, AFP/Getty Images
Rev. Al Sharpton addresses hundreds during a demonstration outside City Hall in Riverside, Calif. on May 10, 1999. The protest was in reaction to the district attorney's finding that the police offficers involved in the shooting of Tyisha Miller would not be held criminally responsible. Second from right is activist Dick Gregory.
Rev. Al Sharpton addresses hundreds during a demonstration outside City Hall in Riverside, Calif. on May 10, 1999. The protest was in reaction to the district attorney's finding that the police offficers involved in the shooting of Tyisha Miller would not be held criminally responsible. Second from right is activist Dick Gregory.
Mark J Terrill, Associated Press
Comedian Richard Pryor, right, shares a moment with entertainer Dick Gregory at the Kennedy Center on Oct. 20, 1998, in Washington. Pryor was honored by the Kennedy Center with the Mark Twain Prize.
Comedian Richard Pryor, right, shares a moment with entertainer Dick Gregory at the Kennedy Center on Oct. 20, 1998, in Washington. Pryor was honored by the Kennedy Center with the Mark Twain Prize.
Khue Bui, Associated Press
Civil rights activist Dick Gregory is arrested for blocking traffic outside the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Washington on Dec. 24, 1997, during a demonstration to demand an independent investigation into the death of late Commerce Secretary Ron Brown. Gregory cited claims of a military pathologist that Brown's suspicious head wound may have been caused by a bullet. Brown and 34 others were killed in a plane crash in Croatia in April 1996.
Civil rights activist Dick Gregory is arrested for blocking traffic outside the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Washington on Dec. 24, 1997, during a demonstration to demand an independent investigation into the death of late Commerce Secretary Ron Brown. Gregory cited claims of a military pathologist that Brown's suspicious head wound may have been caused by a bullet. Brown and 34 others were killed in a plane crash in Croatia in April 1996.
Dennis Cook, Associated Press
Winnie Mandela, former wife of South African President Nelson Mandela, right, and activist Dick Gregory raise their fists at the beginning of her keynote speech at the Million Woman March in Philadelphia, Pa. on Oct. 25, 1997. Hundreds of thousands of black women stood shoulder to shoulder at the march, showing their solidarity and drawing attention to issues they believe mainstream groups ignore.
Winnie Mandela, former wife of South African President Nelson Mandela, right, and activist Dick Gregory raise their fists at the beginning of her keynote speech at the Million Woman March in Philadelphia, Pa. on Oct. 25, 1997. Hundreds of thousands of black women stood shoulder to shoulder at the march, showing their solidarity and drawing attention to issues they believe mainstream groups ignore.
H. Rumph, Jr., AP
President Clinton laughs at a comment made by comedian Dick Gregory as Coretta Scott King, widow of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., listens during King Day services at Ebenezer Baptist Church Monday, Jan. 15, 1996, in Atlanta.
President Clinton laughs at a comment made by comedian Dick Gregory as Coretta Scott King, widow of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., listens during King Day services at Ebenezer Baptist Church Monday, Jan. 15, 1996, in Atlanta.
Greg Gibson, AP
Dick Gregory stands onstage before a crowd of some 4,500 anti-nuclear protesters gathered in Seabrook, N.H., July 23, 1979 for the fourth annual Clamshell Alliance demonstration to protest the building of the Seabrook Nuclear Power Station a few miles away. Seabrook came online in August 1990. It's currently licensed to operate until 2030.
Dick Gregory stands onstage before a crowd of some 4,500 anti-nuclear protesters gathered in Seabrook, N.H., July 23, 1979 for the fourth annual Clamshell Alliance demonstration to protest the building of the Seabrook Nuclear Power Station a few miles away. Seabrook came online in August 1990. It's currently licensed to operate until 2030.
Tim Savard, AP
Muhammad Ali embraces Dick Gregory after a workout in New Orleans, Sept. 13, 1978 . Gregory is responsible for Ali's secret weapon, a concoction of vitamins, fruit juices and herbs stirred together.
Muhammad Ali embraces Dick Gregory after a workout in New Orleans, Sept. 13, 1978 . Gregory is responsible for Ali's secret weapon, a concoction of vitamins, fruit juices and herbs stirred together.
AP
A policeman frisks human rights activist Dick Gregory following his arrest while picketing the South African embassy in Washington, Dec. 25, 1977. Gregory, and wife Lillian, were charged with demonstrating within 500 feet of an embassy. The two, along with a handful of supporters were protesting the South African regime's treatment of blacks. The Gregorys were arrested Thanksgiving day while engaged in a similar demonstration. They spent one day in jail and the case was dismissed when the government declined to prosecute.
A policeman frisks human rights activist Dick Gregory following his arrest while picketing the South African embassy in Washington, Dec. 25, 1977. Gregory, and wife Lillian, were charged with demonstrating within 500 feet of an embassy. The two, along with a handful of supporters were protesting the South African regime's treatment of blacks. The Gregorys were arrested Thanksgiving day while engaged in a similar demonstration. They spent one day in jail and the case was dismissed when the government declined to prosecute.
Charles W. Harrity, AP
Dick Gregory announced at a Rome press conference Nov/ 11, 1974 that he will lead a fasting vigil at the FAO conference Hall. Gregory, a political activist, said the fast is designed to pressure the U.S. into granting food aid to starving countries.
Dick Gregory announced at a Rome press conference Nov/ 11, 1974 that he will lead a fasting vigil at the FAO conference Hall. Gregory, a political activist, said the fast is designed to pressure the U.S. into granting food aid to starving countries.
AP
Comedian Dick Gregory pickets the White House in Washington, Nov. 28, 1974 to protest President Ford's food policies. Gregory, who said he was fasting and planned to stay outside the White House until midnight, was carrying a placard that shows agriculture secretary Earl Butz's head on a roasted turkey with the caption 'can American swallow this while millions starve and die.'
Comedian Dick Gregory pickets the White House in Washington, Nov. 28, 1974 to protest President Ford's food policies. Gregory, who said he was fasting and planned to stay outside the White House until midnight, was carrying a placard that shows agriculture secretary Earl Butz's head on a roasted turkey with the caption 'can American swallow this while millions starve and die.'
AP
Comedian Dick Gregory, left, and the Rev. A.D. Williams King address proponents of an open housing ordinance in Louisville, April 12, 1967. The Board of Aldermen rejected the proposed ordinance.
Comedian Dick Gregory, left, and the Rev. A.D. Williams King address proponents of an open housing ordinance in Louisville, April 12, 1967. The Board of Aldermen rejected the proposed ordinance.
AP