Who Is Dick Gregory? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on October 12, 1932, in St. Louis, Missouri, Dick Gregory was an influential American comedian, actor, writer, activist, and social critic. Throughout his life, Gregory became renowned for his sharp wit and fearless approach to social and political commentary. He passed away in 2017 at the age of 84, leaving behind a powerful legacy of advocating for civil rights and social justice.
| Occupation | Stand-up Comedians |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 12, 1932 |
| Age | 84 Years |
| Birth Place | St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 19 August, 2017 |
| Died Place | Washington, D.C., U.S. |
Popularity
Dick Gregory's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
During his lifetime, Dick Gregory was known for his charismatic presence. Standing at approximately 6 feet (183 cm) and weighing around 185 pounds (84 kg), his physical fitness was often a topic of discussion, especially as he later became a proponent of healthy living and vegetarianism.
In 1984, he founded Health Enterprises, Inc., a company that distributed weight-loss products. With this company, Gregory made efforts to improve the life expectancy of African Americans, which he believed was being hindered by poor nutrition and drug and alcohol abuse.
In 1985, Gregory introduced the Slim-Safe Bahamian Diet, a powdered diet compound. He launched the weight-loss powder at the Whole Life Expo in Boston under the slogan "It's cool to be healthy." The diet compound, if drunk three times a day, was said to prompt rapid weight loss.
Gregory received a multimillion-dollar distribution contract to retail the diet.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Dick Gregory was married to his beloved wife, Lynne Gregory, for over 60 years until his passing. The couple had 11 children together, creating a large and vibrant family. His dedication to family and the values he instilled in his children were a crucial aspect of his life. In 2025, discussions about Gregory’s family continue to highlight the importance of unity and social activism within the family unit.
In 1966, Gregory and his wife were arrested for illegal net fishing alongside the Nisqually people in Washington state in a protest fish-in.
The tribe was protesting against the state laws that ban forms of fishing other than hook-and-line because it barred their rights guaranteed to them through a federal treaty that allowed them to fish in their traditional ways.
He was later released from jail in Olympia, Washington, after six weeks of fasting to call attention to the violation of Native American treaties by the United States government.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Dick Gregory's estimated net worth was around $8 million. His wealth was accumulated through numerous avenues including stand-up comedy, book sales, and various speaking engagements. Though it is common for celebrities to see fluctuations in their posthumous earnings through media and merchandise, his legacy continues to contribute to charitable causes and foundations focusing on social justice.
Career, Business, and Investments
Dick Gregory began his career in the comedy circuit during the 1960s, often using his platform to discuss pressing societal issues such as civil rights, race relations, and health awareness. His blend of humor with social activism made him a unique figure in the entertainment industry. Gregory also authored several books, and invested in health food businesses and wellness initiatives. As of 2025, his influence is still felt in both comedic and activist realms, inspiring new generations of comedians who seek to blend humor with significant societal messages.
Louis, Missouri, the son of Lucille, a house cleaner, and Presley Gregory. At Sumner High School, he was aided by teachers, among them Warren St. James; he also excelled at running, winning the state cross-country championship in 1950.
Gregory earned a track scholarship to Southern Illinois University (SIU), where he set school records as a half-miler and miler. He was named the university's outstanding student athlete of the year in 1953. He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
In 1954, his college career was interrupted for two years when he was drafted into the United States Army. At the urging of his commanding officer, who had taken notice of his penchant for joking, Gregory got his start in comedy in the Army, where he entered and won several talent shows.
In 1956, Gregory briefly returned to SIU after his discharge, but dropped out because he felt that the university "didn't want me to study, they wanted me to run."
Social Network
While Gregory was not directly active on social media during his lifetime, his legacy is celebrated across multiple platforms today. His official pages and fan accounts continue to share his wisdom and humor, inspiring a community dedicated to social change. The memorialization of his work is prevalent on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, where discussions around civil rights continue to thrive.
While working for the United States Postal Service during the daytime, Gregory performed as a comedian in small, primarily black-patronized nightclubs of the Chitlin' Circuit.
In an interview with The Huffington Post, Gregory described the history of black comics as limited: "Blacks could sing and dance in the white night clubs but weren't allowed to stand flat-footed and talk to white folks, which is what a comic does."
Education
Dick Gregory attended Southern Illinois University and later transferred to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he initially pursued a degree in sociology. However, he left college to focus on his promising career in comedy. His education and early experiences deeply influenced his perspectives on social issues and significantly enriched his comedic routine.
Gregory's comedy occasioned controversy in some conservative white circles. The administration of the University of Tennessee, for instance, branded Gregory an "extreme racist" whose "appearance would be an outrage and an insult to many citizens of this state", and revoked his invitation by students to speak on campus.
The students sued, with noted litigator William Kunstler as their counsel, and in Smith v. University of Tennessee, 300 F. Supp. 777 (E.D. Tenn. 1969), won an order from the court that the university's policy was "too broad and vague".
The University of Tennessee then implemented an "open speaker" system, and Gregory subsequently performed in April 1970.
Conclusion
Dick Gregory's legacy as a comedian and activist remains strong in 2025. His contributions to society continue to inspire discussions surrounding race, health, and justice. Although he is no longer with us, his voice, teachings, and life story endure, fostering a community of awareness and change.
