Dick Gregory Bio, Age, Family, Lillian Gregory, Children And More
Rachel Acosta
Updated on January 08, 2026
Table of Contents
Dick Gregory Biography
Richard Claxton Gregory, also known as Dick Gregory was an American comedian, civil rights activist, writer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. Dick Gregory became a pioneer in stand-up comedy for his “no-holds-barred” sets.
Dick Gregory Age and Birthday
Gregory was born on October 12, 1932, in Missouri, United States of America. He died of heart failure on 19th August 2017 at the age of 84.
Dick Gregory Height and Weight
Dick who was born as Richard Claxton Gregory measures a standing height of 1.72 meters which is equivalent to 5 feet 6 inches. Gregory also weighs 350 pounds which is equivalent to 159 kilograms.
Dick Gregory Early Life
Gregory was born in St. Louis, Missouri. When he was nine years old, he was the victim of a racist attack for touching a white woman’s leg while shining her shoes. At Sumner High School, he was aided by teachers, among them Warren St. James; he also excelled at running.
Dick Gregory Education
Gregory earned a track scholarship to Southern Illinois University (SIU), where he set school records as a half-miler and miler. 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 begin in comedy within the Army, wherever he entered and won many talent shows. In 1956, Gregory, in brief, came back to SIU when his discharge however born out as a result of him feeling that the university “didn’t wish Maine to check, they wished Maine to run.
Dick Gregory Career
This was during the turbulent 1960s, in which he mocked bigotry and racism.
He performed primarily to black audiences at lily-white clubs till 1961, once he became the primary black comedian to with success cross over to white audiences, showing on tv and golf stroke out comedy record albums.
Gregory was at the forefront of political activism in the 1960s, when he protested the Vietnam War and racial injustice.
He was inactive multiple times and went on several hunger strikes. He later became a speaker and author, primarily promoting spirituality. Gregory died of cardiopathy at a Washington, D.C., hospital at age eighty-four in August 2017.
In the hopes of turning into an expert comedian, Gregory captive to Chicago, Illinois, wherever he became a part of a replacement generation of black comedians that included Nipsey Russell, Bill Cosby, and Godfrey Cambridge, all of whom broke with the minstrel tradition that presented stereotypical black characters.
Gregory John Drew on current events, particularly racial problems, for a lot of his material: “Segregation isn’t all dangerous. have you ever detected of a collision wherever the folks within the back of the bus got hurt?
Dick Gregory Family, Parents and Siblings
Gregory was the son of Lucille, a housemaid, and Presley Gregory. He didn’t lose it, he gave it away in the stance of what’s right. When he chose to join Dr. King and Medgar Evers, Hosea Williams, and James George, and so many others, he literally put his life on the line.
Gregory’s dad survived three assassination attempts. He was shot during the Watts Riots. There have been threats made against family members that had to be investigated by the police. He was right there at Medgar Evers’ home days before he was murdered. So he constantly put himself in the fire.
His father provided shelter, food, clothing, and college tuition. He was a man committed to human rights, social justice, and the universal principle of love. Gregory has 9 siblings, many of whom have advanced degrees.
Dick Gregory Wife and Children
Gregory was married to his lovely wife, Lillian Gregory. The couple tied their knot in 1959, after meeting at an African-American club and together they are blessed with 11 children including one son, Richard Jr., who is deceased.
Dick was criticized for being an absent father. In a 2000 interview with The capital of Massachusetts Globe, Gregory was quoted as locution, “People inquire from me concerning being a father and not being there. I say, ‘Jack the liquidator had a father.
The dictator had a father. Do not visit me concerning the family. ‘ Gregory had 11 kids namely, the late Richard Jr., Michele, Lynne, Pamela, Paula, Stephanie who is also known as Xenobia), Gregory, Christian, Miss, Ayanna, and Yohance.
Dick Gregory Body Measurements
- Height: Not Available
- Weight: Not Available
- Shoe Size: Not Available
- Body Shape: Not Available
- Hair Colour: Not Available
Dick Gregory Net Worth
Working as a comedian as well as an entrepreneur, there is no doubt Gregory earned a good salary and has been able to accumulate good net worth. However, his exact net worth has not yet been revealed but the information will be updated as soon as it is available.
Dick Gregory Awards and Achievements
His legacy ranges from business to comedy and to civil rights activism. He was for sure a fine entrepreneur even though at his time, he did not win any awards.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dick Gregory
Who is Gregory?
Gregory was one of the American best-known and loved comedians.
How old is Dick Gregory?
Gregory died at the age of eighty-four. He was born in 1932.
How tall is Gregory?
Not Available.
Is Dick Gregory married?
He was married to his lovely wife, Lillian.
How much is Gregory worth?
Not Available.
How much does Gregory make?
Not Available.
Where does Gregory live?
Not Available.
Is Gregory dead or alive?
He died of heart failure on 19th August 2017.
Where is Dick Gregory now?
He is buried at Fort Lincoln Cemetery.
Dick Gregory Social Media Contacts
- Youtube
- Tiktok
- Website
