Dick Gregory
Comedian and activist who challenged racism and injustice.
He became popular among African-American communities in the southern United States with his no-holds-barred comedy sets that targeted bigotry and racism. Gregory was at the forefront of political activism in the 1960s, protesting the Vietnam War and racial injustice, and advocating for animal rights. He was arrested multiple times, went on hunger strikes, and later became a speaker and author, with his autobiography selling more than a million copies.
- died
- August 19, 2017, Washington, D.C.
- field
- Comedian, actor, writer, activist, social critic
- nationality
- American
- known_for
- No-holds-barred comedy on race, political activism, presidential campaign
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Gregory was born in St. Louis, Missouri, to Lucille and Presley Gregory. His college career was interrupted in 1954 when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. At the urging of his commanding officer, he began performing comedy in the Army, winning talent shows. After his discharge in 1956, he briefly returned to SIU but dropped out, feeling the university wanted him to run, not study. He moved to Chicago to become a professional comedian, joining a new generation of black comedians who broke with minstrel traditions. His material drew on current events and racial issues, as in his joke: 'Segregation is not all bad. That year, he made his New York debut at The Blue Angel nightclub and recorded a live set. Gregory's comedy caused controversy; the University of Tennessee administration branded him an 'extreme racist' and revoked his invitation to speak, but students sued and won a court order that the university's policy was 'too broad and vague.' Gregory performed there in April 1970. In 1964, his book 'Nigger' was published and has never been out of print.
Reader's Guide
Dick Gregory's significance lies in his dual role as a groundbreaking comedian and a committed political activist. He used his platform to directly confront racism and bigotry at a time when black comedians were often limited to stereotypical roles. His legacy includes influencing later generations of comedians and activists, and his autobiography sold more than a million copies. Louis Walk of Fame.
Did You Know?
- Gregory won the state cross-country championship in 1950 and set school records as a half-miler and miler at Southern Illinois University.
- He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1954 and began performing comedy at the urging of his commanding officer, winning talent shows.
- His 1964 autobiography 'Nigger' has never been out of print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dick Gregory?
Richard Claxton Gregory (1932–2017) was an American comedian, actor, writer, and activist best known for his confrontational stand-up comedy and his deep involvement in civil rights and anti-war movements.
What was Dick Gregory's comedy style?
His sets were unapologetically direct, using humor to expose racism and social hypocrisy, and he built a following among Black audiences in the South before breaking into mainstream comedy clubs and television in the early 1960s.
What political activism is Dick Gregory known for?
He protested the Vietnam War, marched against racial injustice, went on hunger strikes, and was arrested multiple times for his civil disobedience throughout the 1960s.
Did Dick Gregory run for president?
In 1968 he launched a satirical presidential campaign designed to mock the political establishment and spotlight civil rights issues rather than to seriously seek office.
Why is Dick Gregory significant in comedy history?
He demonstrated that stand-up could be a genuine tool for political change, merging sharp social satire with direct activist work in a way that influenced generations of comedians who followed.
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