| Celebrated Name: | Dick Gregory |
|---|---|
| Real Name/Full Name: | Richard Claxton Gregory |
| Gender: | Male |
| Age at the time of death: | 84 years old |
| Birth Date: | 24 October 1930 |
| Date of Death: | 19 August 2017 |
| Birth Place: | St. Louis, Missouri, United States |
| Nationality: | American |
| Height: | 1.85 m |
| Weight: | 89 kg |
| Sexual Orientation: | Straight |
| Marital Status: | Married |
| Wife/Spouse (Name): | Lillian Gregory (m. 1959–2017) |
| Children: | Yes (Richard Jr., Michele, Lynne, Pamela, Paula, Stephanie, Gregory, Christian, Miss, Ayanna, and Yohance) |
| Dating/Girlfriend (Name): |
N/A |
| Profession: | Comedian, Civil Rights Activist, Social Critic, Writer, Conspiracy Theorist, Entrepreneur, and Occasional Actor |
| Net Worth in 2024: | $10 million |
| Last Updated: | December 2024 |
Richard Claxton Gregory, popularly known as Dick Gregory, was an African-American comedian, social critic, civil rights activist, writer, conspiracy theorist, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is the first black comedian to perform to a white audience. He died on August 19, 2017.
Maybe you know about Dick Gregory very well But do you know how old was he at the time of his death and what is his net worth in 2024? If you do not know, We have prepared this article about details of Dick Gregory’s short biography-wiki, career, professional life, personal life, today’s net worth, age, height, weight, and more facts. Well, if you’re ready, let’s start.
Early Life
Dick Gregory was born on October 12, 1932, in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. He was born to Lucille and Presley Gregory. He was a good runner, and he earned a scholarship to Southern Illinois University (SIU). He was drafted into the United States Army while he was still in school.
He went back to the University after he was discharged from the army. He left the University because, according to him, they only wanted him to run not study. He moved to Illinois, where he joined a group of black comedians.
Personal Life
Dick Gregory married Lilian Smith in 1959. The couple had 11 children. He was often criticized for his absence in the life of his children. He often dismissed it by saying even Adolf Hitler had a father.
Age, Height, and Weight
Being born on 24 October 1930, Dick Gregory was 84 years old at the time of his death. His height was 1.85 m tall and weighed 89 kg.
Career
After moving this Illinois, Gregory tried to pursue a professional comedy career. He first opened a club called Apex Nightclub. The club, however, failed to leave him in debt. In 1959, he got a job at an MC in Roberts Show Bar. He performed to a white audience in that bar. He was performing in 1961 when Hugh Hefner took notice of him.
He was hired by Hugh to work at the Playboy Club in Chicago. He made his first TV appearance on the “Tonight Starring Jack Paar” show. He was invited by Paar to perform on the show but declined the offer every time. He later explained to Paar that he always refused to perform on the show due to the fact that blacks were not allowed interviews after the show.
The Show producers made an amendment and allowed Paar to have an interview with Dick Gregory after the show. This made waves, and it was the first time in the history of the show. Gregory ventured into other activities. He co-hosted a morning show dubbed “The Power.”
He also appeared on the TV show titled “Wonder Showzen,” he was “Mr. Sun.” He also made an appearance on “The Alex Jones Show.” Gregory was a strong activist against racism. He was also a civil rights activist. In 1968, he ran for president of the United States; he was unsuccessful.
He released the book titled “Write Me In,” a book that talked about his presidential campaign. He was also an advocate for women’s rights. He also wrote a lot more books, including his autobiography titled “Nigger.” He also founded Health Enterprises, a company that distributes weight loss pills.
Awards & Achievements
Dick Gregory earned a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame.
Net Worth & Salary of Dick Gregory in 2024
As of December 2024, Dick Gregory had an estimated net worth of $10 million. He was one of the highest-rated black comedians. He made his money from his career as a comedian and a writer. There are no records of his annual salary or his salary per performance.
Dick Gregory Death
Dick Gregory died of a heart attack in a hospital in Washington, D.C. He died on August 19, 2017. He was 84 years old.
Dick Gregory performed on many platforms and events. He was known for his funny comments. He created controversy among the whites. Some considered him to be a racist for his jokes. He is known as the personality behind the rise of black comedy in the United States.