The Life And Legacy Of Dick Gregory: Comedian, Activist, And Trailblazer

Did you know that Dick Gregory was not only a groundbreaking comedian but also a prominent civil rights activist? His unique blend of humor and social commentary made him a pivotal figure in American history. Gregory's story is one of resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment to justice.

Who Was Dick Gregory?

Comedian Dick Gregory got his big break performing as a stand-up comedian at the Playboy Club in the early 1960s. Known for his sophisticated, layered humor that took on racial issues of the day, Gregory became a comedy headliner and a trailblazer for other African American comedians including Richard Pryor and Bill Cosby. He also participated as an activist in the Civil Rights Movement and eventually ran for political office. In his later years, he worked as a lecturer and pursued his interests in health and fitness.

Early Life

Richard Claxton Gregory was born the second of six children on October 12, 1932, in St. Louis, Missouri. Gregory grew up in crippling poverty, with his father abandoning the family and leaving his mother to work long hours as a maid to support them. At an early age, he found the power of comedy to defend himself against childhood bullies, famously stating, “They were going to laugh anyway, but if I made the jokes they’d laugh with me instead of at me.”

In high school, Gregory became a track star and showed a thirst for activism when he protested against segregated schools. He was later accepted to Southern Illinois University, where he excelled in track, and in 1954, he was drafted into the Army. He began performing stand-up comedy during this time, winning a talent contest that led him to the Army's entertainment division.

Stand-Up Career

After returning to the states, Gregory worked as an emcee at various Chicago clubs, honing his craft while taking on odd jobs. His trailblazing style of satirical humor tackled racial issues and sociopolitical topics pulled straight from contemporary headlines.

Gregory’s big break came in 1961 at Hugh Hefner’s Playboy Club in Chicago, where he performed in front of a room of white executives visiting from the segregated South. Gregory was a huge success, becoming a crossover star and making history as the first African American guest on Jack Paar’s Tonight Show to sit on the couch and chat with the host.

Civil Rights Activism

Gregory was at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement during the 1960s, becoming friends with pivotal figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Medgar Evers. He faced numerous arrests due to his activism, famously recounting a severe beating he received while jailed in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1963.

He continued his political activism throughout the 1960s, running unsuccessfully for mayor of Chicago in 1967 and later as a write-in candidate for U.S. president during the election between Richard Nixon and Hubert H. Humphrey.

Later Years and Death

Gregory became devoted to health and fitness over the years, adopting a vegetarian diet and focusing on health issues within African American communities. He also became a noted university lecturer and participated in hunger strikes to raise awareness of various global issues, including the Vietnam War and police brutality.

In the mid-1980s, he launched a weight-loss business known as the Slim/Safe Bahamian Diet, although he later faced financial difficulties. In his later years, Gregory supported various conspiracy theories related to historical events but returned to performing, notably starring in the Off-Broadway production Dick Gregory Live! in 1996. He passed away on August 19, 2017, at the age of 84.

Personal Life

In 1959, Gregory married Lillian Smith, and they had 11 children, although one son, Richard Jr., sadly died in infancy. He openly acknowledged that his wife was the primary emotional caretaker of their children due to the demands of his career.

Key Takeaways

Gregory's life serves as an inspiration, demonstrating how laughter can be a powerful tool for change and how one person's voice can resonate through generations. His legacy continues to influence comedians and activists today.