The legendary comic was a pioneer for African-American comedians and one of the most vocal critics in the 1960s
Dick Gregory, the trailblazing comedian and prominent civil rights activist, died at a Washington, D. C. hospital on Saturday at the age of 84. His cause of death was heart failure. “It is with enormous sadness that the Gregory family confirms that their father, comedic legend and civil rights activist Mr. Dick Gregory departed this earth tonight in Washington, DC, ” Gregory’s family wrote on the comedian’s. “The family appreciates the outpouring of support and love and respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time.” Gregory was at the front lines of the civil rights movement. During the 1960s, there were few causes he would not protest. He spoke out against the Vietnam War and the racial injustice back at home in America. He was known for participating in hunger strikes for weeks on end, dropping his weight to sub-100 pounds.
