Richard Claxton Gregory (October 12, 1932 –
August 19, 2017) was an American comedian, civil rights activist,
social critic, writer, conspiracy theorist, entrepreneur, and
occasional actor. During the turbulent 1960s, Gregory became a pioneer in
stand-up comedy for his "no-holds-barred" sets, in which he mocked
bigotry and racism. He
performed primarily to black audiences at segregated clubs
until 1961, when he became the first black comedian to successfully cross over
to white audiences, appearing on television and putting 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 arrested multiple times and went on many hunger strikes. He later
became a speaker and author, primarily promoting spirituality. Gregory died of heart
failure at a Washington, D.C., hospital at age 84 in August 2017.