The black comedian who broke down racial barriers through his comedy in 1960's and also ran for 1968 US presidency has pa s sed away on August 19 on Saturday. He died due to severe bacterial infection at the age of 84 after he was admitted to a hospital in Washington DC.
Gregory's family revealed the death of him with a Twitter post expressing the "enormous sadness"
It is with enormous sadness that the Gregory family confirms that their father, comedic legend… https://t.co/UL9ATwwBxv
— Dick Gregory (@IAmDickGregory) August 20, 2017
His son, Christian also wrote on his social media without giving detail information saying:
The family appreciates the outpouring of support and love, and respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time. More details will be released over the next few days.
Dick Gregory was mostly known for his satire against racial injustice through comedy during the 1960s and was arrested several times. He is also the first black to perform at the Playboy Club in Chicago which brought him to light and was signed a 3-year contract with the club.
Several civil right activist and celebrities paid tribute to the legend including Rev. Jesse Jackson, musician John Legend etc. Legend, who released a play on Gregory's life took Twitter to honor him where he wrote:
Dick Gregory lived an amazing, revolutionary life. A groundbreaker in comedy and a voice for justice.
