Stand-up comedian and activist Dick Gregory dies aged 84

Dick Gregory, the stand-up comedian and activist, has died in hospital at the age of 84.
The news of the American performer’s death was announced on social media by his son Christian Gregory on Saturday night (19Aug17).
“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,” the official statement read.
“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 – Christian Gregory.”
Earlier this month, Christian revealed on Facebook that this father had been taken to hospital after feeling unwell but was discharged a few days later.
“A life well-lived but heavily sacrificed, has definitively taken its toll,” he wrote on Facebook.
In the ’60’s Gregory was one of the first U.S. black comedians to perform regularly in front of white audiences and mock racism.
His first television appearance was on the late night show Tonight Starring Jack Paar and soon after he began appearing nationally.
During his career the comedian didn’t pull any punches and raised more than a few eyebrows with his controversial comments over the years.
Gregory was also involved in a number of civil rights activities and campaigned passionately against the Vietnam War with a number of protests involving hunger strikes.
After hearing the news of his passing, U.S. civil rights activist Jesse Jackson paid tribute to Gregory on Twitter: “He taught us how to laugh,” he reminisced.
“He taught us how to fight.He taught us how to live. Dick Gregory was committed to justice.I miss him already. #RIP.”