Kimberly Hébert Gregory, the Emmy-nominated actress celebrated for her role in the HBO series Vice Principals, died on October 3, 2025, at age 52. Her ex-husband, actor Chester Gregory, confirmed her passing in an Instagram tribute, honoring her brilliance, resilience, and artistry.[1][2][3]
Career Overview
Kimberly Hébert Gregory built a distinguished career across television, film, and theater.
| Year | Title | Role | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Red Hook Summer | Supporting cast | [7] |
| 2016–2017 | Vice Principals | Dr. Belinda Brown | [3] |
| 2019 | Five Feet Apart | Supporting cast | [7] |
| 2017 | Genius: Aretha | Recurring role | [3] |
| 2017–2018 | Future Man | Recurring role | [3] |
| 2020 | Medical Police | Recurring role | [3] |
| 2017–2018 | Kevin (Probably) Saves the World | Recurring role | [3] |
| 2018–2025 | Craig of the Creek; Jessica’s Big Little World | Voice roles | [3] |
| 2023 | Carol and the End of the World (Netflix) | Voice role | [3] |
| Various | Grey’s Anatomy, Shameless, Better Call Saul, Gossip Girl | Guest roles | [7] |
Her performance as Dr. Belinda Brown, a poised school principal caught in a darkly comic power struggle, earned critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination.[4][5][6]
Early Life and Education
Born on December 7, 1972, in Houston, Texas, Gregory attended the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. She graduated from Mount Holyoke College with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology in 1994 and earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Chicago in 2002. She trained in acting at DePaul University’s Theatre School.[5][7][8]
Personal Life and Advocacy
Gregory married actor Chester Gregory in the early 2000s; the couple had one son before divorcing. She founded the Black Rebirth Collective, a nonprofit supporting emerging Black playwrights and directors.[3][7][8][9]
Tributes
- Chester Gregory: “You were brilliance embodied, a Black woman whose mind lit every room… Your story was never defined by the battle, but by the beauty you carried through it.”[2][3]
- Walton Goggins: “We lost one of the best I’ve ever worked with… a professional’s professional. A soprano that never missed a note. You will be missed, my friend.”[10]
- Busy Philipps: “She was a light and a force. She will be missed.”[10]
Additional tributes appeared across social media and entertainment outlets, reflecting the impact of her talent and character.[11][12][13][14]
Death and Funeral Arrangements
No cause of death has been disclosed. Family representatives have requested privacy as they finalize funeral arrangements.[8][1][4]
