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Hollywood is mourning the loss of Kimberly Hébert Gregory, the acclaimed actress best known for her fierce and funny turn as Dr. Belinda Brown on Vice Principals. Gregory died on October 3 at the age of 52, her ex-husband, actor and singer Chester Gregory, confirmed in an emotional Instagram post.
“You were brilliance embodied,” Chester wrote in a moving tribute that quickly drew thousands of reactions. “A Black woman whose mind lit every room, whose presence carried both fire and grace.… So much more than ex-wife, you were my friend. Our son, the song we wrote together, is the living echo of your light.”
The actor ended his post with a quiet benediction: “Kim… you did good.”
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Stars Pay Tribute: ‘She Was a Light and a Force’
Within hours, tributes from across the entertainment world flooded social media.
Actress Yvette Nicole Brown wrote, “I don’t understand this.💔 I’m so sorry for you and your son’s loss @chestergregory. And our loss as a community.”
Broadway star Leslie Odom Jr. added, “Beautiful tribute, bro. What a light she shared. I am so sorry to hear.”
“This is beyond words. ❤️🙏🏽🕊️ I’m so very sorry,” wrote actress Anika Noni Rose.
Actor Jason Ritter, who co-starred with Gregory on Kevin (Probably) Saves the World, remembered her warmth and intelligence, saying, “She was so brilliant and so kind… she will be so so missed by all of us lucky enough to know her. 💔”
Comedian Kym Whitley wrote, “Noooo I have no words. She was fighting such a good fight. Such a light to the world.”
Actress Kim Coles sent “sooooo many hugs,” while Grammy winner Ledisi called Gregory “an extraordinary human… my favorite actress.”
Actress Angela Lewis penned one of the longest tributes: “I will love her forever. I can’t tell you how much she meant to my artistry and therefore to my life. She was absolutely brilliance personified. We met and I was forever changed. I am honored to call her friend. She is already missed. Deeply. I will love her forever. 💔🦋🕊️✨.”
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Vice Principals Co-Star Walton Goggins: ‘One of the Best I’ve Ever Worked With’
Gregory’s Vice Principals co-star Walton Goggins shared his own remembrance, recalling how funny Gregory was on set.
Goggins wrote, “We lost one of the best yesterday… one of the best I’ve ever worked with. Kimberly Hebert Gregory. I had the honor… the good fortune of getting to know, getting to spend months working with this Queen on Vice Principals. She made me laugh like no other. A professional’s professional. A gatdamn SOPRANO that never missed a note. You will be missed, my friend. As much as you know.”
Actress Busy Philipps, who also appeared on the series, commented, “Oh my god, I’m devastated to hear this. She was a light and a force. She will be missed.”
Born in Houston in 1972, Gregory built a career that spanned theater, television, and film. Her screen credits included The Chi, Kevin (Probably) Saves the World, Better Call Saul, Barry, Five Feet Apart, The Act, Devious Maids, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. She also lent her voice to animated series such as Craig of the Creek and Jessica’s Big Little World.
This story was originally reported by Parade on Oct 5, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.yahoo.com ’
