Hollywood is mourning the loss of Kimberly Hébert Gregory, a celebrated actress known for her powerful performances in Vice Principals, The Chi, and Five Feet Apart. She passed away on October 3, 2025, at the age of 52.
Her ex-husband, Chester Gregory, confirmed the news on Saturday through an emotional post on Instagram. He described Kimberly as “so much more than an ex-wife,” adding that their son remains “a living reminder of her light, laughter, and brilliance.”
“Thank you for the time we shared,” Chester wrote. “Your life was defined not by struggle but by grace and beauty. Rest in power, rest in peace … you are deeply loved. Kim, you did good.”
Tributes have since poured in from across the entertainment industry. Actor Walton Goggins, who starred alongside her in HBO’s Vice Principals, praised her as “one of the most talented people” he had ever worked with, calling her “a true powerhouse.”
Comedians Leslie Jones, Yvette Nicole Brown, and Busy Philipps also expressed their heartbreak online, describing Kimberly as “a light,” “a force,” and “a loss to the entire community.”
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A Distinguished Career in Television and Film
Over her decades-long career, Kimberly Hébert Gregory built an impressive body of work. On television, she appeared in several hit shows, including Gossip Girl, Grey’s Anatomy, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Shameless, Law & Order, and The Big Bang Theory.
She gained widespread acclaim for her role as Dr. Belinda Brown in HBO’s Vice Principals, where critics hailed her as the show’s breakout star. She also delivered standout performances in The Chi, Kevin (Probably) Saves the World, and All Rise.
Her film credits include I Think I Love My Wife, Red Hook Summer, Miss Virginia, and Five Feet Apart. In 2020, she appeared as Ruth Jean Baskerville Bowen in Genius: Aretha, a National Geographic series starring Cynthia Erivo. Most recently, she lent her voice to the Netflix animated series Carol and the End of the World.
Kimberly Hébert Gregory Biography
Born on December 7, 1972, in Houston, Texas, Kimberly was the youngest of three children. She attended the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston before earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Mount Holyoke College in 1994.
Her passion for acting led her to pursue further studies at DePaul University’s Theatre School, where she trained for an MFA in acting. She later obtained a master’s degree in social work from the University of Chicago in 2002.
Kimberly began her career in Chicago’s vibrant theatre scene, earning critical acclaim and a Joseph Jefferson Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery. She was later nominated for a Drama Desk Award in 2012 for her role in By The Way, Meet Vera Stark.
Kimberly was married to actor Chester Gregory, and together they shared a son before divorcing.
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