Sarah KnieserOct 8, 2025 5 min read

‘Vice Principals’ Star Kimberly Hébert Gregory Dead at 52

Kimberly Herbert Gregory on 'Vice Principals' | HBO
Kimberly Herbert Gregory on 'Vice Principals' | HBO

Actress Kimberly Hébert Gregory, best known for her acclaimed role as Dr. Belinda Brown on HBO’s Vice Principals, has died at the age of 52. Her death was confirmed on October 3 by her ex-husband, actor Chester Gregory, who paid tribute to her on social media. No cause of death or further details have been released.

“Kimberly Hébert Gregory, You Were Brilliance Embodied,” Chester Gregory wrote in an emotional post. “A Black Woman Whose Mind Lit Every Room, Whose Presence Carried Both Fire And Grace. You Taught Us Lessons In Courage, In Artistry, In Resilience.” He concluded by thanking her for their shared life and creative journey, adding, “Your story was never defined by the battle, But by the beauty you carried through it.”

Remembered by Friends and Colleagues

Tributes poured in across Hollywood following the news of Hébert Gregory’s passing. Vice Principals co-star Walton Goggins shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, calling her “one of the best I’ve ever worked with.” He wrote, “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.”

HBO

Actress Busy Philipps, who also appeared in Vice Principals, expressed her grief, writing, “Oh my god I’m devastated to hear this. She was a light and a force. She will be missed.”

Hébert Gregory’s presence on screen and off left an indelible mark on colleagues and audiences alike. Known for her charisma, warmth, and intelligence, she brought authenticity and depth to every character she portrayed.

A Career Rooted in Passion and Range

Born December 7, 1972, in Houston, Texas, Hébert Gregory’s path to acting began early. She attended Houston’s High School for Performing and Visual Arts before studying at Mount Holyoke College. She later earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Chicago.

Her professional career began on the stage, where she performed with several prominent Chicago theater companies. In 1998, she was nominated for a Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery, a production that cemented her reputation as a powerful performer in the city’s theater scene.

Her transition to on-screen work came in 2007 with roles in I Think I Love My Wife and the pilot episode of Gossip Girl. From there, she built a steady career across television, appearing in shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, Law & Order, The Big Bang Theory, Shameless, and New Amsterdam.

But it was her breakout role as Dr. Belinda Brown on Vice Principals that brought her national attention. As the sharp and determined principal of North Jackson High School, Hébert Gregory’s performance stood out even among a cast that included Danny McBride, Walton Goggins, and Busy Philipps. Her portrayal of Dr. Brown combined fierce authority with humor and vulnerability, earning her praise from critics and fans alike.

Continued Success on Screen and Beyond

Following Vice Principals, Hébert Gregory went on to star in the ABC dramedy Kevin (Probably) Saves the World alongside Jason Ritter, playing a celestial messenger guiding the show’s protagonist toward redemption. She also appeared in Devious Maids, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Better Call Saul, and The Chi, showcasing her remarkable range as both a comedic and dramatic performer.

Disney

Her voice work was equally celebrated. She lent her voice to the character of Nicole Williams, the mother of the titular character in Cartoon Network’s Craig of the Creek, and later voiced a role in the spin-off Jessica’s Big Little World.

Hébert Gregory also portrayed singer C.L. Franklin’s daughter in Genius: Aretha, the 2021 biographical series about Aretha Franklin’s life, further demonstrating her versatility and commitment to portraying complex women.

A Lasting Legacy

Throughout her decades-long career, Kimberly Hébert Gregory embodied creativity, resilience, and grace. Her performances consistently reflected her belief in the power of storytelling to inspire and connect.

She is survived by her ex-husband Chester Gregory and their son, who shared in her artistic journey and were often cited as the greatest sources of her joy.

As tributes continue to pour in from colleagues and fans, Hébert Gregory is being remembered not only as an exceptional actress but also as a mentor, a mother, and a light within her community. Her legacy will endure through the characters she brought to life — women of intelligence, humor, and strength — and through the countless lives she touched along the way.

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