Kimberly Hébert Gregory, best known for her starring role in HBO’s hit comedy series Vince Principals, has died at age 52.
Her ex-husband and fellow actor, Chester Gregory, confirmed the devastating news on Friday.
‘You were brilliance embodied, a Black woman whose mind lit every room, whose presence carried both fire and grace,’ Chester, 52, wrote on Instagram. ‘You taught us lessons in courage, in artistry, in resilience, and in how to keep showing up, even when life demanded more than its share.’
Chester went on to praise Kimberly as ‘so much more than’ his ex-wife as he called her his ‘friend’ and reflected on how they had a bond ‘no storm could break.’
‘Thank you, Kimberly, for every chapter we shared. Your story was never defined by the battle, but by the beauty you carried through it,’ he declared.
Kimberly’s former Vince Principals costar, Walton Goggins, also paid tribute on Instagram.
Kimberly Hébert Gregory, best known for her starring role in HBO’s hit comedy series Vince Principals, has died at age 52; seen on January 7, 2018
‘We lost one of the best yesterday… one of the best I’ve ever worked with. Kimberly Hebert Gregory,’ he began. 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.
He concluded: ‘A professionals professional. A gatdamn SOPRANO that never missed a note. You will be missed my friend. As much as you know.’
Busy Philipps, who portrayed Gale Liptrapp on the show, wrote: ‘Oh my god I’m devastated to hear this. She was a light and a force. She will be missed.’
Vice Principals, which ran on HBO for two seasons between 2016 and 2017, was co-created by Danny McBride and Jody Hill.
The dark comedy centers on two feuding assistant principals — played by McBride and Goggins — who form an uneasy alliance to oust their school’s new leader, Dr. Belinda Brown (Kimberly).
Gregory’s other credits included Five Feet Apart, Barry, The Chi, The Act, Every Other Weekend, Kevin (Probably) Saves the World, Better Call Saul, The Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men and Private Practice, among others.
Additionally, she voiced characters in Craig of the Creek, Jessica’s Big Little World and No Activity.
