Kimberly Hébert Gregory, the talented actress best known for her commanding portrayal of Dr. Belinda Brown on HBO’s dark comedy “Vice Principals,” has died at age 52. Her passing on Friday, October 3, 2025, was confirmed by her ex-husband and fellow actor Chester Gregory through an emotional Instagram post.
Chester Gregory honored his former wife with poetic words, describing her as brilliance embodied and a Black woman whose mind lit every room with a presence that carried both fire and grace. He emphasized that she was much more than an ex-wife, calling her a friend and noting that their son represents the living echo of her light. No cause of death has been disclosed by family members or representatives.
Born December 7, 1972, in Houston, Texas, Gregory built an impressive career spanning television, film, and theater. She graduated from The High School for Performing and Visual Arts before attending Mount Holyoke College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She later pursued a master’s in social work from the University of Chicago.
While living in Chicago, Gregory made her mark in theater, appearing in multiple Chicago Theatre Company productions. Her stage work earned recognition when she received a nomination for best supporting actress in a play at the 1998 Joseph Jefferson Awards Equity Branch for her performance in “Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery.”
Gregory’s screen debut came in 2007 with Chris Rock’s film “I Think I Love My Wife.” Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, she built an extensive television resume with guest appearances on popular shows including “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Gossip Girl,” “Two and a Half Men,” “Law & Order,” “The Big Bang Theory,” “Better Call Saul,” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.”
Her breakthrough role arrived in 2016 when she joined the cast of “Vice Principals,” the HBO series created by Danny McBride. Gregory portrayed Dr. Belinda Brown, the incoming principal at North Jackson High School who becomes the target of schemes by the show’s two titular vice principals, played by McBride and Walton Goggins. The series ran for two successful seasons from 2016 to 2017.
Goggins, who starred alongside Gregory and later gained fame in “The White Lotus,” paid tribute to his former co-star on Instagram. He described her as one of the best actresses he had ever worked with, praising her professionalism and noting that “she made me laugh like no other.” Goggins called Gregory a professional’s professional and remembered her as someone who never missed a note.
Busy Philipps, who played Gale Liptrapp on “Vice Principals,” expressed devastation at the news, remembering Gregory as a light and a force who would be deeply missed. Other industry colleagues who paid tribute included Kym Whitley, Leslie Odom Jr., Jason Ritter, and Yvette Nicole Brown.
Following her success on “Vice Principals,” Gregory continued building her television career with roles in several notable productions. She appeared in “Kevin (Probably) Saves the World,” which aired on ABC from 2017 to 2018, and took on roles in “Genius: Aretha,” “Future Man,” “Medical Police,” “The Chi,” and “All Rise.”
Gregory also contributed her voice to animated projects, lending her talents to “Craig of the Creek” and its spinoff “Jessica’s Big Little World,” as well as “Carol & the End of the World.” Her film credits included appearances in “Five Feet Apart,” Spike Lee’s “Red Hook Summer,” “Arizona,” and “Miss Virginia.”
Los Angeles Times television critic Robert Lloyd, in his review of “Vice Principals,” noted that Gregory’s character served as an invitation to political incorrectness, but observed that such attitudes were more of a side dish than the main focus of the series. He described the show’s characters as lunkheads at worst despite their scheming nature.
Gregory had appeared in a recurring role on “Devious Maids” before joining “Vice Principals.” Throughout her career, she demonstrated versatility across genres, from comedy to drama, establishing herself as a respected character actress in both television and film.
Chester Gregory’s tribute emphasized that his former wife’s story was never defined by battle but by the beauty she carried through life’s challenges. He thanked her for every chapter they shared and noted that through their son, her brilliance will never fade and her laughter will always resound.
Gregory is survived by her ex-husband Chester Gregory and their son. Her death represents a significant loss to the entertainment industry, where she was remembered by colleagues for her talent, professionalism, and infectious personality that brightened every room she entered.
