Kimberly Hébert Gregory, a versatile and respected actress known for her commanding performance as Dr. Belinda Brown on HBO’s Vice Principals, has died at the age of 52.
According to her ex-husband, actor Chester Gregory, she passed away on October 3 in Los Angeles. A cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
A Life on Stage and Screen
Born December 7, 1972, in Houston, Texas, Kimberly Hébert Gregory cultivated a deep love for theater before transitioning into television and film. She studied at Mount Holyoke College and later pursued further education.
Her breakthrough came in 2016 when she joined the cast of Vice Principals. As Dr. Belinda Brown, she brought intelligence, intensity, and nuance to a role that often stood in opposition to the show’s lead characters.
Over the years, Gregory’s credits spanned a wide variety of genres and series. She appeared in Grey’s Anatomy, Better Call Saul, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Shameless, The Big Bang Theory, Genius: Aretha, The Chi, and more. Her film work included roles in Five Feet Apart and Miss Virginia.
Tributes and Reflections
Chester Gregory confirmed her passing via Instagram, honoring her as “brilliance embodied” and recalling her as a woman whose mind “lit every room, whose presence carried both fire and grace.” He also acknowledged their bond as more than marriage, calling her a friend and celebrating their son as a living echo of her “light.”
The news prompted an immediate outpouring of respect and grief across the entertainment community.
- Vice Principals co-star Walton Goggins called her “a true powerhouse” and lamented her loss as one of the best he’s ever worked with.
- Busy Phillips, Leslie Odom Jr., Kym Whitley, and others expressed shock and sorrow, referring to her as a light and force in the industry.
A Legacy That Endures
Kimberly Hébert Gregory’s passing marks the end of a luminous and dynamic career in the arts. She was admired not only for her commanding performances but also for the intelligence and integrity she brought to each role.
Though she is gone, her influence lives on—in the characters she shaped, the stories she helped tell, and the lives she touched.
Her family, friends, and fans will no doubt share memories, celebrate her work, and mourn the loss of a rare talent.
This obituary will be updated as further details — such as memorial plans or cause of death — become available.
