Dick Gregory's Net Worth as of 2024
$8 Million
Richard Claxton Gregory was born on 12 October 1932, in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, and is a writer, entrepreneur, comedian and activist best known for his performances as a stand-up comedian and writer. He’s also known for his civil rights activism and even tried his hand at politics. These various endeavors have helped raise his net worth to where it is now.
How rich is Dick Gregory? As of early-2016, sources inform us of a net worth that is at $8 million, mostly accumulated through several facets including his comedy career, books, and businesses. He’s also made radio and television appearances that helped increase his wealth.
Dick Gregory Net Worth $8 Million
Dick was born into a poor family, but during his time in Sumner High School he was recognized as a runner which gave him the chance for an athletic scholarship at the Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He performed well and set various records but was then drafted into the United States Army after two years of college. During his time with the Army, he discovered his skill in comedy which earned him awards from several Army talent shows. He returned to study in SIU but eventually dropped out, deciding to then perform comedy professionally.
He started by opening a nightclub called Apex, but which failed. He then moved around, performing in certain nightclubs which blacks patronized, due to the discrimination between races at that time. Gregory mentioned that he could not perform as a comedian in other places as they were not allowed to. By 1959, Dick found himself a job at the Roberts Show Club, and in 1961 he was discovered by Hugh Hefner who helped launch Dick’s career forward. He started performing at the Playboy Club in Chicago, which then landed him an appearance in “The Tonight Show Starring Jack Paar”. He continued to do shows all over the country, which later on earned him a place on the St. Louis Walk of Fame and in Comedy Central’s “100 Greatest Stand-ups”.
Aside from comedy, Gregory was also a known radio personality who was a frequent guest at WOL 1450 AM show “The Power”. He was also part of “Imus in the Morning” and a guest on “Make It Plain” by Sirius Channel 146. Other television appearances he’s made include “The Alex Jones Show” and “Wonder Showzen”. Later in life, Dick became more and more involved in the black power movement and the civil rights movement, becoming the voice of rights via books, politics and activism.
During 1984, Dick founded Health Enterprises Inc. which focused on weight loss products. According to him, the company was an effort to help African Americans increase their lifespan. The company and his diet ideas would earn him contracts worth millions of dollars, all of which helped raise his net worth dramatically.
Gregory married Lillian Smith in 1959 and they have 11 children. He’s been the topic of criticism due to how he is reported as an absent father. He did not comment specifically on those matters when asked. One interesting thing to note was how Dick ran for President in 1968 but was unsuccessful. Throughout his life, he’s also been invited to various locations and events as a speaker for rights.
