REMEMBERING KIMBERLY HÉBERT GREGORY (1972–2025)

REMEMBERING KIMBERLY HÉBERT GREGORY (1972–2025)

From the Stage to Craig of the Creek — A Voice and Vision That Will Never Be Forgotten

By Black Zone Magazine Staff

The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Kimberly Hébert Gregory, the gifted actress whose voice, presence, and performances spanned stage, television, and animation. She passed away on October 3, 2025, at the age of 52, leaving behind a body of work that inspired laughter, thought, and emotion in equal measure.

Her passing was confirmed by her ex-husband, actor and singer Chester Gregory, who described her as “brilliance embodied — a Black woman whose mind lit every room, whose presence carried both fire and grace.”

A LIFE ROOTED IN PURPOSE AND ART

Born December 7, 1972, in Houston, Texas, Kimberly Hébert Gregory came into the world with a deep curiosity about human nature — a quality that would later define her acting style.

She graduated from Mount Holyoke College with a degree in psychology, before earning her Master’s in Social Work. Yet, the pull of performance called her to the stage, where she found her voice in Chicago’s vibrant theater scene.

Her talent was undeniable. Critics praised her emotional intelligence, depth, and humor, earning her multiple Joseph Jefferson Award nominations.

“She was fearless in rehearsal,” one former director said. “She didn’t just play a character — she understood them.”

HOLLYWOOD TO HIGHLIGHTS

Television audiences came to know and love Kimberly for her commanding portrayal of Dr. Belinda Brown on HBO’s Vice Principals — a performance that balanced strength with vulnerability and humor with gravity.

She went on to deliver scene-stealing turns in Grey’s Anatomy, The Chi, Better Call Saul, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, All Rise, and Shameless.

On the big screen, she appeared in Five Feet Apart, Miss Virginia, Red Hook Summer, and John Henry. Each role showcased her remarkable range — from empathetic to defiant, comic to commanding.

Actor Walton Goggins, her Vice Principals co-star, said: “We lost one of the best — a professional’s professional. A soprano that never missed a note.”

THE VOICE THAT NURTURED A GENERATION

While her live-action roles earned acclaim, Kimberly Hébert Gregory also touched a new generation of fans through her voice work.

She was the voice behind Nicole Williams, Craig’s mother on the beloved Cartoon Network series Craig of the Creek.

Nicole was more than an animated parent — she was calm, confident, funny, and full of wisdom, much like Gregory herself. She reprised the role in the 2023 prequel film Craig Before the Creek, further solidifying her place in the hearts of families and children worldwide.

Fans flooded social media with tributes:

“Her voice gave warmth to Nicole Williams — you could feel the love in every line.”

“She made Craig’s mom the one we all wished we had growing up.”

SIDE BAR: HER MOST MEMORABLE ROLES

Film

• Five Feet Apart (2019) — Nurse Barbara

• Miss Virginia (2019) — Principal Evans

• Red Hook Summer (2012) — Mother Darling

• John Henry (2020) — Tasha

Television

• Vice Principals — Dr. Belinda Brown

• Grey’s Anatomy — Dr. Lucinda Aaron

• All Rise — Judge Delia Hale

• The Chi — Bea

Voice Work

• Craig of the Creek — Nicole Williams

• Craig Before the Creek (2023) — Nicole Williams

BEYOND THE SCREEN

Those who knew Kimberly say she brought the same authenticity to real life that she did to her art.

“She cared deeply,” one friend wrote. “About people, about her craft, about doing things right. You couldn’t fake what she had — it came from the soul.”

Her presence in both drama and children’s entertainment bridged worlds — she could challenge audiences one moment and comfort them the next.

AFTER NEWS OF HER PASSING, TRIBUTES POURED IN

• Chester Gregory posted on Instagram: “You were brilliance embodied — a Black woman whose mind lit every room, whose presence carried both fire and grace.”

• Walton Goggins, her Vice Principals co-star, wrote: “We lost one of the best … A professional’s professional. A soprano that never missed a note.”

• On social media, fans remembered her voice work. One post read: “Thank you for lending your voice and soul to Nicole Williams on Craig of the Creek and making us all…”

HER LEGACY LIVES ON

Kimberly Hébert Gregory leaves behind her son, her family, and a legacy of excellence. Her work remains woven into the fabric of modern Black storytelling — a testament to the power of empathy, education, and expression.

In the words of one fan:

“Kimberly taught us that even in a cartoon, love can sound real — and that every story deserves its full truth."

She will be deeply missed — but her voice, her art, and her impact will echo for generations.

Editor’s Note:

At Black Zone Magazine, we honor Kimberly Hébert Gregory not only for her career, but for her contribution to culture — representing intelligence, authenticity, and depth in every role. Her passing reminds us that the art of performance lives far beyond the actor. It lives in the hearts of those who listen.

For More Articles Read Our Monthly Magazine: https://issue.blackzonemagazine.com/october2025/