Washington, August 21 (RHC)-- Pioneering comedian and civil rights activist Dick Gregory has died at the age of 84.  During the 1960s, Dick Gregory became one of the most popular comedians in the United States and paved the way for generations of African-American comedians, from Bill Cosby and Richard Pryor, to Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle.

During civil rights struggles in the U.S., Gregory became a pioneer in stand-up comedy for his "no-holds-barred" sets, in which he mocked bigotry and racism.  He primarily performed at segregated clubs to Black audiences until 1961, when he became the first Black comedian to successfully cross over to white audiences, appearing on television and putting out comedy record albums.

Gregory was at the forefront of political activism in the 1960s, protesting the Vietnam War and racial injustice.  He was arrested multiple times and went on numerous hunger strikes for peace and justice issues.  

Dick Gregory died of heart failure on Saturday at a Washington, D.C. hospital at the age of 84.