Remembering Kimberly Hébert Gregory: Her most memorable movies and TV shows

 Kimberly Hébert Gregory on Vice Principals | Image via HBO
Kimberly Hébert Gregory on Vice Principals | Image via HBO

Kimberly Hébert Gregory was an actress born in Texas and had roles in TV shows like Vice Principals and Kevin (Probably) Saves the World, passed away at the age of fifty-two. Chester Gregory, her ex-husband, confirmed that she died on October 3, 2025. Colleagues mention her rare humor and depth.

She made every character feel like someone you might know. Chester described Kimberly Hébert Gregory on Instagram as "brilliance embodied" and:

"A Black woman whose mind lit every room."

Throughout her career, she broke molds on screen while building a community off it. She founded the nonprofit Black Rebirth Collective to support Black artists. As tributes came in from colleagues like Walton Goggins and Busy Philipps, one truth stood out: Kimberly lifted every project she joined.

Here are five performances that show why she was unforgettable!


Best Kimberly Hébert Gregory movies and TV shows

1. Vice Principals (2016–2017)

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If you want to see how versatile Kimberly Hébert Gregory was, watch Vice Principals! She played Dr. Belinda Brown, the school principal who kept calm in the face of chaos. Her character goes up against Walton Goggins and Danny McBride to determine who will be in charge of their Southern high school.

She kept her dignity while delivering killer jokes in the middle of chaos. Goggins put it: "one of the best I've ever worked with." He added, "She made me laugh like no other." Seeing her stand toe-to-toe with those comedy veterans? Honestly, it was fun to watch.

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2. Kevin (Probably) Saves the World (2017–2018)

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From cynical comedy to heavenly roles, Kimberly Hébert Gregory showed impressive range as Yvette on ABC's Kevin (Probably) Saves the World.

Playing a celestial guide assigned to help Jason Ritter's character, her eye rolls could silence anyone. Viewers connected with how she transformed what might've been a flat "angel" character into someone complex, relatable, and funny. What stood out was the authentic humanity she brought to every scene.


3. Genius: Aretha (2021)

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In National Geographic's Genius: Aretha, Gregory played Ruth Jean Baskerville Bowen, a journalist/editor known for supporting the arts and education.

She brought a focused, understated strength to the role, helping ground the miniseries about Aretha Franklin's life. Kimberly Hébert Gregory's thoughtfulness and feelings made many see this as her most layered work.


4. I Think I Love My Wife (2007)

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Long before sharing the screen with McBride and Ritter, Kimberly Hébert Gregory showed her chops in Chris Rock's I Think I Love My Wife. She played the babysitter, though not a big part; she made it stick.

Even in those few scenes, you noticed her. She'd later sharpen that knack for leaving a mark in small spaces to a fine point on TV.


5. Five Feet Apart (2019)

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In the movie Five Feet Apart, Haley Lu Richardson and Cole Sprouse played young lovers facing a serious illness.

Kimberly Hébert Gregory played Nurse Barbara. Her part felt like a perfect fit for a story about love and loss. Viewers often mention how her scenes stayed with them, even after the film ended.


Watch Vice Principals on Hulu or Prime Video.

NEXT UP: How is Hollywood remembering Gregory?

Edited by Sohini Sengupta