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Kimberly Hébert Gregory, unforgettable as Dr. Belinda Brown in HBO’s Vice Principals, has died at 52. Her passing was confirmed by her ex-husband, actor Chester Gregory, in a heartfelt Instagram tribute. The cause of death has not been disclosed, leaving fans and colleagues in shock.
A presence that lit up every scene
Even if you didn’t know her name, chances are you’ve seen Kimberly Hébert Gregory on screen. She was one of those actors who brought depth and vitality to every role, often with just a handful of scenes. Her breakout came in 2016 with Vice Principals, where she held her own opposite heavyweights like Danny McBride and Walton Goggins. As Dr. Belinda Brown, she was fierce, poised, and incredibly funny — her timing was immaculate. Goggins himself called her “one of the best” he had ever worked with. That says it all.
I remember watching her in Vice Principals and thinking: here’s someone who can play both the power and the vulnerability of her character without missing a beat. There was a realness in her performance that stuck with me.
Tributes from colleagues speak volumes
Her loss has triggered an outpouring of grief in the industry. Walton Goggins praised not just her talent, but her warmth. Busy Philipps described her as “a light and a force,” which feels exactly right. She was the kind of performer who left a genuine impression — not showy or self-centered, but human and generous, both on- and off-screen. To read Gwen Stefani headlines magical 2025 Disney Christmas Parade
When those who’ve shared the screen with you remember more than just your craft, but your presence, that’s a mark of a singular artist.
A rich career beyond one iconic role
Kimberly’s work extended well beyond Vice Principals. Over the years, she built an impressive portfolio that spanned genres and tones. Some of her standout roles include:
- The Act (Hulu) where she brought understated strength to a harrowing true-crime story
- Five Feet Apart, in which she played against teen movie tropes with sincerity
- Medical Police and Future Man, two shows that showcased her comic range
- Appearances in Barry, The Chi, and Kevin (Probably) Saves the World, where even in small parts, she left a mark
She didn’t just act. She inhabited her roles completely, whether it was in an indie film, a mainstream procedural, or an animated series — yes, her voice work on Craig of the Creek and Jessica’s Big Little World added yet another layer to her career.
From The Big Bang Theory to Better Call Saul: a familiar face, always welcome
Kimberly belonged to that rare category of actors who made every show a little better. Her guest appearances ran the gamut from comedy (Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Two and a Half Men, The Big Bang Theory) to drama (Private Practice, Devious Maids). Each time she showed up, even in episodes that didn’t quite click overall, I found myself drawn to her. There was an ease in the way she inhabited characters. Nothing ever felt forced.
Sometimes, the most underappreciated actors are those who tune perfectly into the rhythm of a show without needing to grab attention. Kimberly had that gift — she lifted scripts with her presence. To read Toho expands into Europe with bold anime distribution moves
A respected artist who deserved even more
It’s always painful to say goodbye to someone in their prime. Kimberly Hébert Gregory was just 52. There’s a real sadness in knowing she had so much more to give. She built a career that many admired, balancing humor and emotional truth in a way few can manage. In another world, she might have had that late-career breakout role that wins awards. She certainly had the talent.
She was respected, admired, and — more importantly — she moved people. As a viewer, that’s all I ever want. Her passing leaves a gap, not just in credits we’ll no longer see her in, but in the kind of work she represented: honest, committed, quietly brilliant.
