Comedian Dick Gregory dies at 84

Washington : Renowned stand-up comedian, actor and civil rights activist Dick Gregory has passed away. He was 84.

Gregory died here on Saturday. His death was confirmed by his family in an Instagram post, reports variety.com.

"The family appreciates the outpouring of support and love and respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time," read a post from his son Christian Gregory.

Gregory was active on the stand-up and public speaking circuit on and off for more than a half-century. He had been making comedy appearances until he was hospitalized on August 9.

He made his mark in the early 1960s as a rare African-American comedian who was successful in nightclubs geared to white audiences. 

Gregory is survived by his wife Lillian and 10 children.