Dick Gregorie was an American actor best known for his role as the lead in the classic TV comedy series, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. He was born on August 9th, 1925 in Los Angeles, California.
Gregorie began his career in the 1940s as a stand-up comedian, performing in clubs and resorts around the country. He made his film debut in 1951 with a small role in The Great Caruso. He went on to appear in a number of other films throughout the 1950s, including The Seven Year Itch, The Desperate Hours, and The Rat Race.
In 1952, Gregorie was cast as Ozzie Nelson in The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, a role he would play for the duration of the show’s run. The show was immensely popular, and ran for 14 seasons, from 1952 to 1966. During this time, Gregorie became a household name, appearing in many commercials and taking part in numerous public appearances.
After The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet ended, Gregorie went on to appear in a number of other films and television shows, including The Love Boat, Love American Style, and Murder She Wrote. In the late 1970s, he began working as a voice actor, providing the voice of Zazu in the Disney animated classic The Lion King.
Gregorie’s last film role was in the 1998 film Meet the Deedles. He appeared in the film alongside his son, actor Rick Nelson.
Dick Gregorie passed away on April 10th, 2003, at the age of 77. He was survived by his three children, Tracy, Nancy, and Rick. His legacy lives on through his many beloved roles and performances, which will be remembered for generations to come.
