The comedian known as “the funniest man in America” has passed away due to heart problems, as confirmed by his family on May 9. They expressed deep sadness as they announced his death, noting how he had brought laughter and joy to countless lives.

Comedian James Gregory, 'The Funniest Man in America,' Dead at 78

Born in 1946 in Lithonia, Georgia, James Gregory began working at his family’s grocery store at age 11. He later worked as a postman and briefly served in the US Marines before being medically discharged.

At 36, he transitioned to comedy, starting with a stand-up show in Atlanta, Georgia. Over his 41-year career, Gregory became highly popular in the southeastern United States and performed extensively for US troops worldwide, including on aircraft carriers and in military hospitals.

Trailer

His life story, titled “A Bushel of Beans and a Peck of Tomatoes: The Life and Times of ‘The Funniest Man in America,'” is set to be published in November.