Kimberly Hebert Gregory dead: Two and a Half Men's Lisa and Big Bang Theory's Ms Davora dies aged 52

Big Bang Theory star Kimberly Hébert Gregory has died at the age of 52. The news of her death was shared by her ex-husband Chester Gregory on Sunday.

The respected actress was known to millions for playing Ms. Davora on The Big Bang Theory, Deborah Curzon on Grey's Anatomy, and Kyra Hay on Better Call Saul. She appeared in other hit shows including Brooklyn Nine Nine, Two and a Half Men, Dollface and Gossip Girl.

Sharing his grief in a social media post, Chester - who shares a son with Kimberley - wrote: "Kimberly Hébert Gregory, You Were Brilliance Embodied. A Black Woman Whose Mind Lit Every Room, Whose Presence Carried Both Fire And Grace. You Taught Us Lessons In Courage, In Artistry, In Resilience, And In How To Keep Showing Up, Even When Life Demanded More Than Its Share."

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He also wrote: "So Much More Than Ex-Wife, You Were My Friend. Our Son, The Song We Wrote Together, Is The Living Echo Of Your Light. Through Him, Your Brilliance Will Never Fade. Through Him, Your Laughter Will Always Resound."

He added: "Thank You, Kimberly, For Every Chapter We Shared. Your Story Was Never Defined By The Battle, But By The Beauty You Carried Through It."

News of Kimberly's death rocked Hollywood, with many fellow stars sharing memories and tributes online. The White Lotus star Walton Goggins was among those sharing their sadness over her death - the pair had worked together on the HBO series Vice Principals.

He wrote on Instagram: “We lost one of the best yesterday… one of the best I’ve ever worked with. Kimberly Hebert Gregory. I had the honor… the good fortune of getting to know, getting to spend months working with this Queen on Vice Principals."

He continued: "She made me laugh like no other. A professionals professional. A gatdamn SOPRANO that never missed a note. You will be missed my friend. As much as you know.”

Niecy Nash described Kimberly as “the sweetest soul” in a comment of her own, while Yvette Nicole Brown, reacting to Chester's post, wrote: “I don’t understand this. I’m so sorry for you and your son’s loss @chestergregory. And OUR loss as a community."

Kimberley was born 7 December 1972 in Houston, Texas, and began her acting career in her hometown - graduating from The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. She also studied at Mount Holyoke College, The Theatre School at DePaul University and the School of Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago.

Her first TV role was playing Head Nurse in an episode of the drama The Black Donnellys in 2007 - and that same year she made her film debut in the rom com I Think I Love My Wife alongside Chris Rock, Kerry Washington and Gina Torres.

With her career spanning almost two decades, arguably Kimberly's stand out role was playing school principal Dr. Belinda Brown opposite Walton and Danny McBride in Vice Principals.

Discussing the project in 2016, the actress said: “We have to be open … I want to be in a space where I can fight with two white boys. I want us in the industry … to get past and be open and really reach for that idea of equality.”

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