Broadway star Maurice Hines dies at 80

Maurice Hines, the famous Broadway performer, dancer and choreographer, died on Friday at the age of 80.

His death was confirmed on Saturday by his family and representatives, according to what the British newspaper “Daily Mail” reported Hollywood Reporter. He reportedly died of natural causes at the Actors Fund Home in Englewood, New Jersey, where he had been living for the past few years.

Hines was born in New York City in 1943 and began tap dancing when he was 5 years old. In 1954, he made his debut in the Broadway show The Girl in Pink Tights.

He participated in a national tour of “Guys and Dolls” before returning to the Broadway stage for “Eubie!” Hines also performed and choreographed the Broadway musical “Uptown…It's Hot!” He received a Tony nomination for Best Actor in a Musical in 1986. In 2006, he created, directed and choreographed the musical “Hot Feet.”

Haynes was the first black director to stage a Christmas spectacle production at Radio City in New York City. NPR reported. He also choreographed other shows such as “Harlem Suite,” Louis Armstrong’s musical “Satchmo,” and “Havana Night in Cuba.” He has appeared on television in the series “Cosby” and “Love, Sidney,” according to The Verge. NBC News.

Prior to his Broadway career, Hines appeared alongside his late brother Gregory Hines in Francis Ford Coppola's 1984 film “The Cotton Club,” in which they portrayed a tap-dancing duo.

In 2019, a biographical documentary entitled “Maurice Hines: Bring Them Back” was released. Director John Carluccio posted a tribute to Hines on social media on Saturday.

“I think of my dear friend Maurice Hines who passed away on Friday. I sat (and danced) with him for hours on end, camera in hand.” @mauricehinesmovie. I will deeply miss my charming and lovable friend, who always kept me on my toes books On Instagram.

Actress Debbie Allen, who was friends with Hines, also shared her memories of the extraordinary tap dancing.

“Maurice Hines, you were your first leading lady on ‘Guys and Dolls’ and I will always treasure our journey together.” books On Instagram. “My tears are for not being able to talk to you or hug you.”