Gregory Hines

Gregory Hines was an American dancer, actor, choreographer, and singer celebrated for revolutionizing tap dance and bringing it to mainstream audiences. He began performing as a child in a duo with his older brother, Maurice Hines, before achieving major success on Broadway, in film, and on television. Hines was renowned for his complex, rhythmic improvisations and his role in preserving and modernizing the art form, earning a Tony Award and multiple Emmy Award nominations. His charismatic performances in movies like White Nights and Tap solidified his status as an entertainment icon.

Early life and career

Born in New York City, he was introduced to dance at a very young age by his mother, studying under legendary tap masters like Henry LeTang. By age five, he was performing professionally alongside his brother Maurice as "The Hines Kids," later "The Hines Brothers," working in nightclubs and on television shows like The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. The duo honed their craft on the demanding Chitlin' Circuit and performed with major figures such as Jazz at the Philharmonic's producer Norman Granz. After the brothers parted ways professionally in the early 1970s, Hines spent several years exploring other artistic avenues, including forming a rock band called Severance in Venice, California.

Breakthrough and film career

His return to dance and theater led to a career-defining role in the 1978 Broadway musical Eubie!, which showcased his dynamic tap style. This success was followed by a starring role in the ''Sophisticated Ladies'' revival, earning him his first Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical. His film breakthrough came with a starring role opposite Mikhail Baryshnikov in the 1985 drama White Nights, featuring an iconic tap duel. He further cemented his screen persona in the Francis Ford Coppola musical The Cotton Club and later starred in and choreographed the 1989 tribute to tap, Tap, which featured legendary dancers like Sammy Davis Jr. and Savion Glover. Other notable film roles include Running Scared with Billy Crystal and Waiting to Exhale.

Stage and television work

On Broadway, Hines earned further acclaim and a Tony Award for his performance in Jelly's Last Jam, portraying the composer Jelly Roll Morton. His television work was extensive, including starring in his own short-lived CBS series, The Gregory Hines Show, and a memorable recurring role on the ''Will & Grace''. He hosted the Tony Awards ceremony multiple times and performed in acclaimed television specials, earning Emmy Award nominations for his work on The Kennedy Center Honors and a guest spot on The Muppets. His voice acting included the character of Big Bill in the animated film The Tigger Movie.

Personal life and death

He was married twice, first to Patricia Panella and later to Pamela Koslow, and was the father of two children, including actor Daria. A longtime resident of Los Angeles, he was an avid golfer and a dedicated advocate for the arts. In 2003, he died from liver cancer at the age of 57 in Los Angeles, with his passing mourned across the entertainment industry and the dance community. His death was widely reported by major outlets like The New York Times and commemorated in tributes from institutions like the American Dance Guild.

Legacy and influence

He is widely credited with revitalizing tap dance for a late-20th-century audience, blending traditional technique with a modern, improvisational, and highly rhythmic style. His mentorship of younger dancers, most notably Savion Glover, helped usher in a new generation of tap artists. His contributions were recognized with numerous honors, including a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and induction into the National Museum of Dance and Hall of Fame. The annual New York City Center "Fall for Dance" festival and events like "Tap Extravaganza" continue to celebrate his enduring impact on American dance.

Category:American tap dancers Category:American male film actors Category:Tony Award winners