BROADWAY dancer, choreographer, and actor Maurice Hines has died at the age of 80 due to natural causes.
Hines died in Actors Fund Home in Englewood, New Jersey, on Friday as confirmed by his cousin Richard Nurse.
The late performer has a slew of accolades from throughout his career, beginning in 1986 with the musical Uptown… It’s Hot.
In 1979 he performed in Guys and Dolls and reunited with his brother for Eubie!
He stepped in for his brother, Gregory, in the show Sophisticated Ladies in 1982, also appearing in the national tour of Jelly’s Last Jam.
Later, in 1984, he starred in the crime drama The Cotton Brothers alongside his brother.
Colleagues of the Maurice’s have taken to social media to mourn their loss.
“Maurice Hines, I was your first leading lady in a show, ‘Guys and Dolls’ and I will always treasure our journey together,” wrote Debbie Allen on X.
“My tears are for my inability to speak with you or to hold you. I will ALWAYS SPEAK YOUR NAME. See you on the other side.”
‘A BEAUTIFUL SENTIMENT’
Fans responded to Debbie’s tribute with condolences.
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“Dancing in the heavenly clouds with his dad and brother. RIP Maurice Hines. Miss Debbie, I’m so sorry on the of your dear friend and dance partner,” replied one fan.
“Such a beautiful sentiment for an amazing dancer, choreographer, and actor. You 2 looked very close and I am sorry for your loss and his family and friends…R.I.P. Maurice Hines,” wrote another user.
Gregory Hines’ most renowned claim to fame was his talent for tap-dancing, being credited with the dance form’s revitalization in the late 20th century.
He died from cancer in 2003.
MAURICE’S CAREER
Maurice danced with his brother, Gregory, and then later with his father, Maurice Sr.
He began his career at five years old when he began to study tap dance in Manhattan.
The dancer made his Broadway debut in The Girl in Pink Tights in 1954, at only 11 years old.
His other Broadway credits include Bring Back Birdie and Sophisticated Ladies.
Maurice conceived, choreographed, and directed the 2006 musical, Hot Feet.
