Maurice Hines, the esteemed Broadway dancer, choreographer, and actor, known for his exceptional performances alongside his late brother, Gregory Hines, has passed away at the age of 80. The cause of death was natural, and Maurice Hines peacefully departed on Friday at the Actors Fund Home in Englewood, New Jersey, where he had resided for a couple of years.
MRandom News Gregory Hines obituary, Maurice Hines Tap Dancer Extraordinaire Dead
Born in Harlem, Maurice Hines earned a Tony Award nomination in 1986 for his role in “Uptown … It’s Hot” and later starred on Broadway in 2006’s “Hot Feet,” for which he conceived, directed, and choreographed.
He was known for his elegant performances and collaborated closely with his brother, Gregory Hines, in an act reminiscent of the Nicholas Brothers, featured in Francis Ford Coppola’s film “The Cotton Club.”
Maurice Hines and Gregory experienced a strained relationship that led to a 10-year period of not speaking to each other. The reasons for their falling out were never disclosed by Maurice, and the emotional journey resulting from their rift was evident in various moments, as portrayed in the 2019 documentary “Maurice Hines: Bring Them Back.” The brothers eventually reconciled before Gregory’s passing from cancer at the age of 57 in 2003.
Maurice Hines Jr. was born on December 13, 1943, to Alma and Maurice Sr. The Hines Kids, as Maurice and Gregory were known, made their professional debut at a young age and performed on Broadway in 1954. Their dynamic tap-dancing act evolved over the years, gaining popularity as the Hines Brothers and later as Hines, Hines & Dad, incorporating their father into the act in 1963. Maurice and Gregory performed at renowned venues such as the Apollo Theater and became well-known for their captivating acts in clubs, theaters, and on television, including appearances on The Tonight Show.
