Gregory Hines
Date of Death: August 09, 2003 (57)
Latest News on Gregory Hines:
A.R.T. Unveils Associated Programming For DIARY OF A TAP DANCER (Dec 12, 2024)
19 Theater Books for Your Winter 2025 Reading List (Dec 7, 2024)
Meet the Cast of GYPSY, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway (Nov 21, 2024)
A.R.T. Unveils Associated Programming For DIARY OF A TAP DANCER (Dec 12, 2024)
19 Theater Books for Your Winter 2025 Reading List (Dec 7, 2024)
Meet the Cast of GYPSY, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway (Nov 21, 2024)
BIO
Gregory Hines was a jazz tap dancer, singer, actor, musician and choreographer as well as an avid improviser of tap steps, tap sounds, and tap rhythms alike. His improvisation was like that of a drummer, doing a solo and coming up with rhythms. He also improvised the phrasing of a number of tap steps, mainly based on sound produced.
Hines made his Broadway debut with his brother in The Girl in Pink Tights in 1954. He earned Tony Award nominations for Eubie! (1979), Comin' Uptown (1980), and Sophisticated Ladies (1981), and won the Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for Jelly's Last Jam (1992) and the Theatre World Award for Eubie!. Hines co-hosted the Tony Awards ceremony in 1995 and 2002.
In 1981, Hines made his movie debut in Mel Brooks's History of the World, Part I. He had a large role in The Cotton Club (1984), where he and his brother Maurice (in Maurice's sole film credit) played a 1930s tap-dancing duo reminiscent of the Nicholas Brothers.
Hines co-starred with Mikhail Baryshnikov in the 1985 film White Nights, and co-starred with Billy Crystal in the 1986 buddy cop film Running Scared. He starred in the 1989 film Tap opposite Sammy Davis Jr. (in Davis's last screen performance). He appeared alongside Whitney Houston and Loretta Devine in the highly successful 1995 film Waiting to Exhale and opposite Houston, Denzel Washington and Courtney B. Vance the following year in The Preacher's Wife. On television, he starred in his own sitcom in 1997, The Gregory Hines Show, which ran for one season on CBS, and had a recurring role of Ben Doucette on Will & Grace.
Hines died of liver cancer on August 9, 2003.
Photos
STAGE CREDITS
Productions
Awards and Nominations
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1993 - Best Actor - Musical
Gregory Hines - , Jelly's Last Jam
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1993 - Best Choreography
Gregory Hines, Jelly's Last Jam
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1992 - Outstanding Actor - Musical
Gregory Hines, Jelly's Last Jam
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1992 - Outstanding Choreography
Gregory Hines, Jelly's Last Jam
Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Choreography
Gregory Hines, Jelly's Last Jam
winner
Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
Gregory Hines, Jelly's Last Jam
Tony Awards - 1981 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
Gregory Hines, Sophisticated Ladies
Tony Awards - 1980 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
Gregory Hines , Comin' Uptown
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1979 - Best New Talent
Gregory Hines, Eubie!
winner
Theatre World Awards - 1979 - Performance
Gregory Hines, Eubie!
Tony Awards - 1979 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical
Gregory Hines , Eubie!
Videos
VIDEO: How FUNNY GIRL's Jared Grimes Tapped His Way to a Tony Nomination
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 8, 2022
VIDEO: Tony Nominee Ruben Santiago-Hudson Opens Up About Making History with LACKAWANNA BLUES
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 6, 2022
VIDEO: Audra McDonald and Brian Stokes Mitchell Reunite On RAGTIME Duet
by Alan Henry - Jan 25, 2019
TV: Groove to Highlights from MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET at Finger Lakes
by BroadwayWorld TV - Sep 15, 2016
VIDEO: First Look - Nicole Byer Stars in MTV's New Comedy Series LADYLIKE, Premiering 6/9
by Caryn Robbins - May 11, 2016
STAGE TUBE: So You Think You Can Dance's Ryan Kasprzak - A Dance for Life
by Eddie Varley - Oct 7, 2009
MasterCard Presents: Broadway Beat's Priceless Moments #20 Brian Stokes Mitchell
by Broadway Beat Priceless Moments - Mar 14, 2008
News
A.R.T. Unveils Associated Programming For DIARY OF A TAP DANCER
American Repertory Theater has revealed programming associated with its upcoming production of Diary of a Tap Dancer including film screenings, on-site engagement, and a post-show conversation with acclaimed dancer Dianne Walker. Learn more!
American Repertory Theater has revealed programming associated with its upcoming production of Diary of a Tap Dancer including film screenings, on-site engagement, and a post-show conversation with acclaimed dancer Dianne Walker. Learn more!
19 Theater Books for Your Winter 2025 Reading List
From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theater history; check out our collection of 19 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's winter reading list.
From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theater history; check out our collection of 19 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's winter reading list.
Meet the Cast of GYPSY, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway
GYPSY is coming back to Broadway, starring Audra McDonald! The production begins previews at Broadway’s newly renovated Majestic Theatre. Meet the cast of GYPSY here!
GYPSY is coming back to Broadway, starring Audra McDonald! The production begins previews at Broadway’s newly renovated Majestic Theatre. Meet the cast of GYPSY here!
TD MOODY JAZZ FESTIVAL to be Presented at NJPAC in November
Experience the electrifying TD Moody Jazz Festival at the renowned New Jersey Performing Arts Center with an unforgettable night of Funk! See who is performing and learn how to purchase tickets.
Experience the electrifying TD Moody Jazz Festival at the renowned New Jersey Performing Arts Center with an unforgettable night of Funk! See who is performing and learn how to purchase tickets.
Moody Jazz Festival Begins At New Jersey Performing Arts Center In November
Explore the MOODY JAZZ FESTIVAL at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center from November 7-24, featuring a lineup of renowned jazz artists and performances.
Explore the MOODY JAZZ FESTIVAL at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center from November 7-24, featuring a lineup of renowned jazz artists and performances.
Cherríe Moraga & Richard Wesley Named 2024 Recipients of the Legacy Playwright Awards
Esteemed American playwrights Cherríe Moraga and Richard Wesley have been announced as the 2024 recipients of the Legacy Playwright Awards. Learn more about the playwrights and about the awards.
Esteemed American playwrights Cherríe Moraga and Richard Wesley have been announced as the 2024 recipients of the Legacy Playwright Awards. Learn more about the playwrights and about the awards.
Lynne Jassem Brings TAP DANCING WITH MY PRONOUNS to BRAVA!
It’s a boy! It’s a girl! No, it’s the award winning Lynne Jassem in “Tap Dancing with my Pronouns: The He/She Life of Richard Greene” at San Francisco’s acclaimed BRAVA! For Women in the Arts (2781 24th Street in SF’s Mission District).
It’s a boy! It’s a girl! No, it’s the award winning Lynne Jassem in “Tap Dancing with my Pronouns: The He/She Life of Richard Greene” at San Francisco’s acclaimed BRAVA! For Women in the Arts (2781 24th Street in SF’s Mission District).
Bucks County Playhouse Announces Fall Educational Offerings
Bucks County Playhouse has announced the lineup of education programs being offered this fall. Classes will take place in Lambertville Hall, 57 Bridge Street, Lambertville, NJ with the exception of the Acting for Adults:
Bucks County Playhouse has announced the lineup of education programs being offered this fall. Classes will take place in Lambertville Hall, 57 Bridge Street, Lambertville, NJ with the exception of the Acting for Adults:
32 Theater Books for Your Fall 2024 Reading List
We're falling into fall with a great Broadway read! This season, Broadway's best have put pen to paper to turn out theatre page-turners of every kind. From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theatre history; check out our collection of 32 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's Fall 2024 reading list.
We're falling into fall with a great Broadway read! This season, Broadway's best have put pen to paper to turn out theatre page-turners of every kind. From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theatre history; check out our collection of 32 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's Fall 2024 reading list.
TD MOODY JAZZ FESTIVAL Comes To New Jersey Performing Arts Center This November
Experience TD Moody Jazz Festival at the renowned New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) with an unforgettable night of Funk!
Experience TD Moody Jazz Festival at the renowned New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) with an unforgettable night of Funk!
MOODY JAZZ FESTIVAL Lineup Announced At New Jersey Performing Arts Center
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center has announced the complete line-up for the Moody Jazz Festival, running from November 7-24. The festival will feature a variety of performances from renowned jazz artists.
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center has announced the complete line-up for the Moody Jazz Festival, running from November 7-24. The festival will feature a variety of performances from renowned jazz artists.
Review: TAP DANCE IN MODERN EUROPE
It’s either an activity associated with an image of an old granny, an old school activity like in France, connected with Irish routs like in the UK or Ireland. There is also a third possibility, a young, vibrant, bringing together people from different backgrounds with a fresh but great respect for tradition.
It’s either an activity associated with an image of an old granny, an old school activity like in France, connected with Irish routs like in the UK or Ireland. There is also a third possibility, a young, vibrant, bringing together people from different backgrounds with a fresh but great respect for tradition.
Full Cast Set For AIN'T TOO PROUD Second National Tour
The complete cast has been announced for the Second National Tour of AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS. Learn more about the cast here!
The complete cast has been announced for the Second National Tour of AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS. Learn more about the cast here!
TAP DANCING WITH MY PRONOUNS: THE HE/SHE LIFE OF RICHARD GREENE Comes To BRAVA! For Women in the Arts
It’s a boy! It’s a girl! No, it’s the award winning Lynne Jassem in “Tap Dancing with my Pronouns: The He/She Life of Richard Greene” at San Francisco’s acclaimed BRAVA! For Women in the Arts (2781 24th Street in SF’s Mission District).
It’s a boy! It’s a girl! No, it’s the award winning Lynne Jassem in “Tap Dancing with my Pronouns: The He/She Life of Richard Greene” at San Francisco’s acclaimed BRAVA! For Women in the Arts (2781 24th Street in SF’s Mission District).
Review: JELLY'S LAST JAM at Pasadena Playhouse
Director Kent Gash’s production in Pasadena serves up equal parts heat and cool, a slick and sweaty celebration of a man who was as vibrant and dangerous as his music. Under the musical direction of Darryl Archibald and choreography of Dell Howlett – both of which are first-rate – the evening cooks.
Director Kent Gash’s production in Pasadena serves up equal parts heat and cool, a slick and sweaty celebration of a man who was as vibrant and dangerous as his music. Under the musical direction of Darryl Archibald and choreography of Dell Howlett – both of which are first-rate – the evening cooks.
Interview: CHOREOGRAPHERS ELLENORE SCOTT & AYODELE CASEL GIVE FUNNY GIRL'S SAGA FLAIR, FUN & FINESSE
VJM: Thank you both for giving of your time to answer my questions. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of two Choreographers being hired for the same Broadway show, not even a revival, that I can think of. How did that come about for both of you? Ellenore Scott: Funny Girl was my Broadway debut as a choreographer. I was so happy when I got a call from Michael Mayer (the director) asking me to work on this revival with him. He knew I was NOT a tap dancer and was aware of the multiple tap routines in the show and asked if I would be down to share the billing with Ayodele Casel. Ayo is an extraordinary artist so I was thrilled to be by her side as she made her Broadway debut as well. Michael first met me initially at Head Over Heels on Broadway where I was an associate choreographer to Spencer Liff. In 2019, he asked if I would choreograph the Off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors and we opened the show October 17th, 2019. I have loved working with Michael and feel as though he keeps his people close and I’m grateful he thought of me for this historic revival. Ayodele Casel: I met Michael Mayer in 2016 when he directed a New York City Center Encores! show I performed in. Later that fall he invited me to perform that piece in a Broadway for Hillary fundraiser he was also directing. We'd kept in touch over the years and in 2019, after seeing a show I’d premiered at The Joyce Theater, he asked if I would be interested in providing the Tap choreography for a revival he was working on. Like Ellenore shared, Michael wanted to work with us both to deliver the full choreographic vision of the show. I believe it was a very progressive vision on his part and I’m really thankful that I was able to make my Broadway debut with this team.
VJM: Thank you both for giving of your time to answer my questions. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of two Choreographers being hired for the same Broadway show, not even a revival, that I can think of. How did that come about for both of you? Ellenore Scott: Funny Girl was my Broadway debut as a choreographer. I was so happy when I got a call from Michael Mayer (the director) asking me to work on this revival with him. He knew I was NOT a tap dancer and was aware of the multiple tap routines in the show and asked if I would be down to share the billing with Ayodele Casel. Ayo is an extraordinary artist so I was thrilled to be by her side as she made her Broadway debut as well. Michael first met me initially at Head Over Heels on Broadway where I was an associate choreographer to Spencer Liff. In 2019, he asked if I would choreograph the Off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors and we opened the show October 17th, 2019. I have loved working with Michael and feel as though he keeps his people close and I’m grateful he thought of me for this historic revival. Ayodele Casel: I met Michael Mayer in 2016 when he directed a New York City Center Encores! show I performed in. Later that fall he invited me to perform that piece in a Broadway for Hillary fundraiser he was also directing. We'd kept in touch over the years and in 2019, after seeing a show I’d premiered at The Joyce Theater, he asked if I would be interested in providing the Tap choreography for a revival he was working on. Like Ellenore shared, Michael wanted to work with us both to deliver the full choreographic vision of the show. I believe it was a very progressive vision on his part and I’m really thankful that I was able to make my Broadway debut with this team.
The DOWNTOWN URBAN ARTS FESTIVAL Announces 22nd Season Lineup
The Downtown Urban Arts Festival returns for its 22nd season from June 12-29 at Theatre Row.
The Downtown Urban Arts Festival returns for its 22nd season from June 12-29 at Theatre Row.
Dance Parade Presents DANCE FREE NYC 18th Annual Parade And Festival
Join the 18th annual DANCE PARADE, DANCE FREE NYC, on May 18, featuring 10,000 dancers, legendary grand marshals, live bands, and DJs. Support the City of Yes's proposal to modernize outdated zoning laws and legalize dance in NYC.
Join the 18th annual DANCE PARADE, DANCE FREE NYC, on May 18, featuring 10,000 dancers, legendary grand marshals, live bands, and DJs. Support the City of Yes's proposal to modernize outdated zoning laws and legalize dance in NYC.
ALICE, FORMERLY OF WONDERLAND Comes to Ensemble Theatre Company of Santa Barbara
Ensemble Theatre Company of Santa Barbara has announced the capstone production of its 45th season, the world premiere musical, ALICE, FORMERLY OF WONDERLAND.
Ensemble Theatre Company of Santa Barbara has announced the capstone production of its 45th season, the world premiere musical, ALICE, FORMERLY OF WONDERLAND.
Previews: BEING RICHARD GREENE at The Revolution Stage Company
It’s a boy! It’s a girl! No, it’s BEING RICHARD GREENE, a laugh-‘til-you cry intimate exploration of one “person’s” intimate journey of gender identity.
It’s a boy! It’s a girl! No, it’s BEING RICHARD GREENE, a laugh-‘til-you cry intimate exploration of one “person’s” intimate journey of gender identity.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Gregory Hines been in?
Gregory Hines has appeared on Broadway in 5 shows.
How many West End shows has Gregory Hines been in?
Gregory Hines has not appeared in the West End
What awards has Gregory Hines been nominated for?
Gregory Hines has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. Some of his nominations include Best Actor - Musical and Best Choreography at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Jelly's Last Jam," Outstanding Actor - Musical and Outstanding Choreography at the Drama Desk Awards for "Jelly's Last Jam," Best Choreography and Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Jelly's Last Jam," Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Sophisticated Ladies" and "Comin' Uptown," Best New Talent at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Eubie!," Performance at the Theatre World Awards for "Eubie!," and Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Eubie!".
What awards has Gregory Hines won?
Gregory Hines has won several awards for his work in Broadway shows. He received the Best Choreography award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Jelly's Last Jam." He also won the Outstanding Actor - Musical award and the Outstanding Choreography award from the Drama Desk Awards for the same show. Hines further received the Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical award at the Tony Awards for his performance in "Jelly's Last Jam." Additionally, he was honored with the Best New Talent award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Eubie!" and received a Performance award from the Theatre World Awards for the same show.
Videos