Maurice Hines is dead: tap dancer star of stage, television and film turned 80

Maurice Hines, who earned a Tony nomination and was a regular television guest during a long stage career, has died at age 80, friends and family said.

Hines began working in show business at the age of five. He made his Broadway debut in The girl in the pink tights in 1954 and subsequently appeared in Eubie!, Sophisticated Ladies, Bring Back Birdie and Uptown… It’s Hot!The latter earned him a Tony nomination. He later played Nathan Detroit on tour in 2001 boys and dolls, Collaboration with Debbie Allen, Leslie Uggams and Richard Roundtree.

The last part of his career was the show Maurice Hines: Beating Through Life, a tribute to his family full of anecdotes about working with Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Duke Ellington and others.

He hosted the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in 1990, becoming the first African American to direct at the famous venue.

Hines and his younger brother Gregory were born in New York City in 1943 and received an education from an early age. Their father, Maurice Hines Sr., joined his sons Hines, Hines and Daddy, a frequently seen act The Pearl Bailey Show And Today’s showamong other programs.

His film resume included appearing with his brother in the Francis Ford Coppola film The Cotton Club, performing a tap dance to the Nicholas Brothers. The film was Maurice and Gregory’s last appearance together, as an argument kept them separated until their mother’s death. Their careers continued to overlap during the estrangement and Maurice traveled inland Jelly’s last jamthe show that won Gregory a Tony Award on Broadway.

Maurice Hines finally paid tribute to his brother Maurice Hines goes through life.

Hines was also the subject of the documentary Maurice Hines: Bring her back, currently for rent on request.

Information about survivors or memorial plans was not immediately available.