Maurice debuted on Broadway in 1954
In 1954, Maurice debuted on Broadway for the show The Girl in Pink Tights.
Maurice, Gregory, and their father, Maurice Sr also performed as a trio as Hines, Hines & Dad and toured Europe, New York, and Las Vegas, as well as appeared in shows like The Hollywood Palace and The Tonight Show.
Maurice eventually launched a solo career and returned to Broadway, and starred in productions of Eubie! and Uptown… It’s Hot!, in which he earned a Tony nomination for Best Actor.
What to know about Maurice Hines
Born on December 23, 1943, in New York City, Maurice Hines was a dancer, choreographer, actor, director, and singer.
He started dancing at the age of five when he enrolled at the Henry LeTang Dance Studio in Manhattan to study tap dance.
Recognized right away for his natural talent, he was trained by LeTang, along with his younger brother, Gregory.
As a duo, they would go on to tour for acts like Lionel Hampton and Gypsy Rose Lee.
More on the brotherly duo
Maurice and Gregory Hines were a performing duo, inspired by the Nicholas Brothers.
They made their debut as children, tapping under the name, the Hines Kids.
The brothers appeared on Broadway in 1954 as dancers for the show, The Girl in Pink Tights.
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Tributes pour in
Fans of dance and Broadway are paying tribute to Maurice Hines on X, formerly Twitter.
One fan wrote: “Maurice Hines! The man, the myth, the legend. I used to sell him and his younger brother the late Gregory Hines, tap shoes when I worked at the old CAPEZIO store in NYC.
“Such an inspiring artist. Thank you for your gift of song and dance. Keep tapping.”
Another added: “The world of entertainment has lost another great light,we speak your name #MauriceHines. May you rest in peace and power!”
‘Inspired a generation’
The dance community is paying tribute to Maurice Hines on social media.
One user tweeted a photo of Maurice and Gregory tapping and wrote: “Him and his brother Gregory. Tap masters. They both inspired a generation of young tappers like Savion Glover of course. Reunited at last.”
Another added: “Maurice Hines and brother Gregory were heroes to me. When Maurice succeeded Gregory in SOPHISTICATED LADIES, my AT favorite musical-revue, really-I saw it twice more. Hope they’re tapping up a storm together again. Rest in Power, Maurice Hines.”
Debbie Allen pays tribute
Renowned dancer and actor Debbie Allen paid tribute to Maurice Hines on X, formerly Twitter.
She shared a video tribute to her friend and wrote: “Maurice Hines, I was your first leading lady in a show, ‘Guys and Dolls’ and I will always treasure our journey together.
“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.”
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