Maurice Hines, a respected Broadway dancer, choreographer, and actor, died on December 29, 2023. He was 80 years old.

Hines’ death from natural causes was announced by his representative and cousin, Richard Nurse, to The Hollywood Reporter. He passed away in Englewood, New Jersey.

He was born Maurice Robert Hines Jr. on December 13, 1943, in Harlem, New York. His parents, Alma and Maurice Sr., a drummer and soda salesman, supported Hines and his younger brother Gregory, who was 26 months younger, in starting their dancing careers early. They studied tap under the guidance of Henry LeTang in Manhattan and were inspired by the Nicholas Brothers, Fayard and Harold.

The Hines brothers started their professional careers as children, performing as the Hines Kids. Their Broadway debut was in 1954 in “The Girl in Pink Tights,” choreographed by Agnes de Mille. Later, they performed as Hines, Hines & Dad, including their father in 1963. The family act was a regular at the Apollo Theater in New York City and gained acclaim for performances in clubs across the United States and Europe, and on television shows like The Tonight Show.

Hines’ career also saw individual success. He received a Tony Award nomination in 1986 for Best Actor in a Musical for “Uptown … It’s Hot!” and returned to Broadway in 2006’s “Hot Feet.” Hines was the creative force behind these productions, serving as the conceiver, director, and choreographer.

The brothers, however, had a strained relationship, leading to a decade of silence, the reasons for which Maurice never publicly disclosed. This strain was evident in their lives, even during their mother’s wedding when they did not interact. They eventually reconciled before Gregory’s death from cancer in 2003 at age 57.

Maurice Hines is also remembered for his appearances in films, notably with Gregory in “The Cotton Club” (1984), where they showcased their real-life brotherly rapport.

Hines extended his contributions beyond performance. He co-directed and choreographed the national tour of Louis Armstrong’s biography “Satchmo.” He also directed, choreographed, and starred in a national tour of “Harlem Suite,” which featured several popular artists.

In 2013, Maurice honored Gregory with “Tappin’ Thru Life: An Evening With Maurice Hines,” a show that toured in cities including Boston, New York, and Washington.

Maurice Hines’ legacy is defined by his contributions to dance and theater, his dynamic duo with his brother, and his ability to navigate through the complexities of family and professional life. His death leaves a significant gap in the performing arts community, where his talent, creativity, and dedication to the arts were highly respected.

He is survived by his nephew, Zach, and niece, Daria. His life, which spanned over seven decades in show business, has been praised by peers and admirers, including actress-dancer-choreographer Debbie Allen, who shared a heartfelt post to pay her respects.