Gregory Hines, actor and dancer, dies of cancer at 57

[undergroundrailroad]

Posted on Sun, Aug. 10, 2003
TIM MOLLOY
Associated Press

Gregory Hines, actor and dancer, dies of cancer at 57


LOS ANGELES - Gregory Hines, the greatest tap dancer of his generation who transcended the stage with a successful screen career that included starring roles in "White Nights" and "The Cotton Club," has died at 57.

Hines died of cancer Saturday in Los Angeles, publicist Allen Eichhorn said Sunday.

With his smooth, solo tap style reminiscent of Fred Astaire, Hines became internationally known at a young age as part of a jazz tap duo with his brother, Maurice. He won a 1992 Tony Award for the musical "Jelly's Last Jam."

"His dancing came from something very real," said Bernadette Peters, who appeared with Hines as co-hosts of the 2002 Tony Awards show. "It came out of his instincts, his impulses and his amazing creativity. His whole heart and soul went into everything he did."

"He was the last of a kind of immaculate performer - a singer, dancer, actor and a personality," said George C. Wolfe, who directed "Jelly." "He knew how to command."

[are_we_united_yet]

1. God

This really bums me out.

[CBHagman]

2. I am extremely sorry to hear this.

What a talented man he was. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

[Piperay]

3. R-I-P

very sorry to hear this, a sad day when you lose someone so talented. :-(

[AnAmerican]

4. We are all poorer for his passing

RIP Gregory Hines

[LiberalFighter]

5. I can't believe that he is dead.

That is a shocker.

[Pocho]

6. TAP

I'll never forget soon after expatriating to Mexico, truly a land of dance and music, our first of many viewings of the Balet Foklorico in Guadalajara's Teatro Degallado. Though my wife had been a tap dancer in younger years, both as performer and teacher. She came away amazed at the athletic and musical skills shown in Mexico's traditional dance forms. In discussing it with Mexican friends, who were aficionados of dance, they said we really needed to see a movie and loaned us their tape of Greg Hines' and Sammy Davis's 1989 film "Tap". I'll never forget that either. May Hine's shoes be left for someone else to tap. They may yet hold some of his magic.

[nini]

7. I was shocked when I heard this..

I had no idea he was sick and just saw him on a Will and Grace rerun the other day and was thinking then of how funny and talented he was.. so sad. He was an exceptioanl talent :-(

[TahitiNut]

8. Hines, Hines, and Dad ... an act made for heaven!

RIP ... y'all are missed. ;(

[undergroundrailroad]

9. RIP Gregory Hines

[psychopomp]

10. Brilliant and understated

R.I.P. Mr. Hines.

I hope we see someone from among his students to carry on his style and gift.

[Cheswick2.0]

11. Merde

!

[Lost4words]

12. Thanks for being.....Mr Hines

I feel he was a positive influence to our culture!

I think anyone who refers to Greg Hines as merde is showing repuklikan tendencies IMHO. :puke:

[Michael Daniels]

14. The Merde in the post you responded to was in response to his passing

At least that's how I read it.

[RetroLounge]

13. I posted this topic already (Dupe Kinda)

and it was moved to the Lounge.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=84244

Moderators? Why? Please explain...

[ronnykmarshall]

15. What a loss!

I didn't even know he had cancer. I've always loved his work. He was a riot on "Will & Grace".