Maurice Hines

Get Maurice Hines Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Maurice Hines BIO

Maurice Robert Hines Jr. was born on December 13, 1943, in New York City to a Catholic couple, Alma Iola (Lawless) and Maurice Robert Hines Sr., a dancer, musician, and actor. Hines began his career at the age of five, studying tap dance at the Henry LeTang Dance Studio in Manhattan. LeTang recognized his talent and began choreographing numbers specifically for him and his younger brother Gregory, patterned on the Nicholas Brothers. Maurice made his Broadway debut in The Girl in Pink Tights in 1954. Shortly after, the brothers began touring as the opening act for such headliners as Lionel Hampton and Gypsy Rose Lee. Their father joined them and "Hines, Hines & Dad" performed on a regular basis in New York, Las Vegas, and throughout Europe and on many television shows, including The Pearl Bailey Show, The Hollywood Palace, and The Tonight Show.

He decided to pursue a solo career and was cast as Nathan Detroit in the national tour of Guys and Dolls, after which he returned to Broadway in Eubie! (1978). His additional Broadway credits include Bring Back Birdie and Sophisticated Ladies (both in 1981) as a performer, Uptown... It's Hot! (1986) as a performer (earning a Tony Award nomination as Best Actor in a Musical) and choreographer, and Hot Feet (2006), which he conceived, choreographed, and directed.

Hines co-directed and choreographed the national tour of the Louis Armstrong musical biography Satchmo and directed, choreographed, and starred in the national tour of Harlem Suite with successive leading ladies Jennifer Holliday, Stephanie Mills, and Melba Moore. He directed and choreographed Havana Night in Cuba, an all-Latino production of The Red Shoes in the Dominican Republic, and created the revue Broadway Soul Jam to inaugurate an entertainment complex in the Netherlands.

Hines directed and choreographed music videos, including one for Quincy Jones.

Hines only appeared in one feature film: a leading role in Francis Ford Coppola's 1984 film The Cotton Club, in which Maurice and his brother Gregory portrayed the "Williams Brothers", a tap-dancing duo reminiscent of the real-life Nicholas Brothers.

Hines played the lead role in Washington, D.C.'s Arena Stage production of the Duke Ellington-inspired musical Sophisticated Ladies at the historic Lincoln Theatre in April and May 2010, featuring teenaged tap-dancing brothers John and Leo Manzari. The Washington Post review was positive for his role and the show in general.

Hines conceived, directed, and choreographed Yo Alice, an urban hip-hop fantasy written by Lee Summers and staged for a workshop in 2000 and a reading in 2007 at the Triad Theatre.

In May 2013, he performed a tribute to his late brother Gregory, entitled Tappin' Thru Life: An Evening with Maurice Hines, at the Cutler Majestic Theatre, which was reviewed by The Boston Globe as "a class act by a class act". "Tappin' " went on to Boston and the Manhattan club 54 Below, and opened in November 2013 for a six-week run at the Arena Stage, where The Washington Post wrote, "it's a pleasure to be in the company of a shameless, ebullient vaudeville heart."

The production again featured the Manzari Brothers, D.C. seventh-graders, and identical twins Max and Sam Heimowitz, who tap-danced on stage with Hines.

Originally commissioned by Arena Stage in 2004, Hines conceived and directed Ella, First Lady of Song, a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, for whom he and his late brother Gregory Hines had opened in Las Vegas. The musical stars Rhythm and Blues/Jazz singer Freda Payne, known best for her 1970 hit, Band of Gold and is written by Lee Summers and "Brings The Boys Home". It has had three developmental out-of-town try-outs, which include The Crossroads Theatre and Metro Stage Theatre in Washington, D.C. and most recently, the Delaware Theatre Company in 2018.

In 2019, John Carluccio directed the feature film Maurice Hines: Bring Them Back, a biographical documentary about Hines. The film was awarded the Metropolis Grand Jury Prize at the DOC NYC film festival in fall 2019. The Hollywood Reporter wrote that the film "Digs much deeper than your usual showbiz doc." Joining Hines, the film includes appearances by Chita Rivera, Mercedes Ellington, and Debbie Allen.

Hines died in Englewood, New Jersey, on December 29, 2023, at the age of 80.

Maurice Hines Photos

Maurice Hines STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2016
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2003
Captain Jonas

[US Tour]
National Tour, 2001
Nathan Detroit

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1986
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1981
Mtobe

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1981
Featured Performer [Replacement]

Performer [Replacement]

Performer [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1978
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1954
Newspaper Boy

Newspaper Boy

Maurice Hines Productions

 
[Broadway, 2006]
Choreographer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1986]
Director/Choreographer
Choreographer
Director

Writing

Conceiver

Maurice Hines Awards and Nominations

The Lortels - 2016 - Outstanding Choreographer

Maurice Hines, Tappin' Thru Life

The Lortels - 2016 - Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical

Maurice Hines, Tappin' Thru Life

Helen Hayes Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Choreography, Resident Musical

Maurice HinesMaurice Hines is Tappin' Thru Life

Helen Hayes Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Choreography, Resident Production

Maurice HinesDuke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies

Helen Hayes Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Lead Actor, Resident Musical

Maurice HinesDuke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 2010 - Outstanding Choreography, Resident Production

Maurice HinesCool Papa's Party

Tony Awards - 1986 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Maurice Hines, Uptown...It's Hot!


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1979 - Best New Talent

Maurice Hines, Eubie!

Maurice Hines Videos

Maurice Hines News


Freda Payne Will Perform Tribute Concert to Ella Fitzgerald at 54 Below

54 Below will present Freda Payne: “A Tribute Concert to Ella Fitzgerald” on April 7th, 2024 at 7:00 PM, prior to her return to Broadway. 

Allison Loggins-Hull Tours DIAMETRICALLY COMPOSED To College Park, Boston and Philadelphia

Join Allison Loggins-Hull on her tour Diametrically Composed, exploring themes of motherhood and artistry. This unique program, featuring works from fellow composers Alicia Hall Moran, Sarah Kirkland Snider, Jessica Meyer, and Paola Prestini, is set to visit College Park, Boston, and Philadelphia in April 2024.

Freda Payne Will Perform a Tribute Concert to Ella Fitzgerald at 54 Below

54 Below will present Freda Payne: “A Tribute Concert to Ella Fitzgerald” on April 7th, 2024 @ 7:00 PM, prior to her return to Broadway. 

Amas Musical Theatre To Honor Patricia Birch And Len Cariou At 55th Annual Benefit Gala Concert

Amas Musical Theatre will celebrate its 55th Anniversary at its annual Gala Benefit Concert on Monday, May 13, 2024 at Baruch Performing Arts Center.

Robert Klein and Julie Gold Among The 14 Honorees At The 39th Annual BISTRO AWARDS GALA

Celebrate the musical and comedy artistry of Robert Klein, Julie Gold, and more at the 39th Annual Bistro Awards Gala on April 1 at Gotham Comedy Club. Hosted by Steve Hayes, the event honors exceptional artists with performances and special awards.

Maurice Hines Has Passed Away at 80

BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that tap icon Maurice Hines has passed away at 80.

The Entertainment Community Fund Reveals 2023 Alex Dubé Scholarship Recipients

The Entertainment Community Fund has revealed the five recipients of the 2023 Alex Dubé Scholarship Program.

Freda Payne Brings A TRIBUTE TO ELLA FITZGERALD to Marin Center's Showcase Theatre

Motown, Broadway, concert and multi-Grammy-nominated recording star Freda Payne will present her nationally acclaimed musical show, A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, for one-night only Friday, February 16 at 8 p.m. at Marin Center's Showcase Theatre.

Schoolhouse Arts Center Reveals New Leadership Team

Continuing in its long tradition of theatrical excellence, Schoolhouse Arts Center in Standish, Maine has announced a new era of leadership in the theater.

Mehmet Ali Sanlikol & WHATSNEXT?, Jeff Harnar, and More to Play Birdland Next Month

Live at Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater will feature a number of exciting performances from top jazz artists this October. Check out the lineup here!

Maude Maggart to Present New Show HERE COME THE DREAMERS at Birdland

BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB will present the singular cabaret artist Maude Maggart in the premiere of her new show “Here Come the Dreamers” on Monday, October 16 at 7:00 PM.

Frank Owens, Broadway Musician And Former Musical Director For IT'S SHOWTIME AT THE APOLLO, Passes Away

Frank Owens, Broadway Musical Virtuoso, Former Musical Director for 'It's Showtime at the Apollo' Dies. A pianist for nearly seven decades, Owens backed talent on Broadway stages, recording studios and TV sets – backing artists from Lena Horne to The Washington Ballet.

Ben Crawford, Elisa Galindez, and More to Play 54 Below This Week

Next week, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club and 2022 Tony Awards Honoree for Excellence in the Theatre, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. 54 Below celebrates Broadway musicals and writers of the past and present, promoting an ongoing engagement with their work.

Black Man Films' SPEAK UP BROTHA! Wins Grand Jury Prize at Dances with Films:LA

Read about the success of Black Man Films' 'Speak Up Brotha!' as it wins the Grand Jury Prize at Dances with Films:LA. Discover where the film will be screened next at the Martha's Vineyard African-American Film Festival and the BronzeLens Film Festival of Atlanta in August.

Isaac Mizrahi, Jason Danieley, Adam Pascal, and More to Play 54 Below Next Month

Next month, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club & Private Event Destination, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. A recipient of the 2022 Tony Awards Honor for Excellence in the Theatre, 54 Below is a non-profit organization with a mission to preserve and expand the art of the cabaret, honor the music of Broadway, and provide an unparalleled experience to diverse communities.

The Gateway's Annual Fundraiser SHAKE THE SHORE To Honor Diane Giattino

The Gateway's Annual Fundraiser, SHAKE THE SHORE, will take place at The Gateway in Bellport on July 29 at 6 PM. The evening will honor Bellport's Diane Giattino and will feature a performance by The Gateway Alum, Nick Sanchez of Broadway's Hamilton, as well as, a special appearance by two-time Olympic Medalist, Nancy Kerrigan – star of The Gateway's Holiday Spectacular on Ice.

�¿Chicago Human Rhythm Project Presents 33rd Annual RHYTHM WORLD

Chicago Human Rhythm Project's 33nd Annual International Festival of American Tap presents performances, education programs and CHRP's annual Gala 'Jubalee' at five venues around Chicago featuring generations of celebrated artists from around the globe directed by CHRP Artistic Director, Jumaane Taylor. Running July 14 – 23.

Photos: Go Inside Amas Musical Theatre's Annual Gala Benefit Concert Honoring Sheryl Lee Ralph

A starry line-up of talent was hand to celebrate Amas Musical Theatre (Donna Trinkoff, Artistic Producer), New York City’s award-winning pioneer in diversity and multi-ethnic casting in the performing arts since 1968, at its annual Gala Benefit Concert on Monday, May 15, 2023 at Theatre 555. Check out the photos here!

Amas Musical Theatre Will Honor Sheryl Lee Ralph At 54th Annual Gala Benefit Concert Next Month

Amas Musical Theatre  has announced a starry line-up of talent that will be on hand to celebrate the company's 54th Anniversary at its annual Gala Benefit Concert on Monday, May 15, 2023 at Theatre 555.

Meadow Brook Theatre's 2023-2024 Kicks Off This Summer

Featuring audience favorite shows as well as four Michigan Premieres, Meadow Brook Theatre’s 2023-2024 season has something for everyone!

Maurice Hines FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Maurice Hines been in?

Maurice Hines has appeared on Broadway in 5 shows.

How many West End shows has Maurice Hines been in?

Maurice Hines has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Maurice Hines been nominated for?

Maurice Hines has been nominated for several awards throughout his career, including Outstanding Choreographer and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical at The Lortels for "Tappin' Thru Life." He was also nominated for Outstanding Choreography in a Resident Musical and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Resident Musical at the Helen Hayes Awards for "Maurice Hines is Tappin' Thru Life" and "Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies" respectively. Additionally, he received nominations for Outstanding Choreography in a Resident Production for "Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies" and "Cool Papa's Party" at the Helen Hayes Awards. Maurice Hines was also nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Uptown...It's Hot!" and for Best New Talent at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Eubie!"

What awards has Maurice Hines won?

Maurice Hines has won the Outstanding Choreography, Resident Production award at the Helen Hayes Awards for "Cool Papa's Party" and the Best New Talent award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Eubie!".

How many shows has Maurice Hines written?

Maurice Hines has written 3 shows including Uptown...It's Hot! (Conceiver), Hot Feet (Conceiver), Maurice Hines Tappin' Thru Life (Author).

Get Maurice Hines Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos