My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

Tap Dance Legend, Bunny Briggs, Dies at Age 92

By:

Dr. Bunny Briggs, American tap dancer who was inducted into the American Tap Dancing Hall of Fame in 2006, has died at the age of 92.

Briggs was born in Harlem, New York on February 26, 1922. At one point he thought about becoming a Catholic priest but instead began performing as a tap dancer and singer. He performed with Duke Ellington's Orchestra. In May 1985 Briggs performed on the NBC TV Special, "Motown Returns to the Apollo."

He was nominated for a Tony Award in 1989 for his work in the Broadway show Black and Blue. He appeared on stage and in movies including the Gregory Hines filmTap in 1989.

In 2002, Briggs received an honorary Doctorate of Performing Arts in American Dance by the Oklahoma City University (2002); honoring him as one of the 9 Doctorates of Tap Dance. All 9 Doctorates include Dr. Cholly Atkins, Dr. Buster Brown, Dr. Jeni Legon, Dr. Henry LeTang, Dr. Fayard Nicholas, Dr. Leonard Reed, Dr. Jimmy Slyde, and Dr. Prince Spencer.

Bunny Briggs died in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday, November 15, 2014. His wife, Olivette Miller Briggs, preceded him, passing away April 27, 2003.

Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Direction of a Play - Top 3
1. Joe Mantello - Death of a Salesman
19.4% of votes
2. Duncan MacMillan, Jeremy Herrin - Every Brilliant Thing
18.2% of votes
3. Whitney White - Liberation
10.2% of votes

Don't Miss a Dance News Story
Sign up for all the news on the Spring season, discounts & more...


Videos


Kaatsbaan Cultural Park presents American Ballet Theatre Studio Company in Dance Kaatsbaan Cultural Park presents American Ballet Theatre Studio Company
American Ballet Theatre (5/24-5/24)