Gregory Hines
Latest News on Gregory Hines:
Winter Adult Education Classes Come to Bucks County Playhouse (Jan 6, 2026)
Misty Copeland–Curated Ballet Festival and More Set for The Joyce 2026 Spring/Summer Season (Dec 2, 2025)
Ruben Santiago-Hudson and Joshua Boone Join JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE (Oct 15, 2025)
Winter Adult Education Classes Come to Bucks County Playhouse (Jan 6, 2026)
Misty Copeland–Curated Ballet Festival and More Set for The Joyce 2026 Spring/Summer Season (Dec 2, 2025)
Ruben Santiago-Hudson and Joshua Boone Join JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE (Oct 15, 2025)
BIO
Gregory Hines was a jazz tap dancer, singer, actor, musician and choreographer as well as an avid improviser of tap steps, tap sounds, and tap rhythms alike. His improvisation was like that of a drummer, doing a solo and coming up with rhythms. He also improvised the phrasing of a number of tap steps, mainly based on sound produced.
Hines made his Broadway debut with his brother in The Girl in Pink Tights in 1954. He earned Tony Award nominations for Eubie! (1979), Comin' Uptown (1980), and Sophisticated Ladies (1981), and won the Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for Jelly's Last Jam (1992) and the Theatre World Award for Eubie!. Hines co-hosted the Tony Awards ceremony in 1995 and 2002.
In 1981, Hines made his movie debut in Mel Brooks's History of the World, Part I. He had a large role in The Cotton Club (1984), where he and his brother Maurice (in Maurice's sole film credit) played a 1930s tap-dancing duo reminiscent of the Nicholas Brothers.
Hines co-starred with Mikhail Baryshnikov in the 1985 film White Nights, and co-starred with Billy Crystal in the 1986 buddy cop film Running Scared. He starred in the 1989 film Tap opposite Sammy Davis Jr. (in Davis's last screen performance). He appeared alongside Whitney Houston and Loretta Devine in the highly successful 1995 film Waiting to Exhale and opposite Houston, Denzel Washington and Courtney B. Vance the following year in The Preacher's Wife. On television, he starred in his own sitcom in 1997, The Gregory Hines Show, which ran for one season on CBS, and had a recurring role of Ben Doucette on Will & Grace.
Hines died of liver cancer on August 9, 2003.
Photos
STAGE CREDITS
Productions
Awards and Nominations
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1993 - Best Actor - Musical
Gregory Hines - , Jelly's Last Jam
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1993 - Best Choreography
Gregory Hines, Jelly's Last Jam
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1992 - Outstanding Actor - Musical
Gregory Hines, Jelly's Last Jam
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1992 - Outstanding Choreography
Gregory Hines, Jelly's Last Jam
Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Choreography
Gregory Hines, Jelly's Last Jam
winner
Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
Gregory Hines, Jelly's Last Jam
Tony Awards - 1981 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
Gregory Hines, Sophisticated Ladies
Tony Awards - 1980 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
Gregory Hines , Comin' Uptown
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1979 - Best New Talent
Gregory Hines, Eubie!
winner
Theatre World Awards - 1979 - Performance
Gregory Hines, Eubie!
Tony Awards - 1979 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical
Gregory Hines , Eubie!
Videos
VIDEO: How FUNNY GIRL's Jared Grimes Tapped His Way to a Tony Nomination
by Nicole Rosky - 2022-06-08 10:30:20
VIDEO: Tony Nominee Ruben Santiago-Hudson Opens Up About Making History with LACKAWANNA BLUES
by Nicole Rosky - 2022-06-06 16:26:28
VIDEO: Sneak Peek of BLUES IN THE NIGHT at Ebony Reptertory Theatre
by Gigi Gervais - 2021-11-20 11:12:29
VIDEO: Audra McDonald and Brian Stokes Mitchell Reunite On RAGTIME Duet
by Alan Henry - 2019-01-25 13:28:50
TV: Groove to Highlights from MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET at Finger Lakes
by BroadwayWorld TV - 2016-09-15 16:25:16
VIDEO: First Look - Nicole Byer Stars in MTV's New Comedy Series LADYLIKE, Premiering 6/9
by Caryn Robbins - 2016-05-11 13:06:35
STAGE TUBE: So You Think You Can Dance's Ryan Kasprzak - A Dance for Life
by Eddie Varley - 2009-10-07 17:50:42
MasterCard Presents: Broadway Beat's Priceless Moments #20 Brian Stokes Mitchell
by Broadway Beat Priceless Moments - 2008-03-14 10:04:08
News
Winter Adult Education Classes Come to Bucks County Playhouse
by Stephi Wild - Jan 6, 2026
Bucks County Playhouse announced a winter lineup of adult education classes at Lambertville Hall in Lambertville, NJ, highlighted by a voiceover workshop led by Pete DeMeo, the in-show voice of NBC's TODAY. Learn more here!
by Stephi Wild - Jan 6, 2026
Bucks County Playhouse announced a winter lineup of adult education classes at Lambertville Hall in Lambertville, NJ, highlighted by a voiceover workshop led by Pete DeMeo, the in-show voice of NBC's TODAY. Learn more here!
Misty Copeland"Curated Ballet Festival and More Set for The Joyce 2026 Spring/Summer Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 2, 2025
The Joyce Theater Foundation has revealed its programming for the Spring/Summer 2026 season in the newly named Tino & Rajika Puri Auditorium at The Joyce Theater.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 2, 2025
The Joyce Theater Foundation has revealed its programming for the Spring/Summer 2026 season in the newly named Tino & Rajika Puri Auditorium at The Joyce Theater.
Ruben Santiago-Hudson and Joshua Boone Join JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE
by Stephi Wild - Oct 15, 2025
Additional casting has been announced for August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone on Broadway, starring Taraji P. Henson and Cedric “The Entertainer”. Learn more here!
by Stephi Wild - Oct 15, 2025
Additional casting has been announced for August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone on Broadway, starring Taraji P. Henson and Cedric “The Entertainer”. Learn more here!
Bucks County Playhouse Education to Offer Fall Classes
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 26, 2025
Bucks County Playhouse has revealed the lineup of education programs being offered this fall. See the full lineup of classes here and see how to attend!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 26, 2025
Bucks County Playhouse has revealed the lineup of education programs being offered this fall. See the full lineup of classes here and see how to attend!
Ben Vereen Will Direct Stephanie Pope at 54 Below
by Stephi Wild - Aug 18, 2025
54 Below and Tony Award-winning star, Ben Vereen, will present Stephanie Pope: Livin’ It Up! Pope returns, after her critically acclaimed 54 Below debut back in June with her show, Stephanie Pope: Livin’ It Up!
by Stephi Wild - Aug 18, 2025
54 Below and Tony Award-winning star, Ben Vereen, will present Stephanie Pope: Livin’ It Up! Pope returns, after her critically acclaimed 54 Below debut back in June with her show, Stephanie Pope: Livin’ It Up!
Bucks County Playhouse Education to Offer Summer Classes
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 22, 2025
Bucks County Playhouse has revealed the lineup of education programs being offered this summer. Classes will take place in Lambertville Hall. Learn how to attend.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 22, 2025
Bucks County Playhouse has revealed the lineup of education programs being offered this summer. Classes will take place in Lambertville Hall. Learn how to attend.
New Work by Robert Schenkkan and More Set for TheatreWorks' New Works Festival
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 1, 2025
Hundreds of lovers of new theatre will gather this summer for an advance look at tomorrow’s hits at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley’s 22nd Annual New Works Festival. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 1, 2025
Hundreds of lovers of new theatre will gather this summer for an advance look at tomorrow’s hits at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley’s 22nd Annual New Works Festival. Learn more!
The National Center For Choreography-Akron Hosts Free Inside The Dancer's Studio Event
by Stephi Wild - Jul 1, 2025
The National Center for Choreography-Akron (NCCAkron) will present Inside the Dancer's Studio: Live with Ryan K. Johnson, a free public event at the Lincoln Theatre in Columbus, OH.
by Stephi Wild - Jul 1, 2025
The National Center for Choreography-Akron (NCCAkron) will present Inside the Dancer's Studio: Live with Ryan K. Johnson, a free public event at the Lincoln Theatre in Columbus, OH.
Review: OFFSPRING: THE LEGACY OF DANCE at The Actors Company
by Valerie-Jean Miller - Jun 26, 2025
What did our critic think of OFFSPRING: THE LEGACY OF DANCE at The Actors Company A Labor of Love: Produced, written, directed and performed by Adia Joelle. An homage to talent, hard work, discipline, success and mutual love and respect, shown thru the eyes, ears & heart of the offspring of such
by Valerie-Jean Miller - Jun 26, 2025
What did our critic think of OFFSPRING: THE LEGACY OF DANCE at The Actors Company A Labor of Love: Produced, written, directed and performed by Adia Joelle. An homage to talent, hard work, discipline, success and mutual love and respect, shown thru the eyes, ears & heart of the offspring of such
Tap Foundation And Duke Ellington Center Unveil 2025-2026 Tap Dance And Jazz Events
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 4, 2025
The American Tap Dance Foundation and the Duke Ellington Center for the Arts will present an exciting lineup of tap dance and jazz events across New York City from June 10, 2025, to May 24, 2026. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 4, 2025
The American Tap Dance Foundation and the Duke Ellington Center for the Arts will present an exciting lineup of tap dance and jazz events across New York City from June 10, 2025, to May 24, 2026. Learn more!
Stephanie Pope Will Bring LIVIN' IT UP! to 54 Below
by Emmy Rice - May 25, 2025
54 BELOW, Broadway’s Supper Club, will present Stephanie Pope: Livin’ It Up! on Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 at 7pm EST. See here for more information.
by Emmy Rice - May 25, 2025
54 BELOW, Broadway’s Supper Club, will present Stephanie Pope: Livin’ It Up! on Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 at 7pm EST. See here for more information.
Who Has Hosted the Tony Awards the Most?
by Sidney Paterra - May 3, 2025
On June 8, 2025, viewers will be able to tune in to watch Cynthia Erivo take the stage at Radio City Music Hall as a first-time host for the 78th annual ceremony. Do you know who has hosted the ceremony the most?
by Sidney Paterra - May 3, 2025
On June 8, 2025, viewers will be able to tune in to watch Cynthia Erivo take the stage at Radio City Music Hall as a first-time host for the 78th annual ceremony. Do you know who has hosted the ceremony the most?
Julio Agustin and Phillip Attmore Join Guest Faculty Of Broadway Theatre Project 2025
by Emmy Rice - Mar 9, 2025
Broadway Theatre Project is a prestigious summer intensive program for aspiring musical theatre performers. Check here to learn more about the new members of the guest faculty.
by Emmy Rice - Mar 9, 2025
Broadway Theatre Project is a prestigious summer intensive program for aspiring musical theatre performers. Check here to learn more about the new members of the guest faculty.
BLUES IN THE NIGHT to Open at Arizona Theatre Company in January
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 13, 2025
Arizona Theatre Company will welcome in 2025 with the Tony Award- nominated musical Blues in the Night by Sheldon Epps. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 13, 2025
Arizona Theatre Company will welcome in 2025 with the Tony Award- nominated musical Blues in the Night by Sheldon Epps. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
19 Theater Books for Your Winter 2025 Reading List
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 11, 2025
From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theater history; check out our collection of 19 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's winter reading list.
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 11, 2025
From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theater history; check out our collection of 19 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's winter reading list.
Review: American Repertory Theater's DIARY OF A TAP DANCER is Illuminating Look at Dance History
by R. Scott Reedy - Jan 2, 2025
Get a ticket, if you still can, to her illuminating and immensely entertaining new play “Diary of a Tap Dancer” – being given its world premiere production by the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge through January 4, 2025 – and you’ll never forget it.
by R. Scott Reedy - Jan 2, 2025
Get a ticket, if you still can, to her illuminating and immensely entertaining new play “Diary of a Tap Dancer” – being given its world premiere production by the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge through January 4, 2025 – and you’ll never forget it.
A.R.T. Unveils Associated Programming For DIARY OF A TAP DANCER
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 12, 2024
American Repertory Theater has revealed programming associated with its upcoming production of Diary of a Tap Dancer including film screenings, on-site engagement, and a post-show conversation with acclaimed dancer Dianne Walker. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 12, 2024
American Repertory Theater has revealed programming associated with its upcoming production of Diary of a Tap Dancer including film screenings, on-site engagement, and a post-show conversation with acclaimed dancer Dianne Walker. Learn more!
TD MOODY JAZZ FESTIVAL to be Presented at NJPAC in November
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 5, 2024
Experience the electrifying TD Moody Jazz Festival at the renowned New Jersey Performing Arts Center with an unforgettable night of Funk! See who is performing and learn how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 5, 2024
Experience the electrifying TD Moody Jazz Festival at the renowned New Jersey Performing Arts Center with an unforgettable night of Funk! See who is performing and learn how to purchase tickets.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Gregory Hines been in?
Gregory Hines has appeared on Broadway in 5 shows.
How many West End shows has Gregory Hines been in?
Gregory Hines has not appeared in the West End
What awards has Gregory Hines been nominated for?
Gregory Hines has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. Some of his nominations include Best Actor - Musical and Best Choreography at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Jelly's Last Jam," Outstanding Actor - Musical and Outstanding Choreography at the Drama Desk Awards for "Jelly's Last Jam," Best Choreography and Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Jelly's Last Jam," Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Sophisticated Ladies" and "Comin' Uptown," Best New Talent at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Eubie!," Performance at the Theatre World Awards for "Eubie!," and Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Eubie!".
What awards has Gregory Hines won?
Gregory Hines has won several awards for his work in Broadway shows. He received the Best Choreography award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Jelly's Last Jam." He also won the Outstanding Actor - Musical award and the Outstanding Choreography award from the Drama Desk Awards for the same show. Hines further received the Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical award at the Tony Awards for his performance in "Jelly's Last Jam." Additionally, he was honored with the Best New Talent award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Eubie!" and received a Performance award from the Theatre World Awards for the same show.
Videos