# Gregory Hines

> American actor and dancer (1946–2003)

**Wikidata**: [Q367653](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q367653)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregory_Hines)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gregory-hines

## Summary
Gregory Hines was an influential American dancer, actor, singer, and choreographer who became a leading figure in the performing arts during the late 20th century. He is widely celebrated for his mastery of tap dancing and his award-winning performances across Broadway, film, and television.

## Biography
- **Born**: February 14, 1946
- **Died**: August 9, 2003
- **Nationality**: United States
- **Known for**: Excellence in tap dance, choreography, and acting in musical theater and motion pictures.
- **Field(s)**: Entertainment, Dance, Film, Television, Theatre

## Contributions
Gregory Hines was a prolific creator and performer whose work spanned from 1968 to 2003. As a choreographer, he designed intricate dance sequences that modernized tap for contemporary audiences. His work as a film director allowed him to control the artistic and dramatic aspects of cinematic productions, while his roles as a film and television actor brought his rhythmic talents to a global audience. On the stage, he contributed to the American musical tradition as a singer and stage actor, culminating in his recognition as a premier performer in the United States theater community.

## FAQs
**What were the primary professional roles held by Gregory Hines?**
Gregory Hines was a multi-talented entertainer who worked as an actor, dancer, singer, and choreographer. His career was diverse, encompassing work as a television actor, film director, ballet dancer, and stage performer.

**Which major awards did Gregory Hines receive during his career?**
Hines was the recipient of several prestigious honors, including the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical and the Theatre World Award. These accolades recognized his significant impact on the American stage and his excellence in musical performance.

**What is the timeframe of Gregory Hines's professional career?**
Hines was active in the entertainment industry for thirty-five years. His professional work period began in 1968 and continued until his death in 2003.

## Why They Matter
Gregory Hines was a transformative figure who bridged the gap between traditional dance forms and modern commercial entertainment. By excelling as a dancer, choreographer, and actor, he helped revitalize tap dancing as a relevant art form in the late 20th century. His success in the United States—a global superpower and cultural exporter—allowed his influence to reach international audiences through Hollywood and television. As a Tony Award winner, he set a high standard for technical skill and charismatic performance, influencing generations of performers who sought to integrate dance, song, and dramatic acting.

## Notable For
- **Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical**: Recognized for his outstanding lead performance in a Broadway musical.
- **Theatre World Award**: Honored for his significant contributions to the theatrical arts.
- **Master Tap Dancer**: Renowned globally for his technical proficiency and innovation in tap dance.
- **Choreographic Leadership**: Created original dance works for stage and screen.
- **Film Direction**: Served as a director, overseeing the artistic vision of film productions.
- **Cross-Media Success**: Achieved prominence as a film actor, television actor, and stage actor.

## Body

### Professional Identity and Artistic Scope
Gregory Hines was a multifaceted American entertainer whose career was defined by his versatility as an actor, dancer, singer, and choreographer. Active from 1968 until 2003, he worked across nearly every medium of the performing arts, including film, television, theatre, and radio. His identity as a "human" artist was rooted in his ability to use his body to express complex movement, a skill he applied as both a ballet dancer and a master of tap.

### Career in Dance and Choreography
Hines is perhaps most distinguished for his contributions to dance. As a choreographer, he was responsible for creating original movements that blended traditional styles with modern sensibilities. His work helped sustain the cultural significance of tap dance within the United States, a nation with a rich history of diverse artistic expression. His performances were characterized by a unique rhythmic intensity that made him a central figure in the dance community until his passing in 2003.

### Stage and Screen Achievements
On the Broadway stage, Hines was a celebrated stage actor who performed live for in-person audiences, earning the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical. His transition to the screen was equally successful; he worked as a film actor and a television actor, appearing in numerous productions that showcased his range as a dramatic and comedic performer. Additionally, he expanded his creative reach by serving as a film director, where he was responsible for the artistic and dramatic aspects of production.

### Cultural Context and Legacy
Born in 1946, Hines operated during a period when the United States solidified its role as a global cultural leader. His work contributed to the American "soft power" legacy, characterized by the global diffusion of film, music, and television. His professional life is documented through various international identifiers, including his IMDb profile (nm0002138), MusicBrainz ID (13aaa140-a087-42c7-928d-5a158a514f49), and the Library of Congress (n82132250). His career ended in 2003, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in the performing arts that continues to be recognized by institutions like the Theatre World Award.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. datos.bne.es
4. IMDb
5. [Source](http://www.theatreworldawards.org/past-recipients.html)
6. BlackPast.org
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. MusicBrainz
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. [Source](https://www.thestar.com/opinion/star-columnists/negrita-jayde-was-an-inspiration/article_4cc00d4e-a695-545f-a497-99cd6606631b.html)
11. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
12. SNAC
13. Internet Broadway Database
14. Find a Grave
15. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
16. [Source](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-man-who-saved-tap-dancing/)
17. Netherlands Film Festival
18. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
19. The Movie Database