Remember Gregory Hines? “You Won’t Believe What REALLY Killed Him!”

Gregory Hines is remembered as one of the most influential tap dancers, actors, and entertainers of the 20th century.
His journey from a childhood in New York City to international stardom was filled with challenges, triumphs, and an unwavering passion for his craft.
This article explores the remarkable life of Gregory Hines, highlighting his early beginnings, rise to fame, and lasting impact on the world of entertainment.

Early Life and Family Roots

Gregory Hines was born on February 14, 1946, in New York City.
He grew up in Washington Heights, near Harlem, as the second child of Alma Plus and Maurice Hines Sr.
His father was a musician and even played semi-pro baseball, while his grandmother, Ora Hines, danced at the famous Cotton Club in the 1920s.
Gregory began dancing at the age of three, with his parents enrolling him and his older brother Maurice in dance lessons, much like other families might choose piano or violin.

Gregory often said he could not recall a time when he wasn’t dancing.
Maurice, his brother, was his first teacher, but their mother was the driving force behind their training.
She saw dance as a way for her sons to escape the hardships of the ghetto.
Weekly trips to the Apollo Theater exposed them to legendary performers and inspired them to pursue tap dancing seriously.

The Hines Kids and Early Success

By age five, Gregory and Maurice were already performing at the Apollo Theater, meeting icons like Sandman Sims and Teddy Hail.
Teddy Hail, who improvised his routines, deeply inspired Gregory.
The brothers performed as “The Hines Kids,” learning from Henry Leang, a renowned choreographer.
Out of 400 students, Henry saw something special in the Hines brothers, believing they could rival the legendary Nicholas Brothers.

In 1954, at just eight years old, Gregory and Maurice made their Broadway debut in “The Girl in Pink Tights.”
Gregory played a shoeshine boy, Maurice a newspaper boy.
At age nine, Gregory met his idol Sammy Davis Jr., who became a mentor and a huge influence.
Around this time, Gregory suffered an injury to his right eye, nearly losing his vision, but it never stopped him from dancing.

Facing Racism and Family Challenges

Gregory’s journey was not without adversity.
At eleven, he encountered racism for the first time while traveling with a musical group in Miami, Florida.
Coming from the North, he was unfamiliar with segregated water fountains and learned a hard lesson about the realities of the South.
As teenagers, Gregory and Maurice became known as the Hines Brothers.
Their father joined their act in 1963, transforming them into “Hines, Hines, and Dad.”
The trio toured worldwide, opening for stars like Lionel Hampton and Ella Fitzgerald.

Despite their success, Gregory struggled with his role.
He wanted to play football and spend time with friends but stayed in show business to support his family.
In 1968, he married dance therapist Patricia Panella, and they had a daughter, Daria.
Gregory and Maurice were on the brink of their own TV show, which would have been the first to feature a black family, but producers claimed audiences wouldn’t believe it—a missed opportunity for history.

Trials and Transformations

After ten years of performing together, Gregory and Maurice split due to constant arguments and Gregory’s growing exhaustion.
Gregory battled a cocaine addiction, while Maurice focused on theater and acting.
Gregory’s marriage fell apart, and he moved to Venice, California, adopting a hippie lifestyle and starting a jazz-rock band called Severance.
He struggled financially, taking odd jobs and even working as a karate instructor.
Bill Cosby helped him with a $5,000 loan to get back on his feet.

Gregory eventually remarried Pamela Costlo, but his music career stalled.
After returning to New York, he reconciled with Maurice, who helped him land a role in “The Last Minstrel Show.”
Gregory’s return to tap dancing marked a turning point, leading to a Tony-nominated role in “Eubie!” in 1979 and appearances on “Sesame Street.”

Broadway and Hollywood Breakthroughs

Gregory’s Broadway career flourished with roles in “Coming Uptown,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” and “Sophisticated Ladies.”
He gained popularity, and Dustin Hoffman encouraged him to pursue acting.
Gregory read scripts and landed his first film roles, including “Wolfen.”
In 1981, he starred in Mel Brooks’ “History of the World, Part One,” stepping in after Richard Pryor’s accident.

His acting career took off with roles in “Deal of the Century,” “The Cotton Club,” and “Running Scared,” where he won an NAACP Image Award.
Gregory preferred roles written for white actors, finding them more complex and varied.

Music and Mentorship

Gregory’s musical ambitions were realized when Luther Vandross noticed him and produced their duet, “There’s Nothing Better Than Love,” which topped the Billboard R&B charts.
Gregory released a self-titled album in 1986, expanding his artistic reach.

Tap Dance Advocacy and Legacy

Gregory starred in the movie “Tap,” mentoring young Savion Glover and sharing scenes with legendary dancers.
He hosted “Gregory Hines Tap Dance in America,” a PBS special, and helped establish National Tap Dance Day.
Gregory served on the boards of several tap organizations, tirelessly promoting the art form.

In 1990, Gregory honored Sammy Davis Jr. at his funeral, showing the deep impact Sammy had on his life.
Gregory continued to act, winning a Tony Award for “Jelly’s Last Jam” and directing films like “White Man’s Burden.”
He starred in “Waiting to Exhale,” “The Preacher’s Wife,” and “The Gregory Hines Show,” among others.

Final Years and Enduring Influence

Gregory voiced Big Bill in “Little Bill,” winning a Daytime Emmy in 2003.
He portrayed Bill Bojangles Robinson in “Bojangles,” earning another NAACP Image Award.
Gregory passed away on August 9, 2003, from liver cancer, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and inspiration.

In 2019, the U.S. Postal Service honored him with a stamp.
His brother Maurice released a documentary, and his children continue in entertainment.
Savion Glover, Gregory’s protégé, keeps tap dancing alive.

Gregory Hines was just 57 when he died, but his influence endures.
His story is one of resilience, creativity, and dedication.
Gregory Hines will always be remembered as a legend who elevated tap dancing and inspired generations.