Gregory Hines: Tap Dancing Legend and Actor Dies at 57

Gregory Hines was an American dancer, actor, choreographer and singer, one of the greatest tap dancers of his generation. Born on February 14, 1946, in New York City, he danced with his brother Maurice from age three.

Hines starred in the films The Cotton Club (1984), White Nights (1985), Tap (1989), Waiting to Exhale (1995) and in the TV series The Gregory Hines Show and Will & Grace. He won a Tony Award for Jelly's Last Jam (1992) and a Daytime Emmy for Little Bill (2003).

He petitioned for the creation of National Tap Dance Day, first observed in 1989. He was married twice and had two children. He died in Los Angeles on August 9, 2003, at age 57, of liver cancer.

Achievements: Tony Award for Jelly's Last Jam (1992), The Cotton Club (1984), White Nights (1985).

Birth: February 14, 1946 - New York City.

Profession: Dancer and actor.

Interesting Facts: He replaced Richard Pryor in History of the World, Part I after Pryor was injured.