Hinton Battle has died at the age of 67. |
Hinton Battle, the acclaimed three-time Tony Award-winning actor famous for originating the role of Scarecrow in Broadway's The Wiz, passed away at the age of 67. His friend and fellow artist, Debbie Allen, confirmed his death on Instagram, expressing a heartfelt tribute to Battle's creative spirit and global impact.
In her post, Allen wrote, "Today I honor Hinton Battle, my dear friend who left us to dance and sing in God's Ensemble last night. He fought this battle to live and be creative, impacting audiences and young people across the globe. Let us always hold him high in our hearts and in our mind's eye and forever speak his name."
Beginning his Broadway journey with The Wiz in 1975, Battle's illustrious career spanned iconic musicals like Dancin', Sophisticated Ladies, Dreamgirls, The Tap Dance Kid, Miss Saigon, and the enduring revival of Chicago. Notably, he earned Tony Awards for Best Featured Actor/Musical in Sophisticated Ladies (1981), The Tap Dance Kid (1983), and Miss Saigon (1991).
Born on November 29, 1956, in Germany, Battle honed his craft at the Jones Haywood School of Ballet in Washington, D.C., and the School of American Ballet in New York City. Beyond the Broadway stage, he left his mark on television with roles in Quantum Leap, Touched By An Angel, Early Edition, and Smash.
In a memorable TV role, Battle portrayed the demon Sweet in a 2001 musical episode of Buffy The Vampire Slayer titled "Once More, With Feeling," showcasing not only his acting prowess but also his choreography skills. His choreographic contributions extended to events like the 65th and 66th Annual Academy Awards, The Trouble With Normal, and Sister Sister.
Hinton Battle's legacy remains a testament to his impactful contributions to both Broadway and television, ensuring his name echoes in the hearts of those who cherished his remarkable talents.
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