What Was Broadway Dancer Maurice Hines' Cause of Death? Tap Dance Icon Dead at 80

Tap dance icon and Broadway star Maurice Hines has died at the age of 80, multiple media outlets confirmed.

Reports cited Hines' cousin and representative, Richard Nurse, who revealed that the famed performer died on Friday, December 29, at the Actors Fund Home in Englewood, N.J. He is survived by his nephew, Zach, and niece, Daria.

Maurice Hines Dead at 80

According to Nurse, Hines died of natural causes, but he did not disclose whether he suffered from any health issues prior to his death.

Hines' pals and colleagues also announced his death on social media.

Debbie Allen said she would see him "on the other side," writing, "Maurice Hines, I was your first leading lady in a show, 'Guys and Dolls' and I will always treasure our journey together. My tears are for my inability to speak with you or to hold you."

One fan said, "Maurice Hines. Him and his brother Gregory. Tap masters. They both inspired a generation of young tappers like Savion Glover of course. Reunited at last."

"He was one of the most elegant dancers I've ever seen. He was what we'd call a beautiful dancer. He was a beautiful man. Rest well #MauriceHines," another wrote.

Meanwhile, director John Carluccio, who worked on the 2019 documentary "Maurice Hines: Bring Them Back," wrote, "I will deeply miss my charming and lovable friend, who always kept me on my toes."

Remembering Maurice Hines

Hines embraced tap dancing when he was 5 years old before officially marking his Broadway debut in "The Girl in Pink Tights" in 1954. He and his brother Gregory - who died of cancer in 2003 - started touring with their father under the name Hines, Hines & Dad.

The tap siblings also famously co-starred in Francis Ford Coppola's 1984 movie, "Cotton Club."

Maurice's other credits included "Guys and Dolls," "Eubie!" and "Uptown...It's Hot!" - which earned him a 1986 Tony nomination for best actor in a musical for a musical.

As a choreographer, he famously went on the national tour of Louis Armstrong biography "Satchmo" and the Earth Wind and Fire musical "Hot Feet."

Reflecting on the latter show, he told NPR in 2006 that he was so inspired choreographically that his love for dancing took him to places.

Maurice also choreographed and performed in "Tappin' Thru Life" "Yo Alice" and "First Lady of Song."