- The German-born American star, who originated the role of the Scarecrow in Broadway's “The Wiz,” died Tuesday in Los Angeles
- He won three Tony Awards in the Lead Actor in a Music category for “Sophisticated Ladies” (1981), “The Tap Dance Kid” (1984) and “Miss Saigon” (1991).
- He played Wayne in the 2006 film musical Dreamgirls alongside Jennifer Hudson and Beyoncé
- Battle is survived by his sisters Eddie and Lettie Battle, as well as his nieces, nephews and cousins
Actor and singer Hinton Battle has died at the age of 67 after a long illness.
The German-born American star, who originated the role of the Scarecrow in Broadway's “The Wiz,” died Tuesday at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, a representative confirmed to THR.
Battle made his Broadway debut in 1975 in the original production of Broadway's “The Wiz” – a role that Michael Jackson took over in the 1978 film.
He won three Tony Awards in the Lead Actor in a Musical category for “Sophisticated Ladies” (1981), “The Tap Dance Kid” (1984) and “Miss Saigon” (1991).
Battle played Wayne in the 2006 film musical “Dreamgirls” opposite Jennifer Hudson and Beyonce – after starring in the Broadway musical – and received SAG and Critics Choice nominations for his work in the hit film's ensemble cast.
Actor and singer Hinton Battle has died at the age of 67 after a long illness
He played Wayne in the 2007 film musical Dreamgirls alongside Jennifer Hudson, who paid him an emotional tribute
Oscar winner Hudson paid tribute on I will always be grateful for her unique artistry and impact and the way our lives intersected! Rest well, legends!'
Hinton is survived by his sisters Eddie and Lettie Battle, as well as his nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was born in Neubrücke, Hoppstädten-Weiersbach, West Germany, as part of the Baumholder Army military community and was raised in Washington, D.C. and New York City by his housewife mother and his U.S. officer father.
After showing his aptitude for dance at the age of nine, he studied ballet for three years at the Jones-Haywood School of Ballet.
The star then received a scholarship to the School of American Ballet, where he studied with George Balanchine until he was fifteen.
In January 1975, he debuted in his breakthrough role as The Wiz at the Majestic Theater on Broadway.
Battle's other starring roles on Broadway included Dancin', Chicago (Billy Flynn) and Ragtime (Coalhouse Walker Jr.).
Battle made his Broadway debut in 1975 in the original production of Broadway's “The Wiz” – a role that Michael Jackson took over in the 1978 film
He played Wayne in the 2006 film musical Dreamgirls (pictured right with Jamie Foxx and Keith Robinson).
Hinton is pictured with Patti LaBelle in 2006
In January 1975, he debuted in his breakthrough role as The Wiz at the Majestic Theater on Broadway
His role in “The Tap Dance Kid” also earned Hinton the NAACP Award and the Fred Astaire Award.
His film and television credits include Quantum Leap and Touched by an Angel.
He made a guest appearance as the jazz demon Sweet in the musical episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, in which his magic forces the characters to sing about their deepest secrets and fears.
An acclaimed choreographer, he has worked on the Golden Globe Awards, Dance in America; the sitcoms Fired Up, Sister, Sister, The Trouble with Normal and The Boys.
He served as Associate Choreographer for the 65th and 66th Annual Academy Awards with Debbie Allen.
In 2014, Battle starred in the Off-Broadway production Cindy: The Musical.
His brief singing career included the song Think We're Gonna Make It, which was included on the soundtrack of the 1986 film Playing for Keeps. This year he released a solo album, Untapped.