It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Hinton Battle, an incredibly talented performer and three-time Tony Award winner. The news was confirmed by his friend, Debbie Allen, on social media. Hinton Battle, who was 67 years old at the time of his death, left behind a legacy of captivating performances that touched audiences around the world.
Born in Germany, Battle discovered his passion for performing at a young age. His love for the stage blossomed in an elementary school production of The Nutcracker, which ultimately led him to pursue ballet at the prestigious Jones-Haywood School of Ballet in Washington D.C., thanks to a scholarship he received.
At the remarkable age of 15, Battle made his Broadway debut as the Scarecrow in The Wiz, marking the beginning of his illustrious career. His journey continued with notable roles in productions such as Dancin', Sophisticated Ladies, Dreamgirls, The Tap Dance Kid, Miss Saigon, and Chicago. Battle's extraordinary performances earned him three Tony Awards for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical, which he won for his outstanding work in Sophisticated Ladies (1981), The Tap Dance Kid (1984), and Miss Saigon (1991).
Battle's talent extended beyond the stage, as he ventured into the world of television and film. He appeared in various TV shows, including Quantum Leap, Sweet Justice, High Incident, and the beloved Buffy the Vampire Slayer, where he portrayed the singing villain Sweet in the memorable musical episode, 'Once More, with Feeling' in 2001. He also showcased his acting skills in the 2006 movie adaptation of Dreamgirls, playing the character Wayne.
While Battle's on-screen presence was remarkable, he also made significant contributions behind the scenes. As a director and choreographer, he left his mark on numerous productions, including the 65th and 66th Academy Awards, Dancing With The Stars, the Outkast movie-musical Idlewild, and Child Star: The Shirley Temple Story.
Hinton Battle's immense talent, passion, and dedication to his craft touched the lives of countless individuals. He will be remembered as a remarkable performer who brought joy and inspiration through his captivating performances. His contributions to the world of theater, television, and film will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.
As we mourn the loss of this incredible artist, let us remember Hinton Battle's remarkable legacy and the impact he had on the entertainment industry. May his talent and spirit live on in our hearts and in the memories of all those who had the pleasure of witnessing his incredible performances.
