Esteemed Broadway actor Hinton Battle, known for his notable performances in enduring classics such as “The Wiz” and “Dreamgirls,” has died at age 67.
According to reports, Battle passed away on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California, following a lengthy illness. His spokesperson confirmed Battle’s death but did not reveal the precise cause.
A highlight of Battle’s remarkable career was his role as Wayne, a car salesman turned record producer in “Dreamgirls,” earning him nominations for SAG and Critics Choice awards. His performance in the 2006 film featured prominent actors like Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Foxx, and Eddie Murphy.
Battle’s performance in “The Wiz” solidified his legacy as a Broadway legend. He first made his mark in theater at 18, stepping in for the lead actor, and his career only soared from there.
Battle won three Tony Awards, all in the category of Featured Actor in a Musical for his roles in “Miss Saigon” (1991), “The Tap Dance Kid” (1984), and “Sophisticated Ladies” (1981). He is the only actor to have achieved this honor three times.
In the wake of Battle’s death, the theater community has paid tribute to his life and career. Jennifer Hudson, who starred with Battle in “Dreamgirls,” referred to him as a “Broadway icon,” and also paid tribute to Chita Rivera, another theater veteran who died the same week.
Stephanie Mills, Battle’s co-star in “The Wiz,” expressed her grief and admiration for Battle on Instagram. The Tony Awards organization also honored Battle’s career, sharing a clip of his 1981 acceptance speech and acknowledging his enduring influence on theater.
Battle, born in 1956 in West Germany and raised in Washington D.C. and New York City, was a versatile artist, working as an actor, singer, dancer, and dance instructor. Besides Broadway, Battle displayed his talents in several films and TV shows, including “Quantum Leap” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”
His choreography skills were also sought after in films, TV shows, and awards shows. At the time of his death, he was working on his autobiography. Battle’s journey from a trained ballet dancer to a Broadway sensation started with his debut in “The Wiz” in January 1975.
Though initially auditioning for a chorus role, he stepped into the lead role when Stu Gilliam fell ill during a pre-Broadway tryout. This marked the start of a remarkable career that saw Battle redefine the scope of musical theater with his dynamic performances and innovative contributions to dance.
Battle is survived by his sisters, Lettie and Eddie.
