At 8 PM, the marquee lights of every Broadway theatre will be dimmed in memory of the actor, who made his Broadway debut in 1954 in The Girl in the Pink Tights. Hines received Tony nominations for his performances in Eubie!, Comin' Uptown and Sophisticated Ladies and nabbed the award for his performance as Jelly Roll Morton in Jelly's Last Jam. In a statement Margo Lion, who produced Jelly's Last Jam, said, "Working with Gregory in Jelly's Last Jam was an incredible experience. Gregory was an extraordinary actor and artist, and his performance in Jelly's Last Jam was a high point in musical theatre."
League of American Theatres and Producers President Jed Bernstein added, "Gregory Hines has long been a Broadway legend. His abundant talents and thorough professionalism will continue to inspire performers for years to come. His creativity and grace on and off stage will never be forgotten."