On Tuesday, January 29th, Hinton Battle, the three-time Tony Award-winning actor, dancer, and singer, died, leaving the Great White Way without one of its brightest lights. He was 67.

Debbie Allen, his acquaintance, reported his death over social media on Tuesday.

“Today I honor Hinton Battle, my dear friend who left us to dance and sing in God’s Ensemble last night,” Allen posted on his social media account. “He fought this battle to live and be creative impacting audiences and young people across the globe.”

“Let us always hold him high in our hearts and our mind’s eye and forever speak his name,” he said.

His Broadway debut in 1975 as the Scarecrow in The Wiz propelled him to instant celebrity. His stunning dance moves, powerful voice, and contagious grin captivated the event, earning him his first Tony Award.

Over the years, he became known for his riveting performances in musicals such as Sophisticated Ladies, Dreamgirls, and The Tap Dance Kid, earning two additional Tony Awards.

But Battle’s artistry went beyond trophies and accolades. Beyond Broadway, Battle appeared in films such as Lady Sings the Blues and Let’s Get It On, and he shared his love of dancing by teaching and mentoring others. He was a shining example for innumerable young performers, encouraging them with his passion and unflinching faith in the power of art.

Hinton Battle’s shoes will be tough to fill, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who experienced his brilliance.