'The Wiz' Star Hinton Battle Dead at 67

Hinton Battle

Actor/singer Hinton Battle, originator of the scarecrow role in Broadway's The Wiz, has passed away. He was 67 years old.

The three-time Tony Award winner died on Tuesday, Jan. 30 after battling a "lengthy illness," though specific details of his health condition have not been disclosed. Additionally, a representative told The Hollywood Reporter via a statement that his family has no plans to reveal his cause of death.

The German-born star reportedly passed at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Battle made his Broadway debut in the original production of The Wiz in which he portrayed the scarecrow—a role that Michael Jackson stepped into for the 1978-released feature film of the same name, alongside Diana Ross' Dorothy.

Following his breakout into show business, he won three Tonys in the category of Featured Actor in a Musical for his work in Sophisticated Ladies (1981), The Tap Dance Kid (1984) and Miss Saigon (1991).

Other notable accolades for Hinton include an NAACP Image Award, as well as being a SAG and Critics Choice nominee.

One of his major film credits hails from the 2006 movie-musical Dreamgirls, where he played Wayne, alongside Jennifer Hudson and Beyonce.

Hudson took to X (formerly Twitter) to mourn the loss of her former castmate, while also mentioning Chita Rivera, who passed away earlier in the week. "We lost two irreplaceable Broadway icons this week. Chita Rivera and Hinton Battle ! I’ll always be grateful for their unique artistry and impact and the way our lives intersected! Rest well, legends!" the EGOT winner penned. She also included a photo of herself posing with the late star, and one of Rivera performing.

Hinton is survived by his sisters, Eddie and Lettie Battle, and several nieces, nephews and cousins, per DailyMail.

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