US actor and singer Hinton Battle has died aged 67 in Los Angeles, his representative has confirmed.
The Dreamgirls actor had fought a lengthy illness, as stated by his rep to The Hollywood Reporter.
Battle was the original scarecrow in The Wiz on Broadway, a role that the late Michael Jackson would go on to play in the 1978 film.
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He won all three Tonys available in the category of a featured actor in a musical — for performances in Sophisticated Ladies, The Tap Dance Kid and Miss Saigon.
He appeared in Smash and TV shows Quantum Leap and Buffy The Vampire Slayer and he went on to join the cast of 2007 movie musical Dreamgirls, starring Jennifer Hudson.
Hudson has led tributes for Battle, taking to social media to remember her co-star.
“We lost two irreplaceable Broadway icons this week. Chita Rivera and Hinton Battle!” she said.
“I’ll always be grateful for their unique artistry and impact and the way our lives intersected! Rest well, legends!”
“Broadway icon” Rivera died aged 91 on January 30 after a seven-decade-long career on the stage.
Hudson went on to repost on X a tribute from the Tony Awards, which released a statement along with footage of Battle winning one of his awards.
“In loving memory of iconic Tony Winner, Hinton Battle. His unparalleled talent and infectious energy will be deeply missed, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of all who were touched by his brilliance,” the statement read.
“My Dear Scarecrow, Mr Hinton Battle, words cannot express how I feel. You’ve joined the heavenly cast,” Grammy-winning singer and actress Stephanie Mills said.
“I will miss you forever. I loved you then, now, and forever. Rest babe, job well done. Until we meet again.”
Hinton is survived by his sisters Eddie and Lettie along with his nieces and nephews.
