The entertainment industry mourns the loss of two veteran performers who passed away at the age of 80. Richard Romanus, known for his role as the loan shark Michael Longo in Martin Scorsese's 'Mean Streets' and appearances in 'The Sopranos', died on December 30th. His portrayal in 'Mean Streets' was notably remembered by Scorsese for a scene where Robert De Niro's character insults him, a moment that Romanus recalled as both funny and ridiculous. Maurice Hines, a Tony-nominated tap dancer and Broadway star, also passed away due to natural causes. Hines was celebrated for his performances in 'The Cotton Club' alongside his late brother Gregory Hines and for his work as a choreographer and director. Notably, he was the first African American to direct the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, a milestone he achieved in 1990. Both actors left a significant mark on their respective fields, and their contributions will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
JUST IN: ‘Mean Streets,’ ‘The Sopranos’ actor Richard Romanus dies at 80 https://t.co/yZx7aODQDd
Maurice Hines, an actor, dancer and choreographer who starred with his brother Gregory Hines in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Cotton Club,” died Friday. He was 80. https://t.co/Cm1DUnCizX
The Sopranos star Richard Romanus dies aged 80: Played tough guy roles and also appeared in Mean Streets https://t.co/6UwyD8gNbL https://t.co/a4OcfC0eVN
Broadway dancer and actor Maurice Hines died on Friday of natural causes, his cousin told The Hollywood Reporter. https://t.co/b2m1HE1LUt
Maurice Hines, Tony-nominated Broadway tap dancer, dies at 80 https://t.co/IZzehDWtcO
Richard Romanus, Actor Known for 'Mean Streets' and 'The Sopranos,' Dies at 80 https://t.co/ExyHqSAy1w
Maurice Hines, Tap Dancing Broadway, TV and Film Star, Dies at 80 https://t.co/e3w72r5DLR
Richard Romanus, Mean Streets loan shark & Maurice Hines, star of The Cotton Club, dead https://t.co/oDYzhN2Nks https://t.co/MO6ew9srDE
Broadway star Maurice Hines dies at age 80 - just weeks after his birthday https://t.co/a2rpzlYZ3b https://t.co/qFx8DlrX2t
RIP, and thanks for some great memories // Maurice Hines, Tap Dancer Extraordinaire, Dies at 80 https://t.co/E1h0u2GDGz via @thr
Tap dancing TV and Broadway star Maurice Hines dies at age 80 Hines staged the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in 1990, making him the first African American to direct at the venue. Read more ⬇️ https://t.co/2EDidw5eP9
Maurice Hines, Tap Dancer in ‘The Cotton Club,’ Dies at 80 https://t.co/voDoCls5bN via @variety
Maurice Hines, Tap Dancer in 'The Cotton Club,' Dies at 80 https://t.co/3WjSftFYcc
Richard Romanus Dies: Actor In 'Mean Streets' And 'The Sopranos' Was 80 https://t.co/N94mqiNdYf
Maurice Hines Dies: Tap Dancing Star Of Stage, TV, Film Was 80 https://t.co/aPaSZJH4Zt
Maurice Hines, the Broadway star and tap dancer extraordinaire who showcased his skills alongside his late brother Gregory Hines in “The Cotton Club,” has died at 80 https://t.co/PC1KP4fHRa
#RIP Maurice Hines. The tap dance icon was great on stages round the world and w/ his brother in ‘The Cotton Club.’ “Everything Gregory and I did was improvised. [Coppola said], ‘I can’t give you dialogue on how to be brothers, just do that,’ and we did.” https://t.co/DIB0dXnxVS
#RIP Richard Romanus, the loan shark Michael Longo in ‘Mean Streets.’ When De Niro got angry with him and called him a “jerk-off,” Scorsese captured it. “I thought Bobby was very funny when he was doing that stuff," he recalled. "And he looked ridiculous.” https://t.co/nkdZlQVWYp
Richard Romanus, Actor in ‘Mean Streets,’ Dies at 80 https://t.co/3L8DCwNVRV