Mimi Hines, the iconic singer, comedian, and Broadway performer who famously stepped into Barbra Streisand’s role in Funny Girl, passed away at her home in Las Vegas on October 21. She was 91 years old. Hines died peacefully from natural causes, according to her longtime attorney Mark Sendroff.
Born on July 17, 1933, in Vancouver, Canada, Hines demonstrated her comedic talent early on, launching a nightclub career at just 12 years old. She became well-known as part of the duo Ford and Hines, alongside late comic Phil Ford. The two met in 1952 while performing at separate nightclubs in Anchorage, Alaska. They began working together when Hines substituted for Ford’s injured partner, leading to both a professional collaboration and a romantic relationship that culminated in their marriage in 1954.
Hines gained national recognition after a memorable appearance on The Tonight Show in 1958, where her rendition of “Till There Was You” brought host Jack Paar to tears. Following that, she became a sought-after performer on numerous variety and talk shows, including The Ed Sullivan Show and The Dean Martin Show, and was a frequent guest on game shows such as Password and Hollywood Squares.
In 1965, Hines was given the opportunity of a lifetime when she replaced Streisand as Fanny Brice in the original Broadway production of Funny Girl. Making her debut on December 27, Hines expressed confidence about stepping into such a celebrated role, stating, “It’s always easier to follow a good actress than a bad one.” She remained with the production for 18 months.
Following her tenure in Funny Girl, Hines starred in national tours of various productions, including Hello, Dolly! and Sugar Babies. She also released several albums, including Mimi Hines Sings and Mimi Hines Is a Happening, both in 1966.
Hines and Ford divorced in 1972 but continued to work together throughout their careers. Ford passed away in 2005. Despite their divorce, Hines described their partnership as a lasting professional bond, and they were recently honored with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Fame.
Hines made a notable return to Broadway in 1995 after a 30-year hiatus, playing Miss Lynch in Grease. She continued to perform in various productions, including the 2007 revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Follies, where she delivered a memorable rendition of “Broadway Baby.”
In addition to her stage work, Hines made appearances on television, including a guest role on Frasier in 1999 and an appearance on The Rosie O’Donnell Show during its final week in June 2002.
Mark Sendroff indicated that the planned ceremony to celebrate Hines’ star on the Palm Springs Walk of Fame will now honor her life, career, and enduring legacy in the performing arts.
Related topics: