Gregg Smith, a dancer, casting director and assistant choreographer who had a long association with director Kenny Ortega, has died.
He was 73.Smith died on Jan.
1.The industry veteran worked as a performer in the national touring company of the musical “Hair” and in a Los Angeles production of “Jesus Christ Superstar.” He was in the original Off Broadway cast of “Your Own Thing” in 1968.
His film work included Steven Spielberg’s “Hook” (1991) and the Ortega-directed “Newsies” (1992).Smith worked as a dance casting director for numerous productions.
He was also active as a champion of improving working standards for hoofers in all aspects of the entertainment industry.
He was active in efforts to have dancers recognized as members of what was then the Screen Actors Guild.Born in 1946, Smith grew up in a showbiz family in the San Fernando Valley.
His father, Sterling Smith, worked for various studios as a still photographer.
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