Hope Clarke, Tony‑Nominated Broadway Choreographer, Dies at 85

Hope Clarke, an American actress, dancer, director and choreographer, died peacefully on July 23 at the age of 85. She was born on March 23, 1941, in Washington, D.C.

Clarke began her performing career as a dancer with the Katherine Dunham Company and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, later appearing in the original touring cast of West Side Story and on Broadway in productions such as Kwamina, Hallelujah, Baby!, Purlie, Don’t Bother Me I Can’t Cope, and Grind. She made her Broadway choreography debut with George C. Wolfe’s Jelly’s Last Jam in 1992, earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Choreography.

In 1995, Clarke became the first African American woman to direct and choreograph a major production of Porgy and Bess for the Houston Grand Opera. She later choreographed productions including The Tempest, Caroline, or Change, and A Free Man of Color. Clarke co‑founded the 5 Plus Ensemble to showcase performers over fifty. She is survived by her sister Barbara Clarke and several nephews and nieces. A celebration of her life is planned for September 5.