I read the script, and I knew it was a good part. It was written for a white actor. That's what I'm up against - I have to try to make roles happen for me that aren't written black.

Personal life
Hines' marriages to Patricia Panella and Pamela Koslow ended in divorce. Hines made his Broadway debut with his brother in The Girl in Pink Tights in 1954. Hines made his movie debut in Mel Brooks's History of the World Part 1.