David Winters, who had appeared on Broadway in the original production of West Side Story, and who later became a successful choreographer, producer, and director, passed away on April 23, 2019, at the age of 80. According to his brother, Marc, the cause of death was congestive heart failure.
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A Star on Stage and Screen
Winters was born in London, England, on April 5, 1939, to Jewish parents. His family moved to the United States in 1953, and he became a naturalized citizen in 1956. He started dancing at an early age, and was discovered by a talent agent when he was 12. He soon began acting and dancing on television, working with stars like Jackie Gleason, Perry Como, and Wally Cox.
He made his Broadway debut in 1954, in the musical On Your Toes. He gained fame for his roles in West Side Story (1957) and Gypsy (1959), two of the most iconic musicals of all time. He reprised his role as A-Rab, one of the Jets, in the film adaptation of West Side Story (1961), which won 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
A Master of Choreography
Winters transitioned from acting to choreography, and became one of the most sought-after dance creators of the 1960s. He worked with Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret on several films, starting with Viva Las Vegas (1964), which featured the famous dance duet “The Lady Loves Me”. He also choreographed the T.A.M.I. Show (1964), a concert film that showcased some of the biggest names in rock and soul music, such as The Rolling Stones, The Supremes, and James Brown.
He also created dances for television shows like Shindig! and Hullabaloo, which popularized the latest dance trends of the era. He received an Emmy nomination for his choreography for the special Movin’ with Nancy (1967), starring Nancy Sinatra.
A Versatile Producer and Director
In the 1970s, Winters formed his own production company, Winters-Rosen, and produced, directed, and choreographed several television specials, featuring stars like Ann-Margret, Raquel Welch, and Paul Anka. He also directed the concert film Alice Cooper: Welcome to My Nightmare (1976), which was a hit with fans of the shock rocker.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Winters focused on producing and distributing low-budget action and horror films, under the banner of Action International Pictures. Some of his credits include The Last Horror Film (1982), Thrashin’ (1986), Space Mutiny (1988), and The King Maker (2005).
A Legacy of Talent and Innovation
Winters was a pioneer and a visionary in the fields of dance, film, and television. He influenced generations of performers and creators with his style, energy, and passion. He was a friend and a mentor to many, and a legend to all. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, fans, and colleagues.
David Winters cause of death was a sad loss for the entertainment industry, but his legacy will live on through his work and his spirit. He was a star on stage and screen, a master of choreography, and a versatile producer and director. He was David Winters, and he was one of a kind.
