Shabba-Doo: Legendary dancer-choreographer passes away at 65

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Just when you thought 2020 had taken enough from us all, we're hearing reports that Adolfo Gutierrez Quinones, more commonly known as Shabba-Doo, the legendary dancer-actor-choreographer, has passed away at 65. No cause of death has been confirmed at this time.

Able to destroy a dancefloor with his acrobatic body movements and an unrivaled sense of rhythm, Shabba-Doo was a founding member of The Original Lockers, whose dynamic displays of dance helped inspire street dancers to go beyond their limits. Beloved by many, Quinones conjured a groove inside the hearts of film fans by playing the character Ozone in the musical drams Breakin' and Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo. Recently, Quinones gave his fans a scare when he posted a photo of himself lying in bed, with news that his COVID-19 test had come back negative.

News about Quinones' passing happened on Wednesday around 8 a.m., when fellow Original Lockers co-founder, Toni Basil, delivered the crushing word. “It is with extreme sadness The Lockers family announces the unexpected passing of our beloved Adolfo Shabba-doo Quinones,” she announced.

As a fan of Quinones' work and lust for life, I am deeply saddened by this news. I spent many an evening watching Breakin' and Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo during my hazy college days, and will never forget how Ozone's iconic scenes would always command the attention of the whole room. Our thoughts go out to Mr. Quinones' family, friends, and fans. Rest in rhythm, dear brother.