Broadway Star Ann Reinking Has Died at Age 71
Tony Award-winning choreographer, dancer, and actress Ann Reinking passed away last night at the age of 71. According to a statement made by her sister-in-law Dahrla King to the New York Times, Reinking appears to have passed away in her sleep, though the cause of death is not yet known.
"The world and our family have lost a vibrant, amazing talent and beautiful soul. Ann was the heart of our family and the life of the party," her family said in a statement released by Variety. "She was visiting our brother in Washington state when she went to sleep and never woke up. We will miss her more than we can say. Heaven has the best choreographer available now. I'm sure they are dancing up a storm up there! Annie, we will love and miss you always!!!"
A Broadway legend, Seattle-born Reinking moved to New York City when she was 16 on a Joffrey Ballet scholarship and went on to garner ensemble roles in shows like Cabaret, Pippin, and A Chorus Line through the late '60s and early '70s before stepping into the role of Roxie Hart in Chicago in 1977, taking over from Gwen Verdon. She went on to reprise the role in the 1996 revival, for which she also took over choreography, reworking Bob Fosse's original version into a tribute to the famed choreographer. Reinking won a Tony award for Best Choreography for the revival and also co-directed and co-choreographed the Best Musical-winning revue Fosse.
Alongside her work, Reinking was also well-known for her romantic relationship with Bob Fosse. A muse and protege, Reinking starred as Kate, a character based in part on herself in Fosse's 1979 film All That Jazz.
Reinking is survived by her husband, Peter Talbert, her son Christopher, and six siblings.
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