Ann Reinking: Biography, Update, Height, Spouse, Movies, Cause of Death, Son

Ann Reinking was a legendary American dancer, actress, choreographer, and singer whose extraordinary talent and graceful style made her one of the most celebrated figures in Broadway history. Born on November 10, 1949, in Seattle, Washington, she grew up in Bellevue and began ballet lessons as a child, studying with former members of the Ballets Russes.

Ann Reinking Biography

At age 12, she made her professional debut in a production of Giselle with The Royal Ballet in the United Kingdom. After graduating from Bellevue High School, she took summer classes with the Joffrey Ballet and moved to New York City at 18 to pursue a career in musical theatre.

Reinking quickly became known for her stunning looks, technical skill, and expressive dancing, earning a Theatre World Award for her breakout role in Over Here! (1974). She starred in numerous Broadway shows, including Pippin (1972), Goodtime Charley (1975), Chicago (1977), Dancin’ (1978), and Sweet Charity (1986).

Her close professional and personal relationship with director-choreographer Bob Fosse deeply influenced her work, and she appeared in his semi-autobiographical film All That Jazz (1979) as Katie Jagger. Reinking won the Tony Award for Best Choreography for the 1996 revival of Chicago, where she also reprised Roxie Hart, and earned an Olivier Award for the 2000 West End production of Fosse.

She retired from performing in 2017 and lived quietly in Paradise Valley, Arizona, until her sudden death on December 12, 2020, at age 71. As of early 2026, her legacy lives on through the enduring success of Chicago (the longest-running American musical on Broadway), tributes from students of her Broadway Theatre Project, and the 2025 documentary The Joy is in the Work, produced by her former students, honoring her impact on dance education.

Here is a quick overview of key details about Ann Reinking:

Early Life

Ann Reinking was born on November 10, 1949, in Seattle, Washington, to Frances Harrison, a homemaker, and Walter Floyd Reinking, a hydraulic engineer. She began ballet training as a child and studied with Marian and Illaria Ladre, former members of the Ballets Russes in Seattle. At age 12, she made her professional debut in a production of Giselle with The Royal Ballet during a UK tour.

While in middle and high school, she attended summer programs at the San Francisco Ballet on scholarship, and after graduating from Bellevue High School, she took classes with the Joffrey Ballet at Pacific Lutheran University.

Career

At 18, Reinking moved to New York City, dancing in the corps de ballet at Radio City Music Hall and joining the second national tour of Fiddler on the Roof. Her Broadway debut came in Cabaret (1969), followed by roles in Coco (1969), Wild and Wonderful (1971), and Pippin (1972), where she caught the attention of director-choreographer Bob Fosse. She became his protégée and romantic partner, even while Fosse was still legally married to Gwen Verdon.

Reinking won a Theatre World Award for Over Here! (1974), earned Tony and Drama Desk nominations as Joan of Arc in Goodtime Charley (1975), replaced Donna McKechnie in A Chorus Line (1976), and starred as Roxie Hart in Chicago (1977).

She appeared in Fosse’s revue Dancin’ (1978) and his film All That Jazz (1979) as Katie Jagger, a role based on her own life. Reinking later returned to Broadway, replacing Debbie Allen in Sweet Charity (1986), and founded the Broadway Theatre Project in 1991 to mentor young dancers. Her choreography for the 1996 Chicago revival earned her a Tony Award, and she recreated Fosse’s style for the 2000 West End Fosse, winning an Olivier Award. She retired in 2017 and lived quietly in Paradise Valley, Arizona.

Update

As of early 2026, Ann Reinking’s legacy continues to thrive. The Chicago revival on Broadway remains a great success and is now the longest-running American musical. The 2025 documentary The Joy is in the Work was produced by students of her Broadway Theatre Project. The film honors her mentorship, teaching philosophy, and influence on dancers. Tributes and retrospectives mark the fifth anniversary of her passing. Theaters like the Ambassador display “In Memoriam” posters of her as Roxie Hart. Her choreography is still studied, and the Broadway Theatre Project continues to train young talent in her name.

Ann Reinking Height

Ann Reinking stood at 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters) tall. Her height complemented her elegant, long-limbed dancing. This statuesque presence, along with her flexibility and technique, made her a standout performer in theater and film.

Ann Reinking Spouse

Ann Reinking was married four times. Her first marriage, to Broadway actor Larry Small, took place on March 19, 1972, and ended in divorce the same year. In 1982, she married investment banker Herbert Allen Jr.; they divorced in 1989. That same year, she married businessman James Stuart, with whom she had a son, Christopher, before divorcing in 1991. In 1994, she married sportswriter Peter Talbert, and they remained together until her death in 2020.

Ann Reinking Movies

Ann Reinking appeared in several notable films. She often showcased her dancing and acting skills. Her film roles include:

She also appeared in TV specials and documentaries. Her film work was limited, as she focused more on theater.

Ann Reinking Cause of Death

Ann Reinking died in her sleep on December 12, 2020, at a hotel in Seattle, Washington, at the age of 71, while visiting family. The official cause of death was not publicly disclosed in detail, but it was sudden and peaceful. Her passing was mourned widely, with tributes from the theater community highlighting her artistry and mentorship.

Ann Reinking Son

Ann Reinking had one son, Christopher Stuart, born in 1990 during her marriage to James Stuart. Christopher has largely stayed out of the public eye; after her death in 2020, he has remained private, with little public information available about his current life as of early 2026. Reinking was a devoted mother, and her son was a significant part of her personal life.