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

Ann Reinking was an iconic American performer, actress, choreographer, and vocalist whose remarkable skill and elegant flair established her as one of the most revered personalities in Broadway history. Born on November 10, 1949, in Seattle, Washington, she grew up in Bellevue and commenced ballet lessons during her childhood, training under former dancers of the Ballets Russes.

Ann Reinking Biography

At the age of 12, she made her professional debut in a rendition of Giselle with The Royal Ballet in the UK. After completing her studies at Bellevue High School, she participated in summer workshops with the Joffrey Ballet and relocated to New York City at 18 to chase a career in musical theatre.

Reinking rapidly gained recognition for her breathtaking appearance, technical ability, and emotive dance, securing a Theatre World Award for her breakout performance in Over Here! (1974). She featured in numerous Broadway productions, including Pippin (1972), Goodtime Charley (1975), Chicago (1977), Dancin’ (1978), and Sweet Charity (1986).

Her intimate professional and personal connection with director-choreographer Bob Fosse considerably affected her artistry, and she portrayed Katie Jagger in his semi-autobiographical film All That Jazz (1979). Reinking received the Tony Award for Best Choreography for the 1996 revival of Chicago, where she also reprised her role as Roxie Hart, and was honored with an Olivier Award for the 2000 West End production of Fosse.

She withdrew from performing in 2017 and lived a serene life in Paradise Valley, Arizona, until her unexpected passing on December 12, 2020, at the age of 71. As of early 2026, her legacy endures through the continued success of Chicago (the longest-running American musical on Broadway), acknowledgments from participants of her Broadway Theatre Project, and the 2025 documentary The Joy is in the Work, produced by her former students, celebrating her influence on dance education.

Here is a brief summary of essential information regarding Ann Reinking:

Full Name	Ann Reinking
Date of Birth	November 10, 1949
Date of Death	December 12, 2020
Age at Death	71 years old
Height	5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m)
Profession	Dancer, Actress, Choreographer, Singer
Spouse	Four marriages (see below)
Children	One son, Christopher Stuart (born 1990)

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 initiated ballet education as a young girl and trained with Marian and Illaria Ladre, ex-members of the Ballets Russes in Seattle. At 12 years of age, she made her professional entrance in a performance of Giselle alongside The Royal Ballet during a tour in the UK.

During her middle and high school years, she attended summer programs at the San Francisco Ballet on a scholarship, and after finishing Bellevue High School, she took courses with the Joffrey Ballet at Pacific Lutheran University.

Career

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

Reinking received 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) portraying Katie Jagger, a character inspired by her own experiences. Later, she returned to Broadway, substituting Debbie Allen in Sweet Charity (1986), and established the Broadway Theatre Project in 1991 to coach young dancers. Her choreography for the 1996 Chicago revival garnered her a Tony Award, and she recreated Fosse’s signature style for the 2000 West End Fosse, winning an Olivier Award. She retired in 2017 and lived a tranquil life in Paradise Valley, Arizona.

Update

As of early 2026, Ann Reinking’s legacy continues to flourish. The Chicago revival on Broadway persists as a monumental success and is presently the longest-running American musical. The 2025 documentary The Joy is in the Work was created by students from her Broadway Theatre Project. This film honors her mentorship, teaching methodologies, and influence on dancers. Tributes and retrospectives commemorate the fifth anniversary of her passing. Theaters such as the Ambassador exhibit “In Memoriam” posters of her as Roxie Hart. Her choreography remains a subject of study, and the Broadway Theatre Project continues to nurture young talent in her honor.

Ann Reinking Height

Ann Reinking stood at 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters) tall. Her stature complemented her graceful, long-limbed dance style. This towering presence, paired with her agility and artistry, marked her as a distinguished performer in theater and film.

Ann Reinking Spouse

Ann Reinking was married four times. Her initial marriage, to Broadway actor Larry Small, occurred on March 19, 1972, and concluded in divorce later that same year. In 1982, she wed investment banker Herbert Allen Jr.; they separated in 1989. That same year, she married businessman James Stuart, with whom she had a son, Christopher, before their divorce in 1991. In 1994, she married sportswriter Peter Talbert, and they remained united until her passing in 2020.

Ann Reinking Movies

Ann Reinking was featured in several memorable films, often demonstrating her dancing and acting abilities. Some of her film appearances include:

1979	All That Jazz	Katie Jagger	Semi-autobiographical character in Bob Fosse’s film
1982	Annie	Grace Farrell	Significant supporting role in the musical adaptation
1984	Micki & Maude	Micki Salinger	Romantic comedy alongside Dudley Moore

Additionally, she made appearances in television specials and documentaries. Her film endeavors were limited, as she prioritized her stage career.

Ann Reinking Cause of Death

Ann Reinking passed away 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 revealed in detail, but it was described as sudden and peaceful. Her departure was widely grieved, with tributes from the theater community recognizing 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 maintained a low profile; following her death in 2020, he has remained private, with limited public insight regarding his current life as of early 2026. Reinking was a dedicated mother, and her son was an integral part of her personal life.