Broadway legend Ann Reinking died Saturday night in Washington.
The actress, dancer and choreographer was 71 years old.
“
She was visiting her brother in Washington State when she went to bed so she would never wake up.
She will be missed more than words can express,
”wrote her family in a statement relayed by
Variety
.
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Ann Reinking made her debut on the Seattle opera stage with
Bye Bye Birdie
in 1965. She then made her mark on Broadway by landing one of the leading roles in
Cabaret
in 1969. But the artist was best known for her portrayal of Roxie Hart in
Chicago
in 1977. Among her other roles on Broadway, we have seen her in
Sweet Charity
,
Over Here!
and
Goodtime Charley
.
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A multifaceted artist, Ann Reinking was also a choreographer.
Her work on the revival of
Chicago
in 1996 won her a Tony Award for Best Choreography.
She had also taken part in creating, directing and choreographing
Fosse
, a musical aimed at showcasing the work of Bob Fosse.
This show, performed in London, enabled Ann Reinking to win the Olivier Award for best theater choreography.
The actress, dancer and choreographer has also appeared in the films
The Show Begins
in 1979,
Annie
in 1982 and
Micki and Maude
in 1984.