Chita Rivera, the renowned Broadway sensation, has passed away at the age of 91, as confirmed by her daughter, Lisa Mordente.
Rivera succumbed peacefully to a brief illness in New York, marking the end of a remarkable career that spanned nearly seven decades.
Born in 1933 in Washington DC to a Puerto Rican father and a mother with Scottish and Irish heritage, Rivera began her Broadway journey in the 1950s.
She swiftly secured roles in productions like Can-Can and Mr Wonderful.
However, it was her breakthrough performance as Anita in the original 1957 West Side Story cast that catapulted her to Broadway stardom.
Nominated for a Tony Award for her role as Rose in Bye Bye Birdie alongside Dick Van Dyke, Rivera continued to captivate audiences with her talent.
Decades later, she took on the iconic role of vaudeville performer Velma Kelly in Chicago.
Recognized as a “triple threat” for her singing, dancing, and acting prowess, Rivera was not only a Broadway luminary but also a trailblazer for Latina women.
Her last appearance on Broadway was in 2015, playing Claire Zachannassian in The Visit alongside the late Roger Rees.
Colleagues and friends remembered Rivera for her dazzling stage presence and exceptional achievements.
Actor Jason Alexander praised her as “one of the greatest spirits and colleagues” and acknowledged her influence.
Actress Mia Farrow referred to her as an “authentic Broadway icon,” emphasizing the unforgettable impact of her performances.
The Tony Awards honored Rivera as a “Broadway legend” whose grace, talent, and passion left an indelible mark on the world of theatre.
Rivera’s illustrious career earned her two Tony Awards for Best Actress in a Musical and nominations for eight others. In 2002, she became the first Latina to receive the Kennedy Center Honors for lifetime achievements in the performing arts.
Additionally, she was bestowed with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by former President Barack Obama in 2009 for her role as an “agent of change.”
In 2018, Rivera received a lifetime Tony Award, and her autobiography, “Chita: A Memoir,” published last year, became a New York Times bestseller, solidifying her legacy as a Broadway icon.
Elon Musk’s $55.8 Billion Tesla Pay Deal Overturned By Judge
