Legendary Broadway Star Chita Rivera Passes Away at 91
Chita Rivera, an iconic performer known for her roles in renowned Broadway musicals, has died at the age of 91.
A Storied Career on Stage and Screen
Chita Rivera, beloved for her performances in musicals such as 'Chicago,' 'Kiss of the Spider Woman,' and 'Sweet Charity,' has passed away. She was 91 years old. Rivera's longtime publicist, Merle Frimark, confirmed the news and stated that she died peacefully in New York after a brief illness.
Rivera's Broadway career spanned several decades and earned her a record 10 Tony Award nominations, with wins for 'The Rink' and 'Kiss of the Spider Woman.' She dazzled audiences with her unforgettable roles in iconic shows like 'West Side Story,' 'Bye Bye Birdie,' and the works of Bob Fosse, including 'Chicago' and 'All That Jazz.' Additionally, she made notable appearances in movies and TV shows, such as screen adaptations of 'Sweet Charity' and 'Chicago,' as well as 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.' Her most recent screen credit was in the Netflix movie 'Tick, Tick... Boom!' released in 2021.
A Trailblazer and Honored Artist
Born in Washington, DC in 1933, Rivera began her career as a ballerina at a young age. She received a scholarship to the School of American Ballet from renowned choreographer George Balanchine. Rivera's Puerto Rican heritage, along with her exceptional talent, established her as a groundbreaking triple-threat artist—actor, singer, and dancer. She made history as the original cast member of 'West Side Story' in 1957, originating the timeless role of Anita.
Throughout her illustrious stage career, Rivera had starring roles in numerous Broadway productions, including 'Bye Bye Birdie,' 'The Rink,' and 'Kiss of the Spider Woman.' She was part of the original casts of 'Guys and Dolls' and 'Mr. Wonderful' as well. Rivera received prestigious honors for her contributions to the arts, including the Kennedy Center Honors in 2002, the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2009, and the 2018 Special Tony Award for lifetime achievement in the theater. In 2020, she published her memoir, 'Chita: A Memoir.'
Tributes and Fond Remembrances
Numerous artists and performers paid tribute to Chita Rivera following her passing. Lin-Manuel Miranda, director of 'Tick, Tick... Boom!,' described her as a trailblazer and shared a special behind-the-scenes moment from filming. Rita Moreno, who won an Academy Award for playing Anita in the 1961 film adaptation of 'West Side Story,' honored Rivera's legacy and expressed her admiration. Catherine Zeta-Jones, who portrayed Velma Kelly in the film adaptation of 'Chicago,' spoke of the tremendous impact Rivera had on her life. Other notable figures, including Ariana DeBose and Stephanie Pope, also shared heartfelt tributes, emphasizing Rivera's exceptional talent and influence on the theater community. Rivera's funeral will be a private ceremony.
