Broadway legend Chita Rivera, known for her iconic performances in shows like “Chicago,” “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” and “Sweet Charity,” has passed away at the age of 91. Her longtime publicist, Merle Frimark, confirmed the news, stating that Rivera died peacefully in New York after a brief illness.
Rivera’s extraordinary career spanned decades and earned her a record 10 Tony Award nominations, with wins for “The Rink” and “Kiss of the Spider Woman.” She became synonymous with Broadway, starring in classics like “West Side Story” and “Bye Bye Birdie,” as well as renowned Bob Fosse productions such as “Chicago” and “All That Jazz.”
While primarily known for her stage work, Rivera also made notable appearances in movies and TV shows, including screen adaptations of “Sweet Charity” and “Chicago.” Her most recent screen credit was in Netflix’s 2021 movie “Tick, Tick… Boom!” where she appeared alongside other musical theater luminaries.
Rivera’s journey to stardom began in Washington, DC, where she started training as a ballerina at the age of 9. She later received a scholarship to the School of American Ballet from renowned choreographer George Balanchine. As a Puerto Rican artist, Rivera broke barriers and paved the way for Latinx performers in the industry. She originated the role of Anita in the original Broadway production of “West Side Story” in 1957.
Throughout her illustrious career, Rivera received numerous accolades, including being honored as a Kennedy Center honoree in 2002 and receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2009. In 2018, she was awarded the Special Tony Award for lifetime achievement in the theatre. Rivera also penned a memoir titled “Chita: A Memoir,” which was published last year.
Lin-Manuel Miranda, director of “Tick, Tick… Boom!,” paid tribute to Rivera, calling her a trailblazer for Puerto Rico on Broadway. He shared a heartwarming story of how Rivera’s presence on set brought him immense joy and described her as magnificent. Rita Moreno, who won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Anita in the 1961 film adaptation of “West Side Story,” referred to Rivera as eternal and the essence of Broadway.
Catherine Zeta-Jones, who won an Oscar for her role as Velma Kelly in the film adaptation of “Chicago,” which Rivera originated on Broadway, expressed the incredible impact Rivera had on her life. Zeta-Jones referred to Rivera as her queen and acknowledged that there will never be anyone like her.
Ariana DeBose, who recently won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Anita in Steven Spielberg’s remake of “West Side Story,” described Rivera as a force and someone who set high expectations for herself and others. DeBose expressed her heartbreak over Rivera’s passing but also felt inspired by her achievements.
Stephanie Pope, a Broadway actress and friend of Rivera, emphasized that Rivera will always be a legend and that she achieved a standard of excellence that others can only aspire to. The theater community and the world have lost a true star, Pope added.
Rivera is survived by her daughter Lisa Mordente and siblings Julio, Armando, and Lola del Rivero, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Her funeral will be a private affair.
In conclusion, Chita Rivera’s passing marks the end of an era in Broadway history. Her unparalleled talent, trailblazing spirit, and dedication to her craft have left an indelible mark on the world of musical theater. She will be remembered as a true icon and a source of inspiration for generations to come.