New York, January 31, 2024 – Chita Rivera, the trailblazing musical theater legend known for her iconic roles on Broadway, including Anita in “West Side Story,” has passed away at the age of 91. Rivera, a petite, raven-haired dancer, singer, and actress, made history as the first Hispanic woman to receive a Kennedy Center Honor in 2002 and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009.
It is with great sadness that Lisa Mordente, the daughter of Chita Rivera, announces the death of her beloved mother who died peacefully on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 in New York after a brief illness,” her daughter Lisa said in a statement.
A Remarkable Career in the Spotlight
Rivera, born Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero on January 23, 1933, in Washington, D.C., began her journey in the world of performing arts at a young age. She studied ballet and earned a scholarship to George Balanchine’s School of American Ballet in New York. Her Broadway career took off when she joined the touring company of “Call Me Madam” on a whim, showcasing her versatility and talent.
Broadway Triumphs and Tony Awards
From her early days in 1950s Broadway musicals like “Guys and Dolls” and “Can-Can,” Rivera evolved into a Tony-winning actress, clinching awards for her roles in “The Rink” (1984) and “Kiss of the Spider Woman” (1993). Her portrayal of Anita in the original 1957 production of “West Side Story” made her a star and left an indelible mark on American musical theater.
Overcoming Adversity
Rivera’s resilience shone through in 1986 when a car accident left her with a compound leg fracture during her appearance in “Jerry’s Girls.” Despite doctors’ predictions, she not only recovered but continued to dazzle audiences, winning her second Tony for “Kiss of the Spider Woman” in 1993.
Legacy and Recognition
In a career spanning nearly seven decades, Rivera received numerous accolades, including a special Tony for Lifetime Achievement in 2018. Celebrated playwright Terrence McNally praised her as “a walking history book of the golden age of American musical theater.”
Lasting Impact
Rivera’s influence extended beyond Broadway, as she appeared in films like “Sweet Charity” (1969) and “Chicago” (2002) and regularly featured on TV entertainment shows. Even in her mid-70s, she showcased her enduring talent in “Chita Rivera: The Dancer’s Life,” a stage show blending music, dance, and storytelling.
A Life Well-Lived
In her 2011 interview with AARP, Rivera expressed her youthful outlook, saying, “You really never know what the next day brings you.” Her legacy lives on in the hearts of theater enthusiasts, and her contributions to American musical theater will continue to inspire generations to come.
Chita Rivera leaves behind a legacy as a Broadway icon, a trailblazer, and a source of inspiration for artists around the world.
