Chita Rivera, the iconic Broadway star who achieved 10 Tony nominations and won twice, passed away at the age of 91 on Tuesday. Her daughter, Lisa Mordente, confirmed Rivera’s death, stating that she died in New York after a brief illness.
Rivera’s illustrious career in the world of Broadway began to flourish in 1957 when she gained widespread recognition for her role as Anita in the original production of “West Side Story.” Remarkably, she continued to grace the Broadway stage with her dynamic energy even half a century later, featuring in 2015’s “The Visit.”
Reflecting on her enduring passion for performance, Rivera once expressed, “I wouldn’t know what to do if I wasn’t moving or telling a story to you or singing a song. That’s the spirit of my life, and I’m really so lucky to be able to do what I love, even at this time in my life.”
Rivera’s contributions to Broadway were not only marked by her exceptional talent but also by her significant role in paving the way for Latina artists. She collaborated with some of Broadway’s greatest talents, including Jerome Robbins, Leonard Bernstein, Bob Fosse, and others.
Her journey wasn’t without challenges, as a near-fatal car accident in 1988 crushed her right leg. However, Rivera proved to be an indefatigable force, returning to the stage and earning a Tony nomination for her roles in “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” in 2012 and “The Visit” in 2014.
Her Tony victories came for “The Rink” in 1984 and “Kiss of the Spider Woman” in 1993. Receiving a Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2018, she declared, “I wouldn’t trade my life in the theater for anything because theater is life.”
Throughout her career, Rivera received a total of 10 Tony nominations, with additional recognitions for “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Chicago,” “Bring Back Birdie,” “Merlin,” “Jerry’s Girls,” “Nine,” and “Chita Rivera: The Dancer’s Life.”
Her albums include 16 tracks from original cast recordings and two solo CDs, showcasing her versatile talent. In 1993, she portrayed the title role in the musical “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” earning acclaim for her performance as a glamorous movie star in the fantasy life of an inmate in a South American prison.
Rivera’s remarkable resilience and commitment to her craft were evident in her post-accident return to the stage, showcasing her determination to keep dancing. Despite the setback, she continued to captivate audiences with her unparalleled stage presence.
Lin-Manuel Miranda, the renowned Broadway songwriter and performer, expressed the joy of including Rivera in his 2021 film adaptation of “Tick, Tick… Boom.” Her presence in the film, according to Miranda, remains one of the all-time joys of his life.
Born on January 23, 1933, as Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero in Washington, D.C., Rivera’s heritage included Puerto Rican and Scottish-Italian roots. She began her journey into the arts at a young age, taking dance classes and later joining the prestigious School of American Ballet in New York.
Rivera’s impact extended beyond her performances, as demonstrated in her 2023 memoir, “Chita: A Memoir,” where she introduced her self-proclaimed alter ego, Dolores. Unapologetic and fiery, Dolores served as Rivera’s unfiltered motivation during times of self-doubt.
The Broadway community and fans around the world mourn the loss of this legendary artist, recognizing Chita Rivera’s enduring legacy as a trailblazer, a Tony-winning powerhouse, and a symbol of resilience in the world of performing arts.