Chita Rivera, the iconic and pioneering Broadway star known for her unparalleled contributions to the world of musical theater, has sadly passed away at the age of 91.
The news of her passing was confirmed by her daughter, Lisa Mordente, who revealed that Rivera died in New York City on January 30.
"It is with great sadness that Lisa Mordente, the daughter of Chita Rivera, announces the death of her beloved mother who died peacefully in New York after a brief illness," the statement read, per The Guardian.
Rivera - originally born as Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero Anderson - leaves behind an extraordinary legacy that has forever marked the Broadway stage. Her impact on the entertainment industry is immeasurable, as she was not only a remarkable talent but also a trailblazer for Latina artists.
Rivera's groundbreaking career reached remarkable heights, with notable accomplishments that include originating iconic roles in some of Broadway's most beloved productions. In 1957, she made history as the first person to portray Anita in West Side Story.
Among her extensive list of achievements, Rivera earned an astounding 10 Tony Award nominations spanning six decades. She emerged victorious in the Best Actress in a Musical category for her exceptional performances in Kiss of the Spider Woman and The Rink. These accolades solidified her status as one of Broadway's most celebrated and honored stars.
Throughout her illustrious career, Rivera's Broadway credits include unforgettable roles in productions like Bye Bye Birdie, Chicago, Threepenny Opera, Kiss Me Kate, and Sweet Charity, to name just a few.
In addition to her stage career, Rivera continued to share her talents with audiences through intimate shows, often accompanied by her daughter, Lisa. She even performed alongside her own piano, bass, and drums trio, demonstrating her enduring passion for entertaining.
Rivera's remarkable journey was not limited to the stage; she also chronicled her life and experiences in a 2023 memoir titled Chita: A Memoir.
Reflecting on her illustrious career, Rivera once shared her pre-show routine with The Guardian, saying: "The only time my door would close would be just before I went on and I said my prayers. I would say the Our Father, the Hail Mary and the Act of Contrition. Then I’d go off to be crazy!"
Rivera is survived by her daughter, Lisa, and her siblings Julio, Armando, and Lola del Rivero. Her older sister, Carmen, predeceased her.
Our thoughts go out to Rivera's fans, family, and friends at this time.
