Broadway icon Chita Rivera, known for her groundbreaking performances in musicals such as West Side Story, has passed away at 91. Renowned as a “triple threat,” her legacy as a trailblazing star of the stage will be deeply honored and remembered.
The trailblazing “triple threat” is known for Chita Rivera pioneering roles in iconic musicals like West Side Story.
The Tony Award-winning performer has enjoyed a thriving theater career that has endured for almost seven decades.
Among her standout performances are Anita in West Side Story, Velma in Chicago, and Rose in Bye Bye Birdie.
Rita Moreno, famous for her portrayal of Anita in the initial film adaptation of West Side Story in 1961, spearheaded the accolades, lauding her as “the epitome of Broadway.”
“While penning these words, I raise a toast to this extraordinary woman and companion,” expressed the 92-year-old in a tribute posted on Instagram.
Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of Hamilton, hailed Rivera as a “pioneer” who embodied numerous “memorable Broadway characters due to her unparalleled uniqueness”.
Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber commented that she “transformed the term ‘theatrical legend’.”
Born in 1933 in Washington DC, Rivera hailed from a mixed heritage, with a Puerto Rican father and a mother of Scottish and Irish descent.
Her journey in Broadway commenced during the 1950s, securing roles in notable productions such as Can-Can and Mr Wonderful.
In 1957, she graced the original cast of West Side Story, a performance that propelled her towards Broadway stardom.
Shortly after, Rivera earned a Tony Award nomination for her role in the musical Bye Bye Birdie, alongside Dick Van Dyke, who lauded her as “the best that ever was”.
Decades later, Rivera captivated audiences with her portrayal of vaudeville performer Velma Kelly in the iconic production of Chicago.
Catherine Zeta-Jones, who earned an Oscar for her portrayal of Velma on screen, expressed on Instagram the profound impact Chita Rivera has had on her life. Zeta-Jones shared sentiments of admiring Rivera since childhood, meeting her, and feeling deeply connected through portraying Velma Kelly in Chicago.
Zeta-Jones emphasized Rivera’s unparalleled talent, referring to her as a singular figure in the realm of performance. She expressed love and admiration for Rivera, suggesting dimming the lights on Broadway or metaphorically pulling the plug in her honor. Rivera, celebrated as a “triple-threat” for her prowess in singing, dancing, and acting, blazed trails for Latina women throughout her illustrious Broadway career.
Rivera’s final Broadway appearance occurred in 2015 in The Visit, where she shared the stage with the late Roger Rees, a Welsh actor and director.
Colleagues and friends of Rivera fondly recalled her remarkable stage presence and remarkable accomplishments.
Actor Jason Alexander shared on X, “Chita Rivera, incomparable in every sense, was one of the most exceptional spirits and collaborators I’ve had the privilege to know. She set the standard in every aspect, and her memory will always be cherished.”
Actress Mia Farrow described her as “a genuine Broadway icon.”
Reflecting on Rivera’s impact, Ms. Farrow expressed on X, “Those fortunate enough to have witnessed any of her performances will carry the memory forever.”
The Tony Awards hailed her as a “legend of Broadway,” noting that her elegance, talent, and fervor left an indelible impression on the theater world.
Rivera’s contributions earned her two Tony Awards for Best Actress in a Musical, honoring her performances in The Rink and Kiss of the Spider Woman. Additionally, she received eight nominations.
In 2002, Rivera became the inaugural Latina recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors, recognizing her lifetime achievements in the performing arts.
She also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, bestowed upon her by former President Barack Obama in 2009, in acknowledgment of her role as a transformative figure.
Rivera received a lifetime Tony Award in 2018. Her autobiography, Chita: A Memoir, published last year, soared to the top of the New York Times bestseller list.
Her daughter, Lisa Mordente, confirmed she passed away peacefully in New York after a brief illness.
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