Remembering Chita Rivera: Broadway’s Trailblazing Triple Threat, Passes Away at 91

Rivera received a Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2018 in addition to winning Tony Awards for her performances in “The Rink” in 1984 and “Kiss of the Spider Woman” in 1993.

Chita Rivera, the luminary of Broadway with appearances in more than 20 musicals spanning six decades, has passed away at 91, as confirmed by her daughter, Lisa Mordente. Rivera, a three-time Tony Award winner, etched unforgettable characters on stage including Anita in West Side Story, Rose in Bye Bye Birdie, Velma Kelly in Chicago, and Aurora in Kiss of the Spiderwoman.

According to Laurence Maslon, co-producer of the PBS series Broadway: The American Musical, Rivera epitomized everything Broadway stood for. Maslon described her as spontaneous, compelling, and immensely talented, leaving an indelible mark throughout her career.

Contrary to expectations, Chita Rivera’s journey into Broadway didn’t begin in childhood. Born Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero in Washington, D.C., she revealed her childhood as a tomboy in a Screen Actors Guild Foundation interview, where her mother enrolled her in ballet classes to channel her energy.

Rivera’s transition from ballet to Broadway occurred unexpectedly when she secured a role in the touring production of Call Me Madam after attending an audition with a friend. Her breakthrough came in 1957 with the role of Anita in West Side Story, a performance that showcased her exceptional dancing, acting, and singing abilities.

Despite a setback from a serious taxi accident in 1986 which left her left leg shattered, Rivera defied the odds and continued her career, adapting her performances to accommodate her physical limitations. Her dedication to the stage garnered numerous accolades, including Tony Awards, a Kennedy Center honor, and a Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Maslon emphasized Rivera’s commitment to the stage, noting that she remained devoted solely to Broadway, cementing her status as a true theatre legend. As he aptly summarized, witnessing Broadway legends like Rivera live on stage remains an unparalleled experience, encapsulating the essence of their artistry and talent.