At the age of 91, Chita Rivera, a distinguished personality from Puerto Rico and also an actress, vocalist, and performer who originated the role of Anita in the original Broadway production of West Side Story in 1957, has departed.
The role that brought Rivera renown went on to elevate two other performers – Rita Moreno and Ariana Debose, who both received Oscars for their roles in two distinct film adaptations of the Broadway musical.
Chita Rivera – who dominated Broadway stages as the original Anita, Rosie, and Velma – has passed away. Despite reaching 91, I had nurtured the hope of watching her performance at least once more. She exuded the kind of vigor that felt ceaselessly and unbelievably renewable. Farewell to a brilliant force. pic.com/qGU2qNaoUJ
— Ben Brantley (@BenjBrantley) January 30, 2024
A statement released on Tuesday by her publicist, Merle Frimark, conveyed: “Lisa Mordente, the daughter of Chita Rivera, shares the passing of her beloved mother who peacefully departed in New York after a brief illness.” No further details were provided.
Rivera was also acclaimed for her portrayal of Velma Kelly in the original Broadway production of Chicago and the lead character in Kiss of the Spider Woman. She commenced her career in 1952 in Call Me Madam and Guys and Dolls, followed by Can-Can and Mr. Wonderful in 1954 before assuming the role that would become her most prominent, West Side Story, in 1957.
As a Broadway Baby (and fellow Puerto Rican) born & raised – this loss is monumental for me. 💔 She was one of my earliest “Sheroes”. Oh Chita… 😭 THANK YOU for Rosie, Anita, Velma Kelly & the Spider Woman. YOU were Heaven then, nowadays & forever… RIP #ChitaRivera @Chita_Rivera pic.com/6QiCUfHQ5S
— Joan & The Roses 🌹💋✨ (@JoanAndTheRoses) January 30, 2024
Throughout her illustrious career, spanning over six decades, she earned two Tony Awards – for Rink and Kiss of the Spider Woman – and garnered ten nominations. She also received a Lifetime Achievement in Theater Award from the Tony Awards in 2018.
In 2009, Rivera was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by then-President Barack Obama, the highest civilian honor in the U.S. She was also presented with a Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre in 2018.
Furthermore, as proof of her enduring influence on the realm of Broadway, the most notable accolades for dance and choreographic excellence in Broadway, Off-Broadway, and cinema are now known as the Chita Rivera Awards.
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