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    Televisión Y Películas

    Chita Rivera, The Broadway Star From Puerto Rico Passes Away At 91

    Image Source: lev radin / Shutterstock

    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.

    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.

    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.

    Image Source: lev radin / Shutterstock

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