Chita Rivera, the legendary Broadway icon and two-time Tony Award winner, passed away at the age of 91 on Tuesday in New York City. The sad news was shared by her longtime publicist, Merle Frimark.
Lisa Mordente, Rivera's daughter, confirmed her mother's passing after a brief illness and requested privacy for the family. The global Broadway community and fans mourn the loss of this trailblazing performer who made an indelible mark on the world of theater.
Rivera's career spanned six decades, during which she showcased her extraordinary talents as a dancer, actor, and singer.
The icon's impact on Broadway was profound, as she set the standard for performers from her teenage debut in 'Guys and Dolls' in 1950 to her iconic roles in 'West Side Story,' 'Bye Bye Birdie,' and 'Chicago.'
"She was everything Broadway was meant to be. She was spontaneous and compelling and talented as hell for decades and decades on Broadway," Laurence Maslon, co-producer of the 2004 PBS series 'Broadway: The American Musical,' said. "Once you saw her, you never forgot her."
Rivera's contributions to Broadway extended beyond her performances. Rob Bowman, conductor and musical director for 'Chicago,' highlighted Rivera's role as a trailblazer, stating, "She blazed the trail for all the women you see on Broadway today."
Her impact on the Latinx community in the arts was significant. Rivera, of Puerto Rican descent, became one of Broadway's most notable triple-threats, paving the way for future Latinx artists.
In 1957, she introduced the timeless character of Anita in the original Broadway presentation of 'West Side Story.'
Rivera's journey to Broadway stardom was a testament to her passion and talent. Born in Washington, D.C., in 1933, Rivera began her training as a ballerina at the age of 9, earning a scholarship to the School of American Ballet from choreographer George Balanchine.
Her Broadway debut in 1950 marked the start of a prolific career. Her ability to seamlessly blend her talents earned her accolades, including 10 Tony Award nominations and the 2018 Special Tony Award for lifetime achievement in the theatre.
Broadway Pays Tribute
The current Broadway production of 'Chicago' paid tribute to Rivera on Tuesday night, acknowledging her lasting influence on the industry. Fans and fellow performers shared their memories and gratitude for Rivera's groundbreaking contributions.
Reflecting on his experience working with Rivera on 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' in 1993, Bowman recalled her infectious love for performing, stating, "Her love and her joy and passion for what she does just went through all of us."
Broadway enthusiasts gathered outside theaters to remember Rivera, recognizing her as a pioneer who paved the way for diversity and excellence on the stage.
Rivera's impact extended beyond Broadway, reaching into film and television. Despite facing challenges, such as a serious taxi accident in 1986, she continued to captivate audiences with her resilience and dedication to her craft.
In 2021, she made her final screen appearance in Netflix's 'Tick, Tick... Boom!' alongside other stage musical stars.
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