Broadway legend Chita Rivera dies at 91

Chita Rivera, one of the most celebrated and versatile performers in Broadway history, died on Tuesday at the age of 91 after a brief illness, according to her daughter Lisa Mordente.

Rivera was a two-time Tony Award winner and a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honor and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She was also the first Latina and the first Latino American to receive both honors.

Rivera was born in Washington, D.C. in 1933 to a Puerto Rican father and a mother of Scottish, Irish, and African-American descent. She began her ballet training at the age of nine and later attended the School of American Ballet in New York. She made her Broadway debut as a dancer in Guys and Dolls in 1950 and went on to star in numerous musicals, originating iconic roles such as Anita in West Side Story, Velma Kelly in Chicago, and the title role in Kiss of the Spider Woman.

Rivera was known for her charisma, technique, and passion as a singer, dancer, and actress. She was dubbed “Broadway’s first great triple threat” by the New York Times. She collaborated with some of the most renowned composers, lyricists, directors, and choreographers in the industry, such as Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, John Kander, Fred Ebb, and Jerome Robbins. She also appeared in films, television shows, and cabaret shows throughout her career.

Rivera was nominated for 10 Tony Awards, winning for her performances in The Rink in 1984 and Kiss of the Spider Woman in 1993. She was also honored with a special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2018. She continued to perform on stage until her late 80s, earning rave reviews for her role in The Visit in 2015.

Rivera was widely admired and respected by her peers and fans. She was praised for her trailblazing achievements as a Latina artist and her resilience after overcoming a near-fatal car accident in 1986 that left her with a broken leg. She was also known for her generosity and kindness, supporting various causes and mentoring young performers.

Rivera is survived by her daughter Lisa, a singer and actress, and her grandchildren. She will be remembered as a legend of the American musical theatre and a beloved icon of the Broadway community.