Broadway legend Chita Rivera, best known for her iconic role as Anita in the original 1957 Broadway cast of “West Side Story,” has passed away at the age of 91. Rivera, a trailblazer for other Latinas aspiring to the Broadway stage, received 10 Tony nominations and won twice during her illustrious career. In 2018, she was honored with a special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in Theatre.
Born in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 23, 1933, Rivera was the daughter of a single mother, and she began training as a dancer from a young age. She won a scholarship to the prestigious School of American Ballet at the age of 16 and began dancing at Manhattan’s Palladium nightclub.
Throughout her career, Rivera starred in hit shows such as “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Guys and Dolls,” “Chicago,” and “Kiss of the Spider Woman.” She was the first Latina to be awarded the Kennedy Center Honors in 2002 and was also presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009 by then-President Barack Obama for her contributions to the performing arts.
Rivera was widely celebrated not only for her talent but also for her trailblazing spirit and impact on the Broadway community. Her death has been met with an outpouring of condolences and tributes from fellow actors and celebrities. Rita Moreno, who played Anita in the film version of “West Side Story,” praised Rivera’s enduring legacy, while actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth shared her admiration for Rivera’s talent and spirit.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul lauded Rivera for shattering glass ceilings and paving the way for the next generation of performers. Actor Jason Alexander also expressed his deep admiration for Rivera, calling her one of the best colleagues he had ever worked alongside.
Chita Rivera’s passing represents an immense loss for the Broadway community and beyond. Her legacy as a pioneering Latina performer and her remarkable contributions to the world of theater will undoubtedly live on for years to come.
Summery :
-Chita Rivera, best known for her role in the original 1957 Broadway cast of “West Side Story,” passed away at the age of 91.
-She was a trailblazing performer who paved the way for other Latinas to have successful careers on Broadway.
-She earned 10 Tony nominations and won twice. She received a special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in Theatre in 2018.
-She was the first Latina to receive a Kennedy Center Honors and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009.
-Her death provoked an outpouring of tributes and condolences from friends, colleagues, and fans.
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