Chita Rivera, an actress who did many things and had roles on Broadway for more than 70 years, has died. At the time, she was 91.
“It is with profound personal sorrow that I inform you of the demise of the cherished Broadway legend Chita Rivera.” “My 91-year-old dear friend was 91 years old,” her representative Merle Primark said in a Tuesday statement.
As per a statement issued by her daughter Lisa Mordente, Rivera passed away “after a brief illness” in New York.
“In addition to her numerous nieces, nephews, and friends, she is survived by her siblings Julio, Armando, and Lola del Rivero (her older sister Carmen predeceased her).” In private, her funeral will take place. “A memorial service will be announced at a later date,” the statement continues, requesting that any bequests be made to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS in her honor.
Chita Rivera was bestowed with the esteemed Kennedy Centre Honour. Throughout her illustrious career, she also was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Barack Obama in 2009 and two Tony Awards for Best Featured Actress in a Musical.
Thirty roles have been cast in her Broadway productions since 1950, including West Side Story, Guys and Dolls, Can-Can, Merlin, and Kiss of the Spider Woman.
She also portrayed the original Velma Kelly in the 1975 Broadway production of Chicago, and for the production’s 25th anniversary, she performed in Toronto, Las Vegas, and London as leading lady Roxie Hart.
Born in Washington, D.C., Rivera commenced her theatrical education at the age of eleven, after her mother enrolled her in the Jones-Haywood School of Ballet. She subsequently traveled to New York City for an audition at the School of American Ballet, directed by George Balanchine.
Chita Rivera disclosed in a 2009 interview with the Associated Press that she and her four siblings were “extremely, extremely close.” She recalled that their “extremely strict” father passed away when she was seven years old. “Had he been alive, it remained uncertain whether I would have been permitted to continue my education in New York at the age of 14 or accept a scholarship there.” “Who is certain?”
In the end, Rivera abandoned the prestigious School of American Ballet to pursue her ambitions on Broadway. She was cast in her first professional role, directed by Elaine Stritch, in a touring production of Call Me Madam, shortly thereafter.
Chita Rivera recently reflected on her career while being interviewed by CBS News, following the occasion of her 90th birthday.
“I always used to think that we should have two lifetimes: one to try it out, and the second one to know what’s coming,” she stated to the publication.
The discussion ensued after Rivera’s revival of the role of Anita in West Side Story, the character who catalyzed her Broadway career. Seth Rudetsky oversaw the performance, which took place at the New Jersey Performing Arts Centre.
“Hi, “Chita,” “How are you doing?” It’s wonderful to be here.’ Dolores inquires, “What do you desire?” A sinister aspect exists. It is my contention that Dolores is the catalyst for my professional success. She possesses the courage. “She is the embodiment of courage,” Rivera said of her alter persona.
The actress and singer then elaborated on how she came to be a performer after her boisterous childhood, during which she frequently scaled the furnishings in her family’s residence.
Chita Rivera recalled,
“I once missed, and I went through the coffee table.” “My mother then said, ‘That’s it; you’re leaving the premises. “You are enrolled in a ballet academy.”
Rivera subsequently co-starred in successful films with Liza Minnelli and Sammy Davis Jr. in The Rink and Mr. Wonderful, respectively.
“Observing Davis Jr. taught me so much,” she remarked of him in 2023 on The Tamron Hall Show.
Chita Rivera reflected on her accomplishments and disclosed to Hall that one award represented the pinnacle of her success. “When I was awarded the Kennedy Centre Honour, I honestly could not believe it.” I incessantly exclaimed, “They’ve made a mistake!”
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