Chita Rivera Obituary, Death: – Chita Rivera, the renowned dancer, singer, and actress who paved the way for Latina artists in a remarkable Broadway career, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 91. Her daughter, Lisa Mordente, announced Rivera’s death, revealing that she passed away in New York after a brief illness. Rivera rose to prominence in 1957 when she portrayed Anita in the original production of “West Side Story,” captivating audiences with her exceptional talent.
Even after half a century, in 2015’s “The Visit,” she continued to grace the Broadway stage with her trademark energy and passion. In an interview with The Associated Press, Rivera expressed her deep connection to performing, stating, “I wouldn’t know what to do if I wasn’t moving or telling a story to you or singing a song. That’s the spirit of my life, and I’m really so fortunate to be able to pursue my passion, even at this stage of my life.” Recognizing her immense contributions to the arts, Rivera was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States, in August 2009.
She received two Tony Awards during her illustrious career, winning for her performances in “The Rink” in 1984 and “Kiss of the Spider Woman” in 1993. Additionally, she received seven other nominations for the prestigious award. During her acceptance speech for the Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2018, Rivera expressed her unwavering love for the theater, stating, “I wouldn’t trade my life in the theater for anything, because theater is life.” Born Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero on January 23, 1933, in Washington, D.C., Rivera hailed from a diverse heritage. Her father, Pedro del Rivero, was a Puerto Rican musician who played in the U.S. Navy Band, while her mother had Scottish and Italian roots.
Tragically, her father passed away when she was just seven years old. Rivera’s journey in the performing arts began with dance classes, eventually leading her to the prestigious School of American Ballet in New York. At the age of 17, she embarked on her first theater endeavor with the touring company of “Call Me Madam.” This paved the way for chorus roles in renowned shows like “Guys and Dolls” and “Can-Can.”
Early in her career, Rivera made notable appearances on the New York stage, including roles in the 1955 musical adaptation of “Seventh