Latina Broadway legend Chita Rivera dies at 91

Broadway icon Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero Anderson, best known by her stage name Chita Rivera, passed away on January 30 at 91. The American actress, singer, and dancer was widely recognized for her performances in various live musicals, TV shows and films, but most notably for her role as Anita in the 1957 Broadway musical “West Side Story.”

Portraying Anita marked a significant turning point in Rivera's career, launching her into the spotlight at a time when Latinas were woefully underrepresented on stage. Growing up in a family of five siblings, Rivera experienced the loss of her father at seven years old, leaving her mother to raise the family on her own. Despite these challenges, Rivera displayed an exceptional talent for dance from a young age and was eventually awarded a scholarship to train at the prestigious School of American Ballet in Manhattan when she was only 16. 

Rivera's rigorous training at the school helped refine her skills and shape her into the performer she would become. Through years of dedication and hard work, Rivera became one of the most influential and celebrated figures in the world of live performance, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and captivate audiences to this day.

Rivera’s talent and versatility won her recognition early in her career. She starred in a number of notable Broadway shows including “Bye Bye Birdie” (1961), “Chicago” (1975), “Merlin” (1983), “the Rink”(1984), “Kiss of the Spiderwoman” (1993), the latter two earning her a Tony win for Best Performance by Lead Actress in a Musical. 

Rivera later expanded her artistic repertoire by venturing into the world of movies and television. She made a memorable appearance in the film adaptation of “Chicago” (2002) and more recently in “Tick, Tick... Boom!” (2021). Her impressive career spanned several decades and showcased her ability to captivate audiences across various mediums.

During her illustrious career, Rivera made an undeniable mark in the world of performance arts. In recognition of her lifetime contributions to the field, she was bestowed with the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors in 2002, becoming the first-ever Latina to receive this honor. Additionally, her tireless efforts to bring about positive change in society earned her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009, which was presented to her by then-President Barack Obama. Chita Rivera was undoubtedly a trailblazer for the Latino community, whose work will continue to inspire generations to come.