Broadway Legend Chita Rivera’s Remarkable Journey Remembered
In a tribute to the Broadway legend Chita Rivera, who passed away at the age of 91, we reflect on her extraordinary life and the indomitable spirit that defined her career.
Chita, renowned for originating the role of Anita in the timeless classic West Side Story in 1957, continued to dazzle audiences even during her pregnancy. Her daughter, Lisa Mordente, announced her passing on Tuesday, Jan. 30, leaving a void in the world of theater.
In a candid interview last year on CBS’s Sunday Morning, Chita shared an amusing anecdote about her pregnancy and dedication to her craft. She recalled her gynecologist’s shock at seeing her dance onstage while six months pregnant. “Yes. My gynecologist had a heart attack when he finally saw the show. But I had kept in shape,” she humorously remarked.
Chita’s journey as a dancer undoubtedly played a significant role in her life. When asked if her time as a dancer “helped [her] to survive stardom,” she responded, “I do believe that being a dancer gave me the ability to fight, and to withstand, and to cope. If I come back, I want to come back a dancer. That would be my second life.”
Throughout her groundbreaking career, Chita earned an impressive 10 Tony Award nominations, winning two for her remarkable performances in The Rink and Kiss of the Spider Woman. In 2018, she received a Lifetime Achievement honor, cementing her status as a true Broadway icon. Her contributions to musical theater also include unforgettable roles in Bye, Bye Birdie and Chicago.
Chita’s daughter, Lisa, revealed that the legendary performer passed away peacefully in New York after a brief illness. She is survived by her siblings Julio, Armando, and Lola del Rivero, although her older sister Carmen predeceased her.
In a poignant interview with The Guardian, Chita reflected on her upbringing and its influence on her life. Growing up as one of five children, she learned resilience early on. “You learn how to defend yourself when you’re one of five, you know? You want to survive — and survive joyfully. There’s nothing better than a good laugh.”
Her childhood aspirations took an unexpected turn when she fell through a coffee table as a spirited young child. Raised in a devout Catholic household, Rivera initially envisioned a future as a nun. “I was quite comfortable looking forward to being a nun,” she confessed. “Most young Catholic girls have that feeling. But then I went and fell through the coffee table, and my mother put me in ballet school.”
In a 2023 AARP Magazine profile, the entertainer expressed her deepest pride in her dance skills, despite her accomplishments as a singer and actress. “I still prefer being called a dancer. I come from the chorus and the family that comes with being a part of the show,” she emphasized.
