Chita Rivera, the legendary triple threat of Broadway, passes away at the age of 91.

Chita Rivera, the renowned star of “West Side Story” and a pioneering figure for Latinas, passes away at the age of 91.

Chita Rivera, the renowned Broadway actress who graced the stage in more than 20 musicals throughout her illustrious career spanning six decades, has passed away at the age of 91, as confirmed by her daughter, Lisa Mordente. With her exceptional talent, Rivera left an indelible mark on Broadway, portraying iconic characters such as Anita in West Side Story, Rose in Bye Bye Birdie, Velma Kelly in Chicago, and Aurora in Kiss of the Spiderwoman, earning her three Tony Awards.

Laurence Maslon, co-producer of the acclaimed 2004 PBS series Broadway: The American Musical, aptly describes Rivera as the epitome of what Broadway represents – a spontaneous, captivating, and immensely talented performer who left an everlasting impression on all who had the privilege of witnessing her brilliance on stage.

Chita Rivera may appear to have been a Broadway enthusiast since her early years, but that is not the case. Despite being born as Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero in Washington, D.C., she revealed during a Screen Actors Guild Foundation interview that she was actually a tomboy who often exasperated her mother. In an attempt to channel her boundless energy, her mother decided to enroll her in ballet classes, a decision for which Chita Rivera remains immensely thankful.

Rivera’s dedication to ballet paid off when she earned a prestigious full scholarship to the renowned School of American Ballet in New York. However, her path took an unexpected turn when she accompanied a friend to an audition for the touring production of the Broadway show Call Me Madam and ended up securing a role herself. This marked a significant shift from ballet to the world of Broadway. It was in 1957 that Rivera truly made her mark, landing the breakout role of Anita in West Side Story, a musical with a captivating score composed by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim.

Rivera expressed her astonishment at the mention of ‘America’ and its captivating rhythm during an interview with NPR in 2007, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the musical. She eagerly anticipated the opportunity to perform the song, considering it a formidable task. As a Latin individual, she found the sound of ‘America’ to be inviting and inclusive.

Chita Rivera’s involvement in West Side Story provided her with the opportunity to showcase not just her impressive dancing skills, but also her talent in acting and singing. She fondly remembers the time when Leonard Bernstein personally taught her the score. Sitting beside him, she vividly recalls him starting with ‘A Boy Like That’ and patiently guiding her through it. Despite her initial doubts, she expressed her uncertainty about hitting the high notes and her lack of knowledge on how to do so.

According to Maslon, Rivera possessed the remarkable ability to sing, act, and dance, which made her an invaluable asset in the world of Broadway. She was hailed as the first exceptional triple threat, and renowned directors like Jerome Robbins and Bob Fosse recognized the importance of having performers who excelled in all three disciplines.

From 1960 to 2013, Chita Rivera took center stage in numerous successful productions, although she also experienced some notable failures. In 1986, she endured a severe taxi accident that left her left leg shattered. Despite doctors’ predictions that she would never dance again, Rivera defied the odds and found a way to continue her passion, albeit in a different manner.

In 2005, during an interview with NPR, she emphasized the importance of being realistic. She mentioned that she no longer performs flying splits or back flips, and she no longer desires to do so. However, despite these changes, her fame never waned. She received numerous accolades, such as multiple Tony Awards, including one for lifetime achievement, a Kennedy Center honor, and a Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Unlike many performers, Chita Rivera focused primarily on stage productions, demonstrating her unwavering dedication. As Maslon explains, Broadway legends like her are best experienced live, as their unique essence cannot be replicated in any other medium.