Chita Rivera

Chita Rivera: biography

Chita Rivera is a Tony Award-winning American actress, singer, and dancer. She is best known for her work in musical theater, particularly for her roles in such landmark shows as "West Side Story," "Chicago," and "Kiss of the Spider Woman."

Childhood and youth

Chita Rivera was born on January 23, 1933, in Washington, D.C. Her birth name is Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero Anderson. Her father, Pedro Julio Figueroa del Rivero, was a Puerto Rican musician and her mother, Katherine Anderson, was of Scottish and Italian descent.

Rivera's family moved frequently during her childhood, due to her father's work as a musician. She spent time living in places such as Baltimore, Maryland, and New York City. Despite the frequent moves, Rivera developed a love of dance at a young age and began taking ballet lessons when she was just nine years old.

At the age of 15, Rivera was awarded a scholarship to study at George Balanchine's School of American Ballet. She also studied at the Ballet Arts School, where she was mentored by legendary choreographer Jerome Robbins.

After completing her studies, Rivera began her career as a dancer in the chorus of Broadway shows. She quickly made a name for herself as a talented performer and was soon cast in more prominent roles. In 1957, she landed the role of Anita in the original Broadway production of "West Side Story," which marked her breakthrough.

Throughout her youth and into her adulthood, Rivera faced challenges as a person of color in the entertainment industry. Despite these obstacles, she persisted and became a trailblazer, paving the way for other Latinx performers in theater and beyond.

Stage and movie career

Chita Rivera has had a long and illustrious career as a performer in the entertainment industry. She began her career as a dancer in the chorus of Broadway shows in the 1950s, but quickly moved on to more prominent roles. Her breakthrough came in 1957, when she landed the role of Anita in the original Broadway production of "West Side Story." Rivera's performance in the show earned her critical acclaim and a Tony Award nomination.

Over the course of her career, Rivera has appeared in numerous Broadway shows, including "Bye Bye Birdie," "Chicago," and "Kiss of the Spider Woman." She has received ten Tony Award nominations, winning two for her performances in "The Rink" and "Kiss of the Spider Woman." She has also received several other accolades for her work in theater, including the Drama Desk Award and the Theatre World Award.

In addition to her work on stage, Rivera has also appeared in films and television shows. She made her film debut in 1969 in "Sweet Charity" and went on to appear in other movies, including "The White House" and "Chicago." On television, she has made guest appearances on shows such as "Will & Grace," "The Sopranos," and "Great Performances."

Throughout her career, Rivera has been known for her exceptional dancing skills and her powerful performances. She has often played strong, independent women and has been an inspiration to many other performers, particularly those of Latinx heritage. In 2009, Rivera was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States.

Despite her numerous achievements, Rivera has also faced challenges in her career. In 1986, she was injured in a car accident that left her with multiple fractures and a punctured lung. She made a full recovery, however, and returned to the stage.

Today, Rivera continues to be a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. She has been inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame and the Kennedy Center Honors, and her legacy as a performer and trailblazer continues to inspire generations of artists.

Personal life

Chita Rivera was married to dancer Tony Mordente, whom she met while performing in the original Broadway production of "West Side Story." They were married from 1957 to 1966 and have one daughter together, Lisa Mordente, who is also a performer.

Outside of her personal life, Rivera has been an advocate for various causes. She has been involved with organizations such as Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and has been a supporter of the LGBT community. In 2011, she participated in a benefit concert for victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Rivera remains an icon in the entertainment industry and a beloved figure to many. She has been recognized for her contributions to theater and beyond, and her legacy as a performer and trailblazer continues to inspire others.

Filmography

It's worth noting that Rivera is primarily known for her work in theater, having appeared in numerous Broadway shows throughout her career. She has received several Tony Award nominations and has won two, for her performances in "The Rink" and "Kiss of the Spider Woman."

Stage appearances:

• Guys and Dolls (1950) - Broadway
• Can-Can (1953) - Broadway
• Seventh Heaven (1955) - Broadway
• Mr. Wonderful (1956) - Broadway
• West Side Story (1957) - Broadway
• Bye Bye Birdie (1960) - Broadway
• Bajour (1964) - Broadway
• Chicago (1975) - Broadway
• Merlin (1983) - Broadway
• Jerry's Girls (1985) - Broadway
• Kiss of the Spider Woman (1993) - Broadway
• Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life (2005) - Broadway
• The Visit (2015) - Broadway

Film:

• Sweet Charity (1969)
• Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1978)
• He Makes Me Feel Like Dancin' (1983)
• Chicago (2002)
• Broadway: The Golden Age, by the Legends Who Were There (2003)
• Kalamazoo? (2006)
• Carol Channing: Larger Than Life (2012)
• Tick, Tick... Boom! (2021)

Television:

• The Maurice Chevalier Show (1956)
• The Gary Moore Show (1960)
• The Judy Garland Show (1963)
• The Outer Limits (1964)
• The Carol Burnett Show (1971)
• The New Dick Van Dyke Show (1973-1974)
• Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child (1997)
• Will & Grace (2005)
• Johnny and the Sprites (2008)
• Submissions Only (2011)

Awards

Here is a list of some of Chita Rivera's notable awards and honors:

• Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical - "Bye Bye Birdie" (1961)
• Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Performance - "The Rink" (1984)
• Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical - "The Rink" (1984)
• Kennedy Center Honors (2002)
• Presidential Medal of Freedom (2009)
• Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical - "Kiss of the Spider Woman" (1993) - Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre (2018)