The alluring singer, dancer, and actress Chita Rivera, who ruled the Broadway stage for over 50 years, died at the age of 91.
“After fighting from a brief illness, Rivera passed away in New York on Tuesday”, according to a statement released by her daughter Lisa Mordente and received by The Hollywood Reporter.
Renowned for her elongated, elegant limbs, seductive emerald eyes, and powerful vocal range, the two-time Tony Award winner created a number of the most recognizable characters in musical theatre. When West Side Story made its debut in 1957, Rivera was singing about her experiences as a feisty transplant from Puerto Rico named Anita.
“When she let those limbs fly she was a one-woman spectacular, that every choreographer craved for,” West Side Story producer Harold Prince said. “Nobody has the same ability to act, sing, and dance as Chita Rivera”, added.
In addition, Rivera appeared in the Broadway original productions of Can-Can (1953), Seventh Heaven (1955), Mr. Wonderful (1956), Guys and Dolls (1950), Shinbone Alley (1957), Bring Back Birdie (1981), Merlin (1983), Jerry’s Girls (1985), and The Visit (2015).
Of all musical performers, Rivera garnered 10 Tony nominations. She received two wins, one in 1984 for The Rink and the other in 1993 for Kiss of the Spider Woman, both for Kander & Ebb productions.
Rivera tied the knot with Tony Mordente, an actor who went on to become a TV producer and director, from 1957 until 1966. For the musical Marlowe, their daughter was nominated for a 1982 Tony Award for Best Actress.
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Despite appearing to be always performing on a stage, Rivera managed to make time for movies and TV shows. Her noteworthy feature film credits include Kalamazoo. (2006), Still Waiting in the Wings (2017), Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1978), Sweet Charity (1969) and much more.
There is no doubt that this multi-performer has contributed to the film industry.
