Broadway mourns the loss of the iconic Chita Rivera at 91

Broadway is grieving the loss of a true legend, Chita Rivera, the dynamic dancer, singer, and actress who captivated audiences for decades with her mesmerising performances. Rivera, who earned 10 Tony nominations and won twice, passed away on Tuesday, January 30, at the age of 91.

The news of her death was confirmed by her longtime representative, Merle Frimark, who released a heartfelt statement, saying, “It is with immense personal sorrow that I announce the death of the beloved Broadway icon Chita Rivera. My dear friend of over 40 years was 91.”

Rivera’s daughter, Lisa Mordente, revealed that her mother died in New York after a brief illness.

Rivera’s career on Broadway was nothing short of remarkable. After making her debut as a dancer in Guys and Dolls in 1950, she went on to iconic roles in musicals such as Anita in West Side Story (1957), Velma Kelly in Chicago (1975), and the title role in Kiss of the Spider Woman (1993). She secured her place in Broadway history with ten Tony Award nominations and victories for Best Actress in a Musical for her roles in The Rink (1984) and Kiss of the Spider Woman (1993).

Her impact extended beyond the stage, as she appeared in films such as Sweet Charity (1969), Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1978), and Tick, Tick… Boom! (2021). Rivera also graced television screens in shows such as The New Dick Van Dyke Show (1973–1974), The Judy Garland Show (1963), The Carol Burnett Show (1971), and Will & Grace (2005). In 2023, she shared her life story with the world through her autobiography, Chita: A Memoir.

Rivera’s contributions to the arts did not go unnoticed, as she received numerous accolades, in addition to her Tony Awards, Rivera received two Drama Desk Awards and a Drama League Award. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009 and the Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2018.

Tributes are pouring in from fellow artists and fans on social media, expressing their sorrow and gratitude for Rivera’s immense contribution to the world of entertainment.

Chita Rivera was an authentic Broadway icon- a dazzling actress, singer and dancer. No one who was fortunate enough to have seen any of her performances, will ever forget ghe experience. She gave us so much. Thank you to the magnificent, irreplaceable Chita Rivera pic.twitter.com/91516oORFv

— Mia Farrow 🏳️‍🌈 🌻🇺🇦 (@MiaFarrow) January 30, 2024

CHITA RIVERA ❤️ My Mentor, My Friend, Our Goddess of Inspiration and Joy – Thank You. Every moment of your life has been a treasure of what is possible. I will miss touching you, but I will forever hear your laughter and hold that baton of power you tossed my way. ❤️🥲💔 pic.twitter.com/Ex2GAQalHS

— Debbie Allen (@msdebbieallen) January 30, 2024

Chita Rivera – an enormous loss for the Broadway community. So much of what she did defied normal human capabilities. Watch her perform the absolute hell out of “All That Jazz.” She was electricity personified. pic.twitter.com/dkrpXIL46R

— Liam Gareau (@liamgareau) January 30, 2024

Remembering the incomparable Chita Rivera, a Broadway legend and three-time Tony Winner whose grace, talent, and passion left an unforgettable mark on the world of theatre. pic.twitter.com/lMTBTXIWXW

— The Tony Awards (@TheTonyAwards) January 30, 2024

RIP Chita Rivera. Legend. Icon. A textbook triple threat if there ever was one. You’ll be remembered for your amazing spirit, and ferocious talent. pic.twitter.com/s1m1EhazDV

— Zacary™️ (@ZacaryWITHnoH) January 30, 2024

Rivera is survived by her daughter Lisa Mordente and three siblings Julio, Armando and Lola del Rivero.

-with AP.