Chita Rivera, the esteemed Broadway icon celebrated for her unparalleled talent and groundbreaking influence on theater, has sadly passed away at 91.

Chita Rivera, the celebrated Broadway icon renowned for her extraordinary performances and a career spanning over seven decades, has passed away at the age of 91. Rivera was revered for her exceptional talent as a singer, dancer, and actress, as well as her pioneering contributions to the theater world.

Chita Rivera, the beloved Broadway star known for her roles in numerous musicals spanning over six decades, has passed away at the age of 91, according to her daughter, Lisa Mordente. Rivera, a three-time Tony Award winner, originated iconic characters like Anita in West Side Story and Velma Kelly in Chicago. Her contributions to theater will be cherished and remembered for years to come.

Laurence Maslon, co-producer of a PBS series on Broadway, paid tribute to Chita Rivera, describing her as the epitome of Broadway greatness. He praised her talent and unforgettable presence, stating that once you saw her perform, her impact stayed with you forever.

Chita Rivera, known for her Broadway fame, didn’t start out as a performer. Born in Washington, D.C., she was actually a tomboy in her youth. In an interview with the Screen Actors Guild Foundation, Rivera mentioned her mom enrolled her in ballet classes to channel her energy, a decision she later appreciated.

Rivera’s passion for ballet earned her a full scholarship to the School of American Ballet in New York. However, her path shifted when she accompanied a friend to a Call Me Madam Broadway tour audition and landed a role herself, marking her transition from ballet to Broadway. Then, in 1957, she soared to fame with her iconic portrayal of Anita in West Side Story, featuring music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

In 2007, Rivera shared her excitement about performing “America” for West Side Story’s 50th anniversary. She found the rhythm fascinating and looked forward to the challenge, particularly as a Latina. West Side Story allowed her to showcase her dancing, acting, and singing talents. Rivera remembered Leonard Bernstein personally teaching her parts of the score, like “A Boy Like That,” even though she initially doubted hitting certain notes.

Maslon highlighted that Rivera’s talent in singing, acting, and dancing made her highly sought after on Broadway. Directors like Jerome Robbins and Bob Fosse valued performers who excelled in all three areas.

From 1960 to 2013, Rivera headlined successful productions alongside some less fortunate ones. In 1986, a serious taxi accident left her left leg shattered. Despite doctors’ doubts about her ability to dance again, she defied expectations, albeit in a modified manner.

In a 2005,Rivera openly discussed adapting her performances as she aged, admitting, “We all have to be realistic.” She acknowledged not doing the acrobatics of her youth but expressed contentment with the change.

Despite this, Rivera’s fame remained strong, marked by numerous awards, including Tony Awards and a Presidential Medal of Freedom, underscoring her remarkable career. Rivera predominantly stayed focused on stage work, reflecting her deep commitment to theater, as noted by Maslon.

Maslon emphasized the irreplaceable nature of Broadway legends like Rivera, stating, “That’s why they’re called Broadway legends.” He stressed the importance of witnessing their performances live, as their essence cannot be replicated in any other form.

The Tony Awards recognized her as a theater legend, and Rivera’s work earned her two Tony Awards and numerous nominations. She was also honored with the Kennedy Center Honors and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Rivera’s autobiography became a bestseller, and she received a lifetime Tony award in 2018. Her daughter, Lisa Mordente, announced her peaceful passing in New York after a brief illness.