Lisa Mordente, the daughter of the iconic Broadway legend Chita Rivera, revealed that her mother passed away at the age of 91. Rivera, a three-time Tony Award winner, enchanted audiences over six decades with her unforgettable performances in more than 20 Broadway musicals.
Laurence Maslon, co-producer of the 2004 PBS series Broadway: The American Musical, paid tribute to Rivera, stating, “She was everything Broadway was meant to be. She was spontaneous and compelling and talented as hell for decades and decades on Broadway. Once you saw her, you never forgot her.”
Contrary to the assumption that Rivera was a Broadway enthusiast from childhood, she revealed in a Screen Actors Guild Foundation interview that she started as a tomboy. Rivera’s mother, attempting to channel her energy, enrolled her in ballet classes, a decision Rivera was grateful for. Excelling in ballet, she earned a full scholarship to the School of American Ballet in New York. However, fate had other plans when she attended an audition for the tour of the Broadway show Call Me Madam, landing her a role that marked her transition from ballet to Broadway.
In 1957, Rivera achieved a breakthrough with the role of Anita in West Side Story, featuring a score by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim. Reflecting on the experience during the musical’s 50th anniversary in 2007, she said, “Hearing ‘America’ was just mind-boggling, with that rhythm. I just couldn’t wait to do it. It was such a challenge. And, being Latin, you know, it was a welcoming sound.”
Rivera’s versatility shone in West Side Story, showcasing not only her athletic dancing but also her acting and singing prowess. Despite initial doubts about hitting challenging notes, she thrived under the guidance of Leonard Bernstein, becoming the first great triple threat on Broadway, excelling in singing, acting, and dancing.
From 1960 to 2013, Rivera headlined both major hits and flops, solidifying her status as a Broadway icon. In 1986, a serious taxi accident left her with a shattered left leg, and doctors doubted her ability to dance again. However, Rivera defied expectations, returning to the stage with a different approach. Reflecting on her altered capabilities in 2005, she remarked, “We all have to be realistic. I don’t do flying splits anymore. I don’t do back flips and all the stuff that I used to do. You want to know something? I don’t want to.”
Throughout her illustrious career, Rivera received numerous accolades, including several Tony Awards, a lifetime achievement Tony, a Kennedy Center Honor, and a Presidential Medal of Freedom. Despite offers in television and film, she remained dedicated to the stage, earning her the title of a true Broadway legend.
Maslon emphasized the unique essence of Broadway legends, urging audiences to witness their live performances, as they are unparalleled in any other form. Chita Rivera’s legacy lives on through the memories of her extraordinary contributions to the world of Broadway.
