Birth Place: Washington, DC, USA
A theatrical icon and one of Broadway's greatest triple-threat talents, Chita Rivera is one of the most nominated performers in Tony Award history having earned 10 nominations, won twice and received the 2018 Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre. A versatile actress/singer/dancer, her most recent starring roles include The Visit, the final John Kander/Fred Ebb/Terrence McNally musical directed by John Doyle and choreographed by Graciela Daniele on Broadway; the Broadway revival of The Mystery of Edwin Drood; the Broadway and touring productions of The Dancer’s Life, a dazzling musical celebrating her spectacular career, written by Terrence McNally and directed by Graciela Daniele and the revival of the Broadway musical Nine with Antonio Banderas. She trained as a ballerina (from age nine) before receiving a scholarship to the School of American Ballet from the legendary choreographer George Balanchine. Chita’s first appearance (age 17) was as a principal dancer in Call Me Madam. Her electric performance as Anita in the original Broadway premiere of West Side Story brought her stardom, which she repeated in London. Her career is highlighted by starring roles in Bye Bye Birdie, The Rink (Tony Award), Chicago, Jerry’s Girls, Kiss of the Spider Woman (Tony Award), and the original Broadway casts of Guys and Dolls, Can-Can, Seventh Heaven and Mr. Wonderful. On tour: Born Yesterday, The Rose Tattoo, Call Me Madam, Threepenny Opera, Sweet Charity, Kiss Me Kate, Zorba, Can-Can with The Rockettes. Chita was awarded The Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2009 and received the coveted Kennedy Center Honor in 2002. In 2019, Chita performed her solo concert at London’s Cadogan Hall; in 2018 she was honored as a Living Landmark by the New York Landmarks Conservancy; in 2016 she headlined at Carnegie Hall and in 2015, Great Performances aired their special Chita Rivera: A Lot of Livin’ To Do, a retrospective of her extraordinary life and career nationally on PBS. Her current solo CD is entitled And Now I Swing.
From: Photos: Go Inside BroadwayWorld's Star-Studded 20th Anniversary Celebration
From: Photo Flash: Inside The 25th Anniversary TDF/Irene Sharaff Awards
From: Photo Flash: Chita Rivera Joins The League Of Professional Theatre Women's for ORAL HISTORY
From: Photo Flash: Chita Rivera Joins The League Of Professional Theatre Women's for ORAL HISTORY
Chita Rivera
Chita Rivera, The Visit
Chita Rivera, The Visit
Chita Rivera, The Visit
Chita Rivera
Chita Rivera, The Visit
Chita Rivera, The Mystery of Edwin Drood
Chita RiveraThe Visit
Chita Rivera, Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life
Chita Rivera, Nine
Chita Rivera , Nine
Chita Rivera, Nine
Chita RiveraKiss of the Spider Woman, The Musical
Chita Rivera
Chita Rivera, Kiss of the Spider Woman
Chita Rivera, Kiss of the Spider Woman
Chita Rivera
Chita Rivera, Kiss of the Spider Woman
Chita Rivera, Jerry's Girls
Chita Rivera, The Rink
Chita Rivera, The Rink
Chita Rivera, Merlin
Chita Rivera, Bring Back Birdie
Chita Rivera, Bring Back Birdie
Chita Rivera, Chicago
Chita Rivera , Bye Bye Birdie
Chita Rivera has appeared on Broadway in 22 shows.
Chita Rivera has appeared on London's West End in 4 shows.
Chita Rivera's first West End show was West Side Story which opened in 1958
Chita Rivera has been nominated for numerous awards throughout her illustrious career, including the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Tony Awards. She has received nominations for Outstanding Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Visit" and the Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards for the same production. Rivera also garnered nominations for Outstanding Actress in a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "The Visit" and the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical Tony Award for the same show. Additionally, she received nominations for various other productions, such as "The Mystery of Edwin Drood," "Nine," "Kiss of the Spider Woman," "Jerry's Girls," "The Rink," "Merlin," "Bring Back Birdie," and "Chicago." Rivera's nominations include accolades from prestigious organizations like the Helen Hayes Awards and the Theatre World Awards. Her talent and contributions to musical theatre have been recognized with nominations for a wide range of categories, showcasing her versatility and enduring impact on the Broadway stage.
Chita Rivera has won several awards throughout her illustrious career, including the Distinguished Performance Award from the Drama League Awards for "The Visit," the John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Theatre World Awards, the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Resident Musical from the Helen Hayes Awards for "The Visit," the Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical from the Drama Desk Awards for "Nine," the American Express Tribute from the Helen Hayes Awards, the Best Actress - Musical from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Kiss of the Spider Woman," the Outstanding Actress - Musical from the Drama Desk Awards for "Kiss of the Spider Woman," the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre from the Drama League Awards, the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical from the Tony Awards for "Kiss of the Spider Woman," the Outstanding Actress in a Musical from the Drama Desk Awards for "The Rink," and the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical from the Tony Awards for "The Rink."
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