Chita Rivera
Actress
91 years (Jan 23, 1933 – Jan 30, 2024)Washington, D.C., USA
Born in Washington, D.C. in 1933, Chita Rivera was one of the founding legends of the American musical stage. She originated Anita in West Side Story (1957) and Velma Kelly in Chicago (1975), and won Tony Awards for The Rink (1984) and Kiss of the Spider Woman (1993). A Kennedy Center Honoree and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, she kept performing well into her eighties. Her death in 2024 closed the last chapter of Broadway's mid-century golden age.
Chita Rivera
Actress
Born in Washington, D.C. in 1933, Chita Rivera was one of the founding legends of the American musical stage. She originated Anita in West Side Story (1957) and Velma Kelly in Chicago (1975), and won Tony Awards for The Rink (1984) and Kiss of the Spider Woman (1993). A Kennedy Center Honoree and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, she kept performing well into her eighties. Her death in 2024 closed the last chapter of Broadway's mid-century golden age.
Latest Trailers
Watch Trailer
Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story
Full Filmography
tick, tick... BOOM!
"Sunday" Legend #13
2021
Chita: A Legendary Celebration
Self
2020
Stars in the House
Self
2020Season 1
Waiting in the Wings: Still Waiting
Broadway Diva
2018
Kalamazoo?
Giannina
2006
Will & Grace
Lenore
2004Season 7
Chicago
Nickie
2002
Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child
Katy (voice)
1997Season 2
Pippin
Fastrada
1981
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chita Rivera still alive?
Chita Rivera passed away on January 30, 2024 at age 91.
What are the most famous roles of Chita Rivera?
Chita Rivera is best known for roles in Chicago, tick, tick... BOOM!, Sweet Charity.
How many movies has Chita Rivera been in?
Over a 55-year career (since 1969), Chita Rivera has appeared in 7 movies and 4 TV shows.
What was Chita Rivera's first movie?
The career of Chita Rivera began with From Stage to Screen---A Director's Dilemma (1969).
What is Chita Rivera's most recent movie or series?
Chita Rivera's most recent release is Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story, which premiered on January 24, 2025.
What TV shows has Chita Rivera appeared in?
On television, Chita Rivera has appeared in Will & Grace, The Outer Limits, E! True Hollywood Story, The Carol Burnett Show.
Chita Rivera
1933-01-23 · Washington, D.C., USA
Chita Rivera was an American actress, singer, and dancer who became a musical theater icon. Born Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero, she won two Tony Awards for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her roles in The Rink (1984) and Kiss of the Spider Woman (1993). Rivera achieved stardom for her performance as Anita in the original Broadway production of West Side Story, a role she reprised in London.