Knowra Chita Rivera Chita Rivera Chita Rivera (1933–2024) was an American actress, singer, and dancer who originated roles in Broadway musicals including West Side Story, Chicago, and Kiss of the Spider Woman.
Anita (West Side Story) : Anita is the Puerto Rican character played by Chita Rivera in the original 1957 Broadway production of West Side Story. Rivera originated the role, earning acclaim for its dancing, humor, and dramatic force.
Tony Award : The Tony Awards recognize achievement in live Broadway theater. Rivera won two competitive acting Tonys and received a lifetime achievement award.
Leonard Bernstein : Leonard Bernstein was an American composer, conductor, and pianist who co-created West Side Story. His score gave Rivera’s role as Anita a defining musical and dramatic setting.
West Side Story (1961 film) : West Side Story is a 1961 American film adaptation of the Broadway musical, directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins. Rita Moreno played Anita in the film rather than Rivera, who originated her on Broadway.
Velma Kelly : Velma Kelly is a vaudeville performer and murder defendant in the musical Chicago. Rivera originated Velma in Chicago’s 1975 Broadway production.
Kennedy Center Honors : The Kennedy Center Honors recognize lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts. Rivera was honored in 2002 for her performing career.
Jerome Robbins : Jerome Robbins was an American choreographer and director who co-created West Side Story. His choreography shaped the movement and theatrical style of Rivera’s breakthrough role.
Chicago (2002 film) : Chicago is a 2002 film adaptation of the musical, directed by Rob Marshall and starring Renée Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Catherine Zeta-Jones played Velma in the film, following Rivera’s original Broadway performance.
Aurora (Kiss of the Spider Woman) : Aurora is the glamorous Spider Woman imagined by imprisoned Molina in Kiss of the Spider Woman. Rivera originated Aurora on Broadway and won a Tony Award for the performance.
National Medal of Arts : The National Medal of Arts is the United States’ highest award for contributions to the arts. Rivera received the medal in 2009, recognizing her lasting artistic contributions.
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