Chita Rivera dead at 91: Tony-winning Broadway star famous for roles in West Side Story and Guys and Dolls passes away

Chita Rivera has died at the age of 91. 

The Tony-winning actress had a long list of Broadway credits to her name spanning over seven decades, and was a recipient of the prestigious Kennedy Center Honor.

There is currently no cause of death at this time, but her friend Merle Frimark confirmed the sad news of her passing in a statement on Tuesday. 

‘It is with immense personal sorrow that I announce the death of the beloved Broadway icon Chita Rivera. My dear friend of over 40 years was 91,’ Frimark said. 

Born Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero Anderson in 1933 – the American star was professionally known as Chita Rivera, who originated roles in Broadway musicals including Anita in West Side Story, Velma Kelly in Chicago, and the title role in Kiss of the Spider Woman. 

Rivera reached true Broadways star status when she was cast as Anita in West Side Story in 1957

Thanks to her involvement in such iconic musicals, Rivera ended up with an incredible ten Tony Award nominees to her name, winning three, including one for Lifetime Achievement. 

In August 2009, she became the first Latina and the first Latino American to receive a Kennedy Center Honor and received a Presidential Medal of Freedom from Barack Obama. 

Rivera’s career began by change in 1951, when she reportedly accompanied a friend to the audition for the touring company of Call Me Madam starring Elaine Stritch, but ended up landing the role herself. 

Cleary written in the stars, Rivera then seemed to effortlessly glide through a number of other Broadway productions – including Guys and Dolls, Can-Can, Mr. Wonderful starring Sammy Davis, Jr., and Seventh Heaven. 

Chita Rivera is pictured just last May at the BroadwayWorld.com 20th Birthday Concert & Celebration at Sony Hall in New York City

Rivera is pictured alongside Shirley MacLaine and Liza Minnelli in 1984

But she reached true Broadways star status when she was cast as Anita in West Side Story – the classic musical conceived by Jerome Robbins with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. 

Outside of theatre, Rivera appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show several times, and was a guest on The Judy Garland Show. 

She starred notably in Sweet Charity directed by Bob Fosse, playing the role of Nickie in the movie version with Shirley MacLaine in 1969. 

Rivera also enjoyed a career in music, after legendary music producer Norman Petty approached her to record with him. 

She released her first single in 1965 on the Dot Records label, and another the following year. 

The star was set to release a full album of Buddy Holly cover songs backed by The Fireballs, but the project did not see the light of day.