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Chita Rivera Headshot

Chita Rivera

Also Credited As: Conchita Del Rivero

Birth Place: Washington, DC, USA

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BIO

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.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2015
Claire Zachanassian

[Williamstown, MA (Regional)]
Williamstown Theatre Festival Production, 2014
Claire

[Broadway]
Roundabout Theatre Company Production, 2012
Princess Puffer

[Arlington, VA (Regional)]
Kander & Ebb Celebration Production, 2008
Claire Zachanassian

[Arlington, VA (Regional)]
Signature Theatre Production, 2007
Claire Zachanassian

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2005
Chita Rivera

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production [Cancelled], 2004
Claire Zachanassian

[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2003
Liliane La Fleur

[Chicago (Regional)]
World Premiere, 2001
Claire Zachanassian

[Milburn, NJ (Regional)]
Paper Mill Production, 2000
Reno Sweeney

Reno Sweeney

[New York]
Workshop, 1998
Countess Aurelia

[US Tour]
2nd National Tour, 1997
Roxie Hart [Replacement]

[West End]
London Revival, 1997
Roxie Hart [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Angela Lansbury Tribute Benefit, 1996
Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1993
Spider Woman/Aurora

Spider Woman / Aurora

[West End]
London Production, 1992
Spider Woman/Aurora

[Toronto]
Toronto Production, 1992
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1985
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1984
Anna

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1983
The Queen

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1981
Rose

[Broadway]
1979
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1975
Velma Kelly

[Broadway]
Concert [Broadway], 1973
Performer

[Broadway]
Closed on the road, 1969
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1964
Anyanka

[Broadway]
Closed on the road, 1963
Athena Constantine

[West End]
London Production, 1961
Rose Grant

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1960
Rose Grant

Rose Alvarez

[West End]
London Production, 1958
Anita

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1957
Anita

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1957
mehitabel (Standby)

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1956
Rita Romano

Rita Romano

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1955
Fifi

Fifi

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1953
Dancer [Replacement]


Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 2018 - Lifetime Achievement Award

Chita Rivera

Drama Desk Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Chita Rivera, The Visit


winner
Drama League Awards - 2015 - Distinguished Performance Award

Chita Rivera, The Visit

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Chita Rivera, The Visit


winner
Theatre World Awards - 2015 - John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement

Chita Rivera

Tony Awards - 2015 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Chita Rivera, The Visit

Drama League Awards - 2013 - Distinguished Performance Award

Chita Rivera, The Mystery of Edwin Drood


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 2009 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Musical

Chita RiveraThe Visit

Tony Awards - 2006 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Chita Rivera, Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical

Chita Rivera, Nine

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Chita Rivera , Nine

Tony Awards - 2003 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Chita Rivera, Nine

Helen Hayes Awards - 1996 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production

Chita RiveraKiss of the Spider Woman, The Musical


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 1996 - The American Express Tribute

Chita Rivera


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1994 - Best Actress - Musical

Chita Rivera, Kiss of the Spider Woman


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Actress - Musical

Chita Rivera, Kiss of the Spider Woman


winner
Drama League Awards - 1993 - Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre

Chita Rivera


winner
Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Chita Rivera, Kiss of the Spider Woman

Tony Awards - 1986 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Chita Rivera, Jerry's Girls


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1984 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Chita Rivera, The Rink


winner
Tony Awards - 1984 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Chita Rivera, The Rink

Tony Awards - 1983 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Chita Rivera, Merlin

Drama Desk Awards - 1981 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Chita Rivera, Bring Back Birdie

Tony Awards - 1981 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Chita Rivera, Bring Back Birdie

Tony Awards - 1976 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Chita Rivera, Chicago

Tony Awards - 1961 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Chita Rivera , Bye Bye Birdie

Videos

News


Video: Adam Lambert Performs 'I Don't Care Much' From CABARET on THE VIEW
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 17, 2025

During a visit to The View on Monday, Cabaret star Adam Lambert took the stage to perform his rendition of I Don't Care Much from the current revival. During his visit, the performer also shared why the show continues to remain timely. Watch his appearance here!
Signature Theatre to Honor Mandy Patinkin with 2025 Stephen Sondheim Award
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 14, 2025

Virginia’s Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre will honor star of stage and screen Mandy Patinkin with the company’s fourteenth Stephen Sondheim Award. Learn more!
Adrienne Warren and More to be Honored at WP Gala Hosted by Betsy Wolfe
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 12, 2025

WP Theater has revealed the honorees of its 2025 Annual Gala, celebrating extraordinary achievement by Women+ artists and industry leaders, including Adrienne Warren and more. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Ben Vereen, Christine Pedi, and Tony Yazbeck to Join York Theatre Spring Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 12, 2025

The York Theatre will present their Spring Gala, a special one-night-only concert featuring Ben Vereen, Christine Pedi, and Tony Yazbeck. Learn more about the event and see how to purchase tickets.
Broadway Photographer Jenny Anderson Will Release Debut Photo Collection
by Stephi Wild - Feb 12, 2025

Broadway photographer Jenny Anderson's debut collection of photos, The In-Between: Intimate and Candid Moments of Broadway Stars, is available for pre-order now. Learn more here!
LIZA: A TRULY TERRIFIC ABSOLUTELY TRUE STORY to Air on PBS
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 11, 2025

Discover the life of Broadway legend Liza Minnelli in 'Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story,' premiering on PBS April 1 at 9 PM ET as part of the American Masters series. The documentary explores Minnelli's 1970s career and personal life with insights from friends and mentors.
Video: Adam Lambert Performs 'I Don't Care Much' From CABARET on THE TONIGHT SHOW
by Stephi Wild - Feb 11, 2025

Adam Lambert recently appeared on The Tonight Show to perform 'I Don't Care Much' from Cabaret. In December, Lambert released his version of the song as a single, with an accompanying music video. Watch the video here!
2025 Chita Rivera Awards Sets May Date; Ben Vereen to Receive Lifetime Achievement
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 10, 2025

The 2025 Chita Rivera Awards will take place on Monday, May 19 at the NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts. Learn more about the awards and the nominees!
Interview: Gerard Alessandrini talks spoofing Sondheim and more in FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: MERRILY WE STOLE A SONG
by R. Scott Reedy - Feb 5, 2025

Writer and director Gerard Alessandrini, the comedy mastermind behind “Forbidden Broadway,” has long taken his own Broadway fandom one step further, though, creating iconic parodies of stars like Ethel Merman, Mary Martin, Carol Channing, Liza Minnelli, Yul Brynner, Patti LuPone, Chita Rivera, Mandy Patinkin, and Bernadette Peters and shows including “Hello, Dolly!” “The King & I,”  “Annie,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” “The Lion King,” and “Wicked.”
Video: Ariana DeBose Talks HAMILTON Anniversary, Teases New Music on TODAY
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 5, 2025

On a recent visit to TODAY to discuss her new film Love Hurts, Ariana DeBose reflected on Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025, and announced that she is releasing new music. Watch the interview now!
Interview: Charles Kirsch Celebrates Iconic Broadway Flops at 54 Below
by Rebecca Kaplan - Feb 5, 2025

The star-studded 2/19 show (also being live-streamed) shines a spotlight on gems from that musicals that never made it, introduced and sung by members of the original casts of the shows they came from.
CARMEN JONES Star Olga James Passes Away at 95
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 4, 2025

BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that actress Olga James, star of the film adaptation of Oscar Hammerstein's Carmen Jones, has passed away at 95 years old. 
BWW Q&A: Lee Siegel on BRAMPTON CONCERT BAND & THE JAZZ MECHANICS at Brampton On Stage/The Rose
by Joshua Wright - Jan 30, 2025

Experience 'A Love Letter to New York' — a dazzling celebration of the Big Apple through music! Acclaimed Broadway star Lee Siegel joins forces with the Brampton Concert Band and The Jazz Mechanics for an afternoon of melodies and magic. Immerse yourself in the spirit of New York as the show takes you from jazz classics like Orange Colored Sky and In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning to Broadway hits from Les Misérables, West Side Story, Crazy for You, Jesus Christ Superstar, and more. Don’t miss this unique collaboration — it’s like a trip to Broadway, right here in Brampton!
Video: Adam Lambert Celebrates His Birthday at CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB
by Stephi Wild - Jan 30, 2025

Last night, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club and Pride Live/Stonewall National Monument Visitors Center celebrated GRAMMY Award nominee Adam Lambert’s birthday with a special curtain call. Check out a video here!
Video: Liza Minnelli Talks About Father Vincente in LIZA: A TRULY TERRIFIC ABSOLUTELY TRUE STORY Clip
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 29, 2025

In a clip from Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story, Broadway legend Liza Minnelli recalls her father Vincente, who directed many iconic movie musicals. Watch the clip now!
Jennifer Lopez, Bill Condon & More Talk KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN at Sundance World Premiere
by Tyler Hinton - Jan 28, 2025

BroadwayWorld was on hand at the Sundance world premiere of KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN on January 26, 2025 and spoke with the creative team and performers on the carpet. Filled with breathtaking intimate moments, and stunningly edited and designed with meaningful visuals, it is a love letter to the classic movie musical that transcends the genre with moving messages about how we can allow ourselves to evolve through acceptance.
Video: Jennifer Lopez Recalls Auditioning for CHICAGO, EVITA, & More
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 27, 2025

During the Sundance Film Festival this past weekend, Jennifer Lopez shared that she previously auditioned for film adaptations of Chicago, Evita, and Nine.
Review Roundup: KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Film Starring Jennifer Lopez Premieres at Sundance
by Stephi Wild - Jan 27, 2025

The new film version of Kiss of the Spider Woman officially made its premiere this past weekend at the Sundance Film Festival. Starring Jennifer Lopez, this new adaptation is written and directed by Bill Condon. Learn more about the film's origins and see what the critics thought of the new film.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld January 23, 2025
by - Jan 23, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is January 23, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Dick Van Dyke Shares Why He Doesn't Like the BYE BYE BIRDIE Movie
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 22, 2025

In a recent interview, Dick Van Dyke revealed why he feels that the Bye Bye Birdie movie is a 'drag' despite reprising the role that won him a Tony Award on Broadway.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Chita Rivera been in?

Chita Rivera has appeared on Broadway in 22 shows.

How many West End shows has Chita Rivera been in?

Chita Rivera has appeared on London's West End in 4 shows.

What was Chita Rivera's first West End show?

Chita Rivera's first West End show was West Side Story which opened in 1958

What awards has Chita Rivera been nominated for?

Lifetime Achievement Award (Tony Awards), Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Visit, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for The Visit, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Visit, John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement (Theatre World Awards), Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Visit, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for The Visit , Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life, Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Nine, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Nine , Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Nine, Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman, The Musical , The American Express Tribute (Helen Hayes Awards) for , Best Actress - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman, Outstanding Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman, Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards), Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Jerry's Girls, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Rink, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Rink, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Merlin, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Bring Back Birdie, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Bring Back Birdie, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Chicago and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Bye Bye Birdie.

What awards has Chita Rivera won?

Chita Rivera has won several prestigious awards, including the Distinguished Performance Award from the Drama League Awards for The Visit, and the John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Theatre World Awards. She received the Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Musical award from the Helen Hayes Awards for The Visit, as well as the Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical award from the Drama Desk Awards for Nine. Rivera also received The American Express Tribute from the Helen Hayes Awards and the Best Actress in a Musical award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Kiss of the Spider Woman. Additionally, she won the Outstanding Actress in a Musical award from the Drama Desk Awards for Kiss of the Spider Woman, the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre award from the Drama League Awards, and the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical award from the Tony Awards for Kiss of the Spider Woman. Lastly, she received the Outstanding Actress in a Musical award from the Drama Desk Awards for The Rink and the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical award from the Tony Awards for The Rink.

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