Iconic Broadway star Chita Rivera has died in New York at the age of 91.
According to People magazine, Rivera's daughter Lisa Mordente confirmed that he died “after a brief illness.” Rivera was revered as a triple threat actress in Hollywood due to her natural talent for thrilling fans with her incredible singing, acting, and dancing skills. Her accomplishments span her 70 years on Broadway.
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 10: Chita Rivera receives the Lifetime Achievement Special Tony Award on the Theater Stage during the 72nd Annual Tony Awards Ceremony held at Radio City Music Hall on June 10, 2018 in New York City. Awarded. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)
“It is with deep personal sadness that I announce the death of beloved Broadway icon Chita Rivera. My dear friend of 40 years was 91 years old, according to People magazine.” Her agent Merle Frimark said in a statement on Tuesday.
Rivera was praised for his work in classic musicals, including being credited as one of the original cast members of the Broadway musicals “West Side Story” and “Chicago.”
She won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her roles in “Kiss of the Spider Woman” and “The Rink.”
According to the New York Times, Rivera won a Tony Award in 2018.
Among his many honors, River received the Kennedy Center Honors Award in 2002, presented by the President of the United States.
Her contributions to Broadway date back to 1950. She co-starred with the legendary Sammy Davis Jr. in Mr. Wonderful and Liza Minnelli in The Rink.
“She is also survived by her brothers Julio, Armando and Lola del Rivero (predeceased by her sister Carmen) and many nieces, nephews and friends,” Frimark said.
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 10: Chita Rivera attends the 72nd Annual Tony Awards Ceremony held at Radio City Music Hall on June 10, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
She went on to provide further details about Rivera's final wishes in a statement to the press.
“Her funeral will be private. A memorial service will be announced at a later date,” Frimark told People.
Mr. Frimark requested that all donations in Mr. Rivera's memory go to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. (Related: Iconic Oscar-winning actress Sandra Milo dies at 90)
Colleagues and fans of the iconic star have taken to social media to pay tribute to her legacy while mourning the loss of a star who left a lasting mark on the art world. Her many great talents will be forever remembered.
