Chita Rivera is a multi-talented actress, singer, and dancer who has achieved immense success throughout her illustrious career.
Born into a family of artists, Rivera began her formal training at the age of 11, when she enrolled in ballet classes. Her hard work and dedication eventually earned her a scholarship to the prestigious School of American Ballet, where she was mentored by the legendary George Balanchine.
Rivera's professional career began at the tender age of 17, when she made her debut as a principal dancer in the Broadway production of Call Me Madam. Her electrifying performance as Anita in the original Broadway premiere of West Side Story catapulted her to stardom, and she went on to repeat this role in London.
Throughout her career, Rivera has starred in numerous iconic productions, including Bye Bye Birdie, The Rink, Chicago, Jerry's Girls, Kiss of the Spider Woman, and the original Broadway casts of Guys and Dolls, Can-Can, Seventh Heaven, and Mr. Wonderful. Her extensive touring credits include Born Yesterday, The Rose Tattoo, Call Me Madam, Threepenny Opera, Sweet Charity, Kiss Me Kate, Zorba, and Can-Can with The Rockettes.
Rivera's impressive list of accolades includes two Tony Awards for Best Leading Actress in a Musical, as well as eight additional Tony nominations. She has also received the coveted Kennedy Center Honor in 2002, making her the first Hispanic woman to ever receive this esteemed award.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the arts, Rivera was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2009. Her remarkable life and career were celebrated in a special PBS retrospective, "Chita Rivera: A Lot of Livin' To Do," which aired nationally on November 6, 2015.
In addition to her impressive stage credits, Rivera is also a devoted mother to her daughter, singer/dancer/choreographer Lisa Mordente. Her most cherished production, however, is her solo CD, And Now I Swing, which showcases her incredible vocal range and versatility.
Throughout her illustrious career, Chita Rivera has proven herself to be a true icon of the American theater, and her remarkable achievements continue to inspire new generations of performers.
