Chita Rivera, acclaimed Broadway icon, passes away at the age of 91

Chita Rivera, a renowned Broadway star, has passed away at the age of 91 due to a short illness, according to her daughter, Lisa Mordente. Rivera had an illustrious career in the theatre industry, spanning almost seven decades. She is popularly known for her remarkable performances in West Side Story as Anita and Bye Bye Birdie as Rose. Born in 1933 in Washington DC, she had a Puerto Rican father and a mother of Scottish and Irish descent. Rivera started her Broadway journey in the 1950s, securing roles in productions like Can-Can and Mr Wonderful. Her breakthrough came in 1957, when she starred in the original cast of West Side Story, playing the character of Anita, which propelled her to stardom. Later, Rivera was nominated for a Tony Award for her portrayal of Rose in the musical Bye Bye Birdie alongside Dick Van Dyke. Several decades later, she captivated audiences with her iconic performance as vaudeville performer Velma Kelly in Chicago. Rivera's talent extended beyond acting, as she was also an accomplished singer and dancer, earning her the reputation of a "triple-threat." Throughout her career, she not only entertained but also broke barriers for Latina women in the industry. In recognition of her contributions, Rivera received a lifetime Tony award in 2018 and was honored with a Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the US, presented by former President Barack Obama.