Chita Rivera
Birth Place: Washington, DC, USA
Robert Montano's SMALL to Play Returning NYC Engagement Off-Broadway (Apr 22, 2026)
Photos: CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL Visit GOOD MORNING AMERICA (Apr 21, 2026)
Video: CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL Cast Performs Flashy Dance Number on GOOD MORNING AMERICA (Apr 21, 2026)
BIO
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.
Her most recent starring roles included 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.
Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero Anderson was born on January 23, 1933 in Washington, D.C., the daughter of Katherine (Anderson) and Pedro Julio Figueroa del Rivero.
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 19) was as a principal dancer in Call Me Madam.
Chita burst onto the Broadway scene in 1957 with her electric performance as Anita in the original Broadway premiere of West Side Story, which she repeated in London in 1958.
Her career was 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 solo CD is entitled And Now I Swing. Her book CHITA: A MEMOIR was published by HarperOne in April 25, 2023.
In 2017 it was announced that the Astaire Awards, which promote and recognize dance and choreographic excellence on Broadway, Off-Broadway and in film, would be renamed the Chita Rivera Awards.
Chita was a dear friend of BroadwayWorld, having co-hosted our 20th anniversary concert event alongside Richard Ridge. She died on January 30, 2024 in New York after a brief illness at age 91.
Photos
.jpg?format=auto&width=600)
.jpg?format=auto&width=600)
Host Chita Rivera, Host Richard Ridge, BroadwayWorld's Founder and CEO Robert Diamond and Theatre Director of Strategic Partnerships Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting Carla Hoke-Miller
From: Photos: Go Inside BroadwayWorld's Star-Studded 20th Anniversary Celebration
STAGE CREDITS
Awards and Nominations
Chita Rivera
Chita Rivera, The Visit
winner
Chita Rivera, The Visit
Chita Rivera, The Visit
winner
Chita Rivera
Chita Rivera, The Visit
Chita Rivera, The Mystery of Edwin Drood
winner
Chita RiveraThe Visit
Chita Rivera, Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life
winner
Chita Rivera, Nine
Chita Rivera , Nine
Chita Rivera, Nine
Chita RiveraKiss of the Spider Woman, The Musical
winner
Chita Rivera
winner
Chita Rivera, Kiss of the Spider Woman
winner
Chita Rivera, Kiss of the Spider Woman
winner
Chita Rivera
winner
Chita Rivera, Kiss of the Spider Woman
Chita Rivera, Jerry's Girls
winner
Chita Rivera, The Rink
winner
Chita Rivera, The Rink
Chita Rivera, Merlin
Chita Rivera, Bring Back Birdie
Chita Rivera, Bring Back Birdie
Chita Rivera, Chicago
Chita Rivera , Bye Bye Birdie
Videos
Video: Marc Kudisch Sings 'Just in Time' & 'I Met A Girl' from BELLS ARE RINGING at 54 Below
by Michael Major - 2026-02-13 11:15:25
Video: Michael Crawford Talks Being Honored By the Kennedy Center
by A.A. Cristi - 2025-12-23 19:53:21
Video: DICK VAN DYKE: 100TH CELEBRATION Documentary Debuts Trailer
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-11-03 11:53:18
Video: Jennifer Lopez New Musical Clip from KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN on THE TONIGHT SHOW
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-10-08 11:12:13
Video: Jennifer Lopez Opens Up About Seeing Her First Broadway Show
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-10-06 13:44:57
Video: Jennifer Lopez Talks Lifelong Love of Musicals on CBS SUNDAY MORNING, Previews KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-09-29 11:43:08
Listen: Tonatiuh Sings 'She's a Woman' From KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-09-26 11:49:34
Video: Jennifer Lopez, Tonatiuh, & More on Bringing KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN to Life
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-09-22 15:43:17
Video: Watch CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB Take Its Final Bow on Broadway
by Michael Major - 2025-09-22 09:48:28
Video: Billy Porter on the Difference Between His Directing and Performance Styles: 'I'm About Love'
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-07-25 10:25:23
Video: Billy Porter Says He is Returning to a 'Better' Broadway in CABARET
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-07-23 10:20:16
Video: Billy Porter Talks Fulfilling Dream Role as Emcee in Broadway’s CABARET
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-07-21 12:00:41
Video: Look Back on Chita Rivera Singing 'Buenos Aires' From EVITA in Throwback Performance
by Michael Major - 2025-07-07 15:11:33
Video: Watch an Early Test For BOOP!'s Color-Changing Act Two Opening
by Michael Major - 2025-07-03 10:49:52
Video: Watch Marisha Wallace Sing 'Maybe This Time' From CABARET
by Michael Major - 2025-06-23 16:59:39
Video: Jennifer Simard and Christopher Sieber Talk Viral DEATH BECOMES HER Line
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-06-03 10:21:06
Video: Megan Hilty & Jennifer Simard Sing 'The Confrontation' at MISCAST
by Michael Major - 2025-05-30 11:14:52
Video: Michelle Williams Recalls Meeting Michelle Williams: 'It Was Such a Tender Moment'
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-05-27 14:03:42
News
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 22, 2026
Following its 2023 production at 59e59 Theatres and productions around the country, the Penguin Rep Theatre production of SMALL, written by and starring Robert Montano, will return to New York City for a limited engagement.
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 21, 2026
Cats: The Jellicle Ball took over Good Morning America on Tuesday, with a dance performance from the cast of the ballroom-inspired Broadway revival. Check out photos below from their morning show appearance.
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 21, 2026
Watch the cast of Cats: The Jellicle Ball perform from the reimagined new production on Good Morning America, showing off the ballroom-inspired choreography from Arturo Lyons and Omari Wiles.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 21, 2026
The Muny announced the principal cast for HAIRSPRAY, opening its 108th season at Forest Park. Katy Geraghty and Richard Kind lead the production, which marks the show's return to the St. Louis stage for the first time since 2015.
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 21, 2026
The Chita Rivera Awards and NYC Dance Alliance Foundation announced five finalists for Broadway's Next Triple Threat, with the winner receiving a $10,000 training grant live at the Chita Rivera Awards.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 20, 2026
Stephanie Pope brings LIVIN' IT UP! back to 54 Below for a third time, directed by Tony winner Ben Vereen, featuring songs from CHICAGO, HADESTOWN, and stories of Broadway legends.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 20, 2026
Broadway veteran Stephanie Pope will bring her critically acclaimed show LIVIN' IT UP to Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood, directed by Tony winner Ben Vereen, featuring songs from CHICAGO, HADESTOWN, and more.
by Marissa Faith Curley - Apr 19, 2026
Returning for his third year as Ballet Master is Dance Theatre of Harlem’s Director Robert Garland. Joining for the first time to teach Horton is Alvin Ailey faculty member and Footprints Dance Company Artistic Director, Freddie Moore.
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 17, 2026
The cast of Cats: The Jellicle Ball is set to perform next week on Good Morning America. Viewers can tune in to watch the performance on Tuesday, April 21, airing during the 7:00-9:00 EDT am block on ABC.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 16, 2026
On a recent episode of Watch What Happens Live, Cats: The Jellicle Ball choreographers Omari Wiles and Arturo Lyons made an appearance and invited host Andy Cohen to be a guest judge at the show.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 16, 2026
The Elliot Norton Awards announced its prize winner and nominations, recognizing outstanding achievements in Boston theater. See the full list of nominees and this year's Norton Prize recipient.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 13, 2026
Broadway veteran Angie Schworer, known for Some Like It Hot and The Prom, will play Miss Hannigan in Annie at Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre, running June 5-14 as part of the theater's 65th anniversary season.
by Sidney Paterra - Apr 11, 2026
The 2026 theatre awards season is here and keeping track of all of the important dates for the many ceremonies and their corresponding nomination announcements is no easy feat. Stay up to date on all the need-to-know facts with BroadwayWorld's full Awards Season Calendar below!
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 9, 2026
Kiss of the Spider Woman, the 2025 film adaptation of the Broadway musical, is getting a physical media release, courtesy of boutique label Kino Lorber.
by Michael Major - Apr 9, 2026
Two legendary composers joined CATS: The Jellicle Ball last night. Lin-Manuel Miranda and Andrew Lloyd Webber were the guest judges at Wednesday night's performance. Following the performance, the two posed with the cast on the runway in a new photo.
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 8, 2026
A cast of Cats walked the yellow carpet last night at the Broadhurst Theatre, where Cats: The Jellicle Ball officially opened on Broadway. Check out photos of all of the fashions from the cast and creative team before the curtain went up!
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 8, 2026
CATS: The Jellicle Ball has officially brought its runway to Broadway! The musical revival opens tonight Broadhurst Theatre. Did the critics have a ball at this innovative new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical classic? Find out in our review roundup!
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 7, 2026
The jellicle moon is shining bright! Tonight, CATS: The Jellicle Ball opens on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. Watch highlights of the cast in action in this video!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 7, 2026
The North American tour of Water for Elephants will arrive at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre this April, bringing Sara Gruen’s bestselling novel to life with a Tony-nominated creative team and an award-winning Broadway production. Tickets are on sale now.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 7, 2026
The 80th Annual Theatre World Awards Ceremony will take place on Tuesday afternoon, June 2, 2026 beginning at 2:00PM. Learn more about the upcoming awards ceremony here!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Chita Rivera has appeared on Broadway in 22 shows.
Chita Rivera has appeared on London's West End in 4 shows.
Chita Rivera's first West End show was West Side Story which opened in 1958
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.
Chita Rivera has received numerous awards, including the Distinguished Performance Award from the Drama League Awards for The Visit. She was honored with the John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Theatre World Awards. Rivera won the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Resident Musical at the Helen Hayes Awards for The Visit, and the Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Nine. She received the American Express Tribute at the Helen Hayes Awards, and the Best Actress in a Musical from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Kiss of the Spider Woman. Additionally, she won the Outstanding Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Kiss of the Spider Woman, and the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre from the Drama League Awards. Rivera also won the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for Kiss of the Spider Woman, and received the Outstanding Actress in a Musical award at the Drama Desk Awards for The Rink. She was awarded the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for The Rink as well.
Videos