Chita Rivera
Birth Place: Washington, DC, USA
Review Roundup: Robert Montano's SMALL Off-Broadway (Jun 1, 2026)
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS to Make Wisconsin Debut at Madison's Overture Center (Jun 1, 2026)
Photos: Andrew Lloyd Webber Makes Guest DJ Appearance at CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL (Jun 1, 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
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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
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Chita Rivera, The Visit
Chita Rivera, The Visit
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Chita Rivera
Chita Rivera, The Visit
Chita Rivera, The Mystery of Edwin Drood
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Chita RiveraThe Visit
Chita Rivera, Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life
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Chita Rivera, Nine
Chita Rivera , Nine
Chita Rivera, Nine
Chita RiveraKiss of the Spider Woman, The Musical
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Chita Rivera
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Chita Rivera, Kiss of the Spider Woman
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Chita Rivera, Kiss of the Spider Woman
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Chita Rivera
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Chita Rivera, Kiss of the Spider Woman
Chita Rivera, Jerry's Girls
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Chita Rivera, The Rink
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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: CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL Performs 'The Jellicle Ball' on THE VIEW
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-05-28 14:37:18
Video: Follow Robert 'Silk' Mason's Path to CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL in STAGEBOUND
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-05-26 13:05:35
Video: CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL Performs 'Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat' in the Subway
by Michael Major - 2026-05-22 13:25:28
Video: CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL Cast Performs at WNYC Concert Event
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-05-21 15:40:07
Video: CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL Cast Performs Flashy Dance Number on GOOD MORNING AMERICA
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-04-21 11:34:42
Video: Watch Highlights from CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL on Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - 2026-04-07 18:24:15
Video: Watch the Full Conversations with CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL Cast and Crew From CBS Sunday Morning Segment
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-03-30 15:18:26
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
News
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 1, 2026
See what the critics are saying about Robert Monatno's Small, now officially open Off-Broadway at The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center. Read the Review Roundup here!
by Stephi Wild - Jun 1, 2026
The North American tour of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, the Broadway musical based on Sara Gruen's bestselling novel, will make its Wisconsin premiere at Overture Hall in Madison.
by Bruce Glikas - Jun 1, 2026
DJ WEBZ aka Andrew Lloyd Webber made a guest appearance in the DJ booth alongside original CATS star Ken Ard, who portrays DJ Griddlebone in the production of Cats: The Jellicle Ball. Check out photos here!
by A.A. Cristi - May 29, 2026
A special guest took to the DJ booth at CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL on Broadway this week as composer Andrew Lloyd Webber made a surprise appearance at the Broadhurst Theatre. Watch the video!
by Bruce Glikas - May 29, 2026
The Penguin Rep Theatre production of SMALL, written by and starring Robert Montano, has officially opened Off-Broadway at The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center. See photos from the red carpet!
by Josh Sharpe - May 28, 2026
The cast of Broadway's Tony-nominated Cats: The Jellicle Ball brought the magic of ballroom to The View on Thursday, with a special performance of 'The Jellicle Ball.' Watch it now.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 28, 2026
CATS: The Jellicle Ball has been extended at the Broadhurst Theatre. CATS: The Jellicle Ball, is directed by 2026 Tony Award nominees Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 28, 2026
The Penguin Rep Theatre production of SMALL, written by and starring Robert Montano, opens tonight at The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center. See production photos here!
by A.A. Cristi - May 27, 2026
The Metropolitan High School Theater Awards, known as The Metros, will celebrate 25 ceremonies at Purchase College Performing Arts Center, honoring students from 74 schools across Westchester, Rockland, Bergen, and Putnam counties.
by Nicole Rosky - May 26, 2026
Chess will play its final performance on Sunday, June 21, 2026 at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre after over 250 performances starring Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele and Nicholas Christopher.
by Josh Sharpe - May 26, 2026
A new episode of Stagebound has debuted, spotlighting Robert “Silk” Mason, who currently stars as Mr. Mistoffelees in Broadway's Cats: The Jellicle Ball. Watch the episode now, which takes the artist from rehearsals to previews to opening night.
by Josh Sharpe - May 22, 2026
The cast of Broadway's Tony-nominated Cats: The Jellicle Ball will bring ballroom to daytime television for a special performance on The View next week.
by Michael Major - May 22, 2026
The cast of Cats: The Jellicle Ball performed 'Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat' at 14th St - Union Square station as part of MTA Sessions. The performance was led by showstopper Emma Sofia. Watch the video now!
by Stephen Mosher - May 26, 2026
The annual Chita Rivera Awards was particular overflowing with love and positive energy this year, as members of the dance community showered each other with praise.
by Josh Sharpe - May 21, 2026
The cast of Broadway's Tony-nominated Cats: The Jellicle Ball joined WNYC on Thursday for a special appearance as part of the Broadway On The Radio series. Watch the hour-long event, featuring performances from André de Shields and more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 20, 2026
Schmigadoon! will launch a North American Tour in September 2027. Major engagements are slated for Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington DC, and more. Further cities and casting will be revealed at a later date.
by Josh Sharpe - May 20, 2026
Betty Boop, the iconic cartoon character that was recently brought to the stage in Boop! The Musical, is receiving a new cinematic treatment from Quinta Brunson.
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - May 19, 2026
The 2026 Chita Rivera Awards ceremony was held recently. Among the stars in attendance were Robyn Hurder, Charlotte d'Amboise, Steven Van Zandt, Tony Yazbeck, and many more. Check out photos here!
by A.A. Cristi - May 18, 2026
Winners have been announced for for the 2026 Chita Rivera Awards, honoring outstanding choreography, featured dancers, and ensembles in shows on Broadway and film seen during the 2025-2026 season.
by Nicole Rosky - May 18, 2026
Charlotte d’Amboise and Robyn Hurder will host the 2026 Chita Rivera Awards at the NYU Skirball Center. Tune in at 5:45pm ET as we hit the red carpet with BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge.
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 throughout her career, including the Distinguished Performance Award from the Drama League Awards for The Visit. She was honored with the John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement at the Theatre World Awards. Rivera won the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Resident Musical at the Helen Hayes Awards for The Visit and received the Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical from the Drama Desk Awards for Nine. Additionally, she was recognized with The American Express Tribute at the Helen Hayes Awards. Rivera also earned the Best Actress in a Musical from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Kiss of the Spider Woman and the Outstanding Actress in a Musical from the Drama Desk Awards for the same show. She received the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre from the Drama League Awards. Rivera won the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical Tony Award for Kiss of the Spider Woman and the Outstanding Actress in a Musical from the Drama Desk Awards for The Rink. Furthermore, she won the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical Tony Award for The Rink.
Videos
