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Chita Rivera Headshot

Chita Rivera

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.

Also Credited As: Conchita Del Rivero

Date of Birth: January 23, 1933 (93)

Birth Place: Washington, DC, USA

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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

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2015
Claire Zachanassian
[Williamstown, MA (Regional)]
Williamstown Theatre Festival Production, 2014
Claire
[Broadway]
Roundabout Theatre Company Production, 2012
Princess Puffer
[Arlington, VA (Regional)]
Kander & Ebb Celebration Production, 2008
Claire Zachanassian
[Arlington, VA (Regional)]
Signature Theatre Production, 2007
Claire Zachanassian
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2005
Chita Rivera
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production [Cancelled], 2004
Claire Zachanassian
[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2003
Liliane La Fleur
[Chicago (Regional)]
World Premiere, 2001
Claire Zachanassian
[Milburn, NJ (Regional)]
Paper Mill Production, 2000
Reno Sweeney
[New York]
Workshop, 1998
Countess Aurelia
[US Tour]
2nd National Tour, 1997
Roxie Hart [Replacement]
[West End]
London Revival, 1997
Roxie Hart [Replacement]
[Broadway]
Angela Lansbury Tribute Benefit, 1996
Performer
[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1993
Spider Woman/Aurora, Spider Woman / Aurora
[West End]
London Production, 1992
Spider Woman/Aurora
[Toronto]
Toronto Production, 1992
Performer
[]
International Tour, 1988
La Mome Pistache
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1985
Performer
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1984
Anna
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1983
The Queen
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1981
Rose
[Broadway]
1979
Performer
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1975
Velma Kelly
[Broadway]
Concert [Broadway], 1973
Performer
[Broadway]
Closed on the road, 1969
Performer
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1964
Anyanka
[Broadway]
Closed on the road, 1963
Athena Constantine
[West End]
London Production, 1961
Rose Grant
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1960
Rose Grant, Rose Alvarez
[West End]
London Production, 1958
Anita
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1957
Anita
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1957
mehitabel (Standby)
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1956
Rita Romano
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1955
Fifi, Fifi
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1953
Dancer [Replacement]

Six Degrees of Broadway Beta

See how many degrees separate Chita Rivera from another Broadway star or creative.

Chita Rivera

Chita Rivera

Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 2018 - Lifetime Achievement Award

Chita Rivera

Drama Desk Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Chita Rivera, The Visit


winner
Drama League Awards - 2015 - Distinguished Performance Award

Chita Rivera, The Visit

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Chita Rivera, The Visit


winner
Theatre World Awards - 2015 - John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement

Chita Rivera

Tony Awards - 2015 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Chita Rivera, The Visit

Drama League Awards - 2013 - Distinguished Performance Award

Chita Rivera, The Mystery of Edwin Drood


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 2009 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Musical

Chita Rivera, The Visit

Tony Awards - 2006 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Chita Rivera, Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical

Chita Rivera, Nine

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Chita Rivera, Nine

Tony Awards - 2003 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Chita Rivera, Nine

Helen Hayes Awards - 1996 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production

Chita Rivera, Kiss of the Spider Woman, The Musical


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 1996 - The American Express Tribute

Chita Rivera


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1994 - Best Actress - Musical

Chita Rivera, Kiss of the Spider Woman


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Actress - Musical

Chita Rivera, Kiss of the Spider Woman


winner
Drama League Awards - 1993 - Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre

Chita Rivera


winner
Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Chita Rivera, Kiss of the Spider Woman

Tony Awards - 1986 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Chita Rivera, Jerry's Girls


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1984 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Chita Rivera, The Rink


winner
Tony Awards - 1984 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Chita Rivera, The Rink

Tony Awards - 1983 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Chita Rivera, Merlin

Drama Desk Awards - 1981 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Chita Rivera, Bring Back Birdie

Tony Awards - 1981 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Chita Rivera, Bring Back Birdie

Tony Awards - 1976 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Chita Rivera, Chicago

Tony Awards - 1961 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Chita Rivera, Bye Bye Birdie

Videos

News

Lea Salonga, Casey Likes and More to Perform at 54 Below in November
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 30, 2026

54 Below has unveiled its November performance lineup, featuring shows by Lea Salonga, Casey Likes, John Barrowman, Rose Levine, Tara Jackson, Nicolas King and more.
Listen to The First Single from the CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL Cast Recording
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 30, 2026

As BroadwayWorld reported earlier this week, Cats: The Jellicle Ball has delayed the release of its original Broadway cast recording. The album, which was originally set to be released on streaming platforms on October 30, has been delayed, with no new date announced at this time. While we await the full album, check out the first single, 'Prologue: Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats':
David Mendizábal and Rickey Tripp Win 2026 Callaway Awards
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 27, 2026

The Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation named David Mendizábal and Rickey Tripp winners of the 2026 Joe A. Callaway Awards for their work on MEXODUS and THE MONSTERS, with Diane Paulus, Josh Rhodes, and Leigh Silverman recognized as finalists.
Photos: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Tickets to Go on Sale October 30 for Dallas Run
by Rachel Stone - Oct 27, 2026

The Tony-winning musical adaptation will play Music Hall at Fair Park April 13-25, 2027. Tickets start at $40.
Tickets on Sale This Week For WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at Bass Concert Hall
by Stephi Wild - Oct 27, 2026

The North American tour of the Broadway musical based on Sara Gruen's bestselling novel will perform at Bass Concert Hall in Austin April 6–11, 2027. Tickets start at $42 and go on sale Friday, October 30.
CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL Delays Cast Recording; First Single to Be Released This Week
by Stephi Wild - Oct 27, 2026

Cats: The Jellicle Ball has delayed the release of its original Broadway cast recording. The first single will be released on October 30. Learn more about the album here.
Photos: Check Out Sexy, New Portraits of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW Cast
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 23, 2026

 Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show is now in the seventh month of its run at Studio 54 and the cast just celebrated with a special photoshoot at the iconic venue. Check out the portraits here.
Complete Cast Set for Adrienne Warren-Led IMITATION OF LIFE World Premiere Off-Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Oct 15, 2026

The full cast has been revealed for Lynn Nottage and John Legend's new musical IMITATION OF LIFE, starring Adrienne Warren, Jessica Vosk, Michael Luwoye, and Charlie Thurston at The Griffin Theater at The Shed.
SINGIN' IN THE RAIN to Open Asolo Rep's 2026–27 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 13, 2026

Asolo Repertory Theatre will open its 2026–27 season with SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, directed and choreographed by Josh Rhodes. The production features Tyler Hanes, Sara Esty, Colin Bradbury, and Ryah Nixon in leading roles.
SCHMIGADOON! Cast to Reunite for Album Signing at Museum of Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 13, 2026

Original Broadway cast members including Alex Brightman, Sara Chase, and Ana Gasteyer will gather at the Museum of Broadway to sign copies of the SCHMIGADOON! Original Broadway Cast Recording on CD and vinyl.
Review: Kym Johnson Makes Promising Cabaret Debut With WHAT I DID FOR LOVE at 54 Below
by Stephen Mosher - Oct 10, 2026

Kym Johnson sings and dances her way into the world of cabaret.
ELLA ERA ANITA regresa al Teatre Condal
by Sandra Arias Muñoz - Oct 9, 2026

Tras su exitoso paso por la cartelera la temporada anterior, ELLA ERA ANITA regresa este octubre al Teatre Condal de Barcelona para recuperar una propuesta de teatro musical profundamente inspirada en la figura de Chita Rivera.
Review: SONGBOOK SUNDAYS Honors Kander and Ebb at Dizzy's
by Andrew Poretz - Oct 9, 2026

Deborah Grace Winer's Songbook Sundays celebrated the legendary Kander and Ebb at Dizzy's, starring Karen Ziemba and Matthew Scott, and Vanisha Gould, with a terrific quartet delivering fresh takes on some of Broadway's most beloved songs.
George Abud and Lilli Cooper Join SPRING AWAKENING Off-Broadway Cast
by Stephi Wild - Oct 8, 2026

Emmy Award winner George Abud and Tony Award nominee Lilli Cooper join the cast of the Tony Award-winning musical SPRING AWAKENING. Cooper returns to the production nearly two decades after originating a role in the original Broadway production.
New Bea Arthur Documentary Will Screen at The New School
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 7, 2026

DancinDan Productions and Daryl Roth in Partnership with The School of Drama at The New School and the Ali Forney Center have just announced the NYC screening of BEA ARTHUR: The Documentary - “I’VE DONE EVERYTHING EXCEPT PORN,” a new feature documentary offering an intimate and revealing portrait of the Emmy and Tony Award-winning performer Bea Arthur on Sunday, October 25th at 3pm at John L. Tishman Auditorium at The New School.
SUFFS Will Launch New National Tour in Fall 2027
by Stephi Wild - Oct 7, 2026

The Tony Award-winning musical SUFFS will begin a new national tour in fall 2027, starting at Proctors in Schenectady, NY. Additional cities and casting will be announced in coming months.
Juan Pablo Di Pace to Make Broadway Debut in SCHMIGADOON!
by Stephi Wild - Oct 6, 2026

Juan Pablo Di Pace, known for roles in Netflix's Fuller House and the film Mamma Mia!, will make his Broadway debut stepping into the role of Doc in the Tony Award-winning musical SCHMIGADOON!
Review: The Unbeatable Deborah Cox FINALLY Comes To 54 Below
by Stephen Mosher - Oct 5, 2026

Fresh off the heels of the gargantuan Broadway hit TITANIQUE, Deborah Cox makes the most glittering cabaret debut of this or any other season.
ALICE BY HEART to Open at Temple Theaters in Philadelphia
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 30, 2026

Temple Theaters will present the musical adaptation of Lewis Carroll's classic novel, transposed to 1940s London during World War II. The production features music by the creators of SPRING AWAKENING.
D. Sabella to Celebrate 30 Years of CHICAGO at the Laurie Beechman
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 30, 2026

D. Sabella, Broadway's original Mary Sunshine in CHICAGO, will celebrate the iconic musical's 30th anniversary with a behind-the-scenes one-man show at the Laurie Beechman Theatre.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Chita Rivera been in?

Chita Rivera has appeared on Broadway in 22 shows.

How many West End shows has Chita Rivera been in?

Chita Rivera has appeared on London's West End in 4 shows.

What was Chita Rivera's first West End show?

Chita Rivera's first West End show was West Side Story which opened in 1958

What awards has Chita Rivera been nominated for?

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), 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.

What awards has Chita Rivera won?

Chita Rivera has received numerous prestigious awards and accolades throughout her career. Her honors include a Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for Kiss of the Spider Woman, and another Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for The Rink. Beyond the Tony Awards, Rivera has been recognized by major theater organizations including the Drama League Awards, where she won the Distinguished Performance Award for The Visit and the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre award. She received the Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Musical Helen Hayes Award for The Visit and The American Express Tribute Helen Hayes Award. Additional recognition includes the John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Theatre World Awards. The Drama Desk Awards honored her with Outstanding Actress in a Musical for The Rink and Outstanding Actress - Musical for Kiss of the Spider Woman. She also received the Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical Drama Desk Award for Nine. The Outer Critics Circle Awards recognized her achievements with the Best Actress - Musical award for Kiss of the Spider Woman, further solidifying her legacy as one of musical theater's most celebrated performers.

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