Chita Rivera
Birth Place: Washington, DC, USA
Broadway’s Next Triple Threat Semi-Finalists Announced By Chita Rivera Awards And NYCDA Foundation (Mar 28, 2026)
Meet the Cast of TITANIQUE, Now Playing on Broadway (Mar 27, 2026)
Jinkx Monsoon & Jesse Tyler Ferguson Guest Judge at CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL (Mar 26, 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: 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 A.A. Cristi - Mar 28, 2026
The Chita Rivera Awards and New York City Dance Alliance Foundation announced 15 semi-finalists for Broadway's Next Triple Threat, a talent search honoring Chita Rivera's legacy. Finalists will be named ahead of the live awards presentation on May 18.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 27, 2026
Titanique, the splash-hit musical comedy inspired by the 1997 film Titanic and powered by the songs of Céline Dion, is now playing on Broadway. Meet the cast of Titanique here!
by Michael Major - Mar 26, 2026
Two beloved Broadway stars hit the runway as guest judges at CATS: The Jellicle Ball last night! Jinkx Monsoon and Jesse Tyler Ferguson joined the production for one-night-only as to guest judge the Jellicle Ball.
by David Friscic - Mar 25, 2026
I have always been tantalized by the triple threat talent of Vanessa Williams. Ever since I sat with my family and saw her on television singing “Happy Days are Here Again” to become the first Miss America of color, she has become an artistic and cultural presence in my life. At pivotal moments of life experience, her recordings, television appearances, stage appearances, and concerts have become an integral part of my artistic consciousness. As a gay person, I instinctively sensed that she would understand me if she ever met me. Little did I know that she would meet me after a concert and pose for a great picture or that I would be writing this feature story on her well-deserved Signature Theatre Sondheim Award at the Sondheim Award Gala in Washington, DC. (held at The Anthem venue on March 16, 2026).
by Alex Freeman - Mar 23, 2026
On the business side, the independent acquisition of Serino Coyne signals a shift away from the consolidation model that has defined much of the advertising world, while the merger of Pittsburgh Public Theater and Pittsburgh CLO illustrates how financial pressure is prompting institutions to find strength in unity. On the creative side, BroadwayWorld's Spring Preview paints an exciting picture of a season packed with star power and long-awaited arrivals. Internationally, UK theatremakers are pushing for greater recognition of emerging craft disciplines at the Oliviers, and a landmark Irish experiment offers compelling evidence that investing directly in artists yields measurable cultural and economic returns.
by Bruce Glikas - Mar 23, 2026
Performances are now underway for the Broadway production of CATS: The Jellicle Ball at the Broadhurst Theatre. The show recently was paid a visit by stars Nicole Scherzinger, Marisha Wallace, and Todrick Hall. Check out photos here!
by David Green - Mar 22, 2026
PRISM Theatre Company's debut production, CAMP MORNING WOOD, plays its final weekend in Palm Springs with just four more performances remaining before the campfire goes out. The show’s premise is about seven characters navigating their inhibitions in the judgement-free, clothing-optional environment of Camp “Morning Wood”. It is far from an evening a high-art or thought-provoking theatre but, if you just want to let go of the cerebral and give in to a mindless romp with a wonderfully engaging cast, CAMP MORNING WOOD is the ticket. I had the chance to catch up with Jeffrey Johns, the actor who plays the musical’s comedic, scene-stealing twink, Derek, prior to a recent matinee performance. Here are a few excerpts from the conversation:
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 19, 2026
You can now get a first look at photos and video of the Broadway production of CATS: The Jellicle Ball at the Broadhurst Theatre! CATS: The Jellicle Ball, is directed by OBIE Award winners Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch.
by Michael Major - Mar 19, 2026
CATS: The Jellicle Ball has officially brought its runway to Broadway! Watch a video of the cast of the production take their first bows on Broadway, complete with a fierce runway walk and reprise of 'Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats.'
by Michael Major - Mar 18, 2026
Andrew Lloyd Webber is celebrating just another reinvention of one of his classic works. As Cats: The Jellicle Ball begins previews on Broadway tonight, look back on the Tony-winner attending the musical's sitzprobe. Watch the video!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 18, 2026
Performances are now underway for CATS: The Jellicle Ball, which begins preview performances Wednesday, March 18 at the Broadhurst Theatre ahead of a Wednesday, April 7 opening night. Meet the cast here!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 16, 2026
Digital lottery and rush policies have been announced for the new Broadway production of the wildly acclaimed, award-winning CATS: The Jellicle Ball, which begins preview performances Wednesday, March 18.
by David Green - Mar 15, 2026
Desert Theatricals brings the legendary Broadway musical Chicago to the Rancho Mirage Amphitheater for a limited three-night run, opening March 13. Packed with murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery, and treachery — all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts — the Kander and Ebb classic remains as sharp and entertaining today as when it first premiered. Under the direction of Ray Limon, this stylish production embraces the show’s signature blend of vaudeville spectacle, biting satire, and sultry jazz.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 13, 2026
EGOT winner John Legend and Tony and Emmy Award-winning producer Mike Jackson, through their company Get Lifted Film Co. have joined the producing team of CATS: The Jellicle Ball.
by Elliot Lanes - Mar 12, 2026
Today’s subject Myles Frost in currently living his theatre life as the lead character in Chez Joey at Arena Stage. The show is a modern reimagining of the 1940 Rodgers and Hart musical Pal Joey. The production runs through March 22nd in Arena’s Kreeger Theatre.
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 10, 2026
Jamal Sims, a longtime choreographer and performer who frequently appears on RuPaul's Drag Race, will direct the ballet-themed film Major for 20th Century Studios.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 10, 2026
Actors Theatre of Indiana’s (ATI) LabSeries will continue to link the community to aspiring playwrights and their newest productions when they present All Out for Christmas – A Showbiz Radio Fable.
by - Mar 10, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is March 10, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by Student Blogger: Eva Viciana - Mar 9, 2026
Women’s History Month has always made me slow down a little. Women’s History Month always makes me pause and think about how much of the world we move through today was shaped by the choices, persistence, and courage of women who came long before us.
by Alex Freeman - Mar 9, 2026
This week's theater news spans triumph and turbulence in equal measure. On the celebratory side, Ann-Margret is set to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Chita Rivera Awards, Broadway dims its marquees to honor luminaries including Robert Duvall and Bret Hanna-Shuford, and the 2026 Olivier Award nominations are in — with Into The Woods and Paddington The Musical leading the pack.
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