Chita Rivera
About
Biography
Filmography
Family & Companions
Notes
Rivera has also been nominated for Tonys for Best Featured (Supporting) Actress in a Musical for "Bye, Bye, Birdie" (1961) and for Best Actress in a Musical for "Chicago" (1976), "Bring Back Birdie" (1981, which opened March 5 and closed March 7), "Merlin" (1983), and "Jerry's Girls" (1986).
Biography
Dynamic Latina dancer-singer-actress, a staple of Broadway musicals for four decades. Shortly after studying for several years at George Balanchine's American School of Ballet, Rivera made her Broadway debut in "Call Me Madam" (1952). A sinuous dancer very much in the vein standardized by Jerome Robbins and later Bob Fosse, Rivera brought her fiery energy to many Broadway and regional productions, including originating the role of Anita in "West Side Story" (1959), "Can Can," "Mr. Wonderful," "Bye, Bye Birdie" (as Spanish Rose), "Shinebone Alley," "Chicago" (as Velma), "Merlin," "Jerry's Girls" and a Tony-winning turn opposite Liza Minnelli in "The Rink." Rivera has frequently appeared on TV, most often on such variety specials as "Broadway Sings: The Music of Jule Styne" (1987). She has played occasional dramatic roles on TV, including a memorable turn as the sinister Mrs. Dame on an episode of the cult series "The Outer Limits" (1963-64). Rivera also appeared in Bob Fosse's adaptation of the Broadway hit "Sweet Charity" (1969), in which, as one of Shirley MacLaine's sassy girlfriends, she sparkled singing and dancing to "There's Gotta Be Something Better Than This" with MacLaine and Paula Kelly. After a severe automobile accident in 1986, it seemed doubtful that Rivera would ever dance again, but she returned to Broadway in triumph as the film star centerpiece of a gay prisoner's fantasies in "Kiss of the Spider Woman" (1993). The role earned her second Tony as Best Actress in a Musical.
Filmography
Cast (Feature Film)
Music (Feature Film)
Misc. Crew (Feature Film)
Cast (Special)
Music (Special)
Misc. Crew (Special)
Life Events
1952
Performed in the national touring show of "Call Me Madam", first with Ethel Merman, then Elaine Stritch in lead role; billed as Conchita del Rivero
1953
Was briefly featured in "Guys and Dolls" before moving to the chorus of "Can-Can"
1955
Appeared in the ensemble of the Off-Broadway show "The Shoestring Revue"; for three days billed as Chita O'Hara before adopting current stage name
1957
Breakthrough stage role, Anita in "West Side Story"; reprised part in London production in 1958
1960
Co-starred as Rosie in the hit Broadway musical "Bye Bye Birdie"; also reprised role in London in 1961
1964
Had leading role in "Bajour", choreographed by Michael Bennett
1967
Toured USA and Canada in title role of "Sweet Charity"
1969
Feature film acting debut, as Nickie in the film version of the Broadway musical, "Sweet Charity"
1972
Had rare non-singing stage role in Philadelphia production of "Born Yesterday"
1973
Played a dramatic role in the TV-movie, "The Marcus-Nelson Murders", a pilot for the series, "Kojak"
1975
With Gwen Verdon, headlined the Bob Fosse-John Kander-Fred Ebb musical vaudeville "Chicago"; cast as "merry murderess" Velma Kelly
1978
Made a guest cameo appearance along with many other stars in the teen rock'n'roll musical, "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band"
1981
Reprised role of Rosie in the short-lived flop sequel "Bring Back Birdie"
1983
Played the Queen in the musical "Merlin", starring magician Doug Henning
1984
Earned first Tony Award for portrayal of the owner of the titular establishment in "The Rink", book by Terrence McNally and score by Kander & Ebb
1986
Was in a severe accident when her car collided with a taxi on West 86th Street in Manhattan; injuries sustained included the breaking of her left leg in 12 places
1987
Appeared in rare dramatic role on primetime TV in a supporting role in the CBS TV-movie, "Mayflower Madam", starring Candice Bergen
1993
Returned to Broadway after a seven-year absence to play the title role in the musical version of "Kiss of the Spider Woman", book by McNally and score by Kander & Ebb; had originated role in London; received second Tony Award
1999
Headlined a Las Vegas production of "Chicago" playing role of Roxie Hart
2000
Starred in the Paper Mill Playhouse revival of "Anything Goes"
2001
Starred in the stage musical "Casper"
2001
Had rare dramatic role on stage in the play "Venecia", adapted and staged by Arthur Laurents
2001
Reunited with Kander & Ebb to headline the musical "The Visit"; opened in Chicago in October
2005
Headlined "Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life"; earned a Tony nomination
Videos
Movie Clip
Trailer
Family
Companions
Bibliography
Notes
Rivera has also been nominated for Tonys for Best Featured (Supporting) Actress in a Musical for "Bye, Bye, Birdie" (1961) and for Best Actress in a Musical for "Chicago" (1976), "Bring Back Birdie" (1981, which opened March 5 and closed March 7), "Merlin" (1983), and "Jerry's Girls" (1986).
