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Photo of Chita Rivera

Photo: PhilipRomanoPhoto / CC BY 4.0 (source: Wikimedia Commons)

Chita Rivera

American dancer

January 23, 1933 – January 30, 2024 · Washington, D.C., United States

  • dancer
  • singer
  • actor

Chita Rivera was credited as a dancer, singer and musical theatre actor. Born on January 23, 1933, Chita Rivera was from Washington, D.C., United States. Death is recorded on January 30, 2024, at the age of 91. Awards on record include Presidential Medal of Freedom (2009), John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement (2015), Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical (1984, 1993) and 3 more.

My Take

Chita Rivera is one of those names that commands instant reverence. A Latina from Washington, D.C., who became Broadway royalty, originating West Side Story and earning two Tonys, the first Latino American Kennedy Center Honor, and a Presidential Medal of Freedom. What moves me most is that she danced well into her nineties, refusing to let the spotlight dim. Her 2024 passing closed a remarkable chapter, but the legacy of an artist who gave her whole life to the stage feels permanent. I admire few things more than someone who simply never stops performing. A true legend.

1. Profile

Name (English)
Chita Rivera
Name (Japanese)
チタ・リベラ
Reading
ちた・りべら
Born
January 23, 1933 – January 30, 2024
Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
Aquarius / Rooster
Origin
Washington, D.C., United States
Occupation
dancer / singer / actor / musical theatre actor / musician

2. Background

Awards & achievements

  • 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom
  • 2015 John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement
  • 1984 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical
  • 1993 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical
  • Kennedy Center Honors
  • Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical
  • Drama League Award

4. About this entry

Tags

  • dancer
  • singer
  • actor
Last updated
2026-06-20

Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public or unconfirmed items are omitted. English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.

Frequently asked questions

When was Chita Rivera born?

Born January 23, 1933.

When did Chita Rivera die?

Died January 30, 2024, aged 91.

Where was Chita Rivera from?

Chita Rivera was from Washington, D.C., United States.

What did Chita Rivera do?

Chita Rivera worked as dancer, singer, actor, musical theatre actor, musician.

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