How did Chita Rivera die? Tony Award-winning actress and singer passed at 91
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Chita Rivera, the legendary Broadway icon, died at the age of 91. Her daughter, Lisa Mordente, shared the news of her mother's death.
CBS News reports, "Chita died on Tuesday in New York after a brief illness." However, it isn't yet mentioned what illness the Broadway icon was suffering from. The Tony-winning actress is reported to have passed away peacefully in her sleep.
After Chita's death was announced, people started pouring in their tribute on social media. Her fellow cast member, Rita Moreno, from 'West Side Story' shared a photo with Chita, recalling the first time she met her. Rita writes, "Chita Rivera is eternal."
She adds, " I remember seeing her for the first time in Mr Wonderful and exclaiming, 'Oh my god, who IS that?'" She went on to claim, "When I found out that this astonishing creature was one of my people, I crowed with pride. Over the years, we were sometimes mistaken for each other which I always viewed as a badge of honor."
Rita then honored her former fellow cast, "She was the essence of Broadway. As I write this, I am raising a glass to this remarkable woman and friend. Chita, amiga, Salud!"
'West Side Story' star Chita Rivera describes herself as 'two people' in her memoir
In the book, 'Chita: A Memoir,' Chita described herself as "two people." She claimed herself to be the mixture of Chita and Dolores.
Chita wrote, "I believe that Dolores is responsible for me having a career. She's the guts. She's the courage." Chita's autobiography is written by journalist Patrick Pacheco.
The book covers Chita's remarkable life and career and how the character Anita evolved over time.
Chita Rivera was 1st Latina to be awarded with Kennedy Center Honors
In 2002, Chita became the first Latina to be awarded Kennedy Center Honors. It is awarded to artists for their lifetime contribution to the field of performing arts.
According to the Kennedy Center, Chita is "universally regarded as an American national treasure." She is Broadway's most accomplished and prestigious dancer, actress, and singer.
Chita was presented with Kennedy Center Honor by the President of the United States. Besides this, Chita has also received 10 Tony Award nominations and is the winner of 2 for 'The Rink' and 'Kiss of the Spider Woman.'
Who is Chita Rivera's ex-husband?
Chita fell in love with her fellow 'West Side Story' dancer Tony Mordente. On December 1, 1957, both walked down the aisle.
In 1958, the ex-couple celebrated the arrival of their daughter. Unfortunately, their marriage was short-lived, and Chita and Tony officially divorced in 1966.