Tuesday, December 24, 2024

RIP Chita Rivera, Broadway Legend Starred in the Original “West Side Story,” Won Every Award Including 2 Tonys

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Chita Rivera seemed like she’d live forever. She died today at 91, but will live on forever in Broadway history.

She starred in the original “West Side Story” on Broadway and caused a sensation. Chita Rivera won two Tony Awards and had eight other nominations. She also was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.

Chita had an indomitable spirit. She loved the audience, and the shows themselves. She was Broadway’s Queen. Several years ago, the Chita Rivera Awards were established in her name. They’ll be held this year on May 20th here in New York.

Condolences to her family, friends, and fans. The latter includes everyone!

Roger Friedman
Roger Friedmanhttps://www.showbiz411.com
Roger Friedman began his Showbiz411 column in April 2009 after 10 years with Fox News, where he created the Fox411 column. His movie reviews are carried by Rotten Tomatoes, and he is a member of both the movie and TV branches of the Critics Choice Awards. His articles have appeared in dozens of publications over the years including New York Magazine, where he wrote the Intelligencer column in the mid 90s and covered the OJ Simpson trial, and Fox News (when it wasn't so crazy) where he covered Michael Jackson. He is also the writer and co-producer of "Only the Strong Survive," a selection of the Cannes, Sundance, and Telluride Film festivals, directed by DA Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus.

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