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Chita RiveraAmerican actress, dancer.
Date of Birth: 23.01.1933
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Chita Rivera
Chita Rivera, born Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero on January 23, 1933, in Washington, is an American actress, dancer, and performer known for her iconic roles in musical theater productions. She was awarded the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors award in December 2002.
Early Life and Education
Chita's father was a talented saxophonist and clarinet player in the United States Navy Band. When Chita was seven years old, her mother became a widow and accepted a job at the Pentagon. In 1944, the future actress enrolled in the Jones-Hayward School of Ballet. At the age of fifteen, Chita caught the attention of a teacher from the renowned George Balanchine's School of American Ballet, who invited her to New York for an audition. Impressed by her talent, Chita was accepted into the school with a scholarship. Among her teachers were Allega Kent and Maria Tallchief.
Broadway Success
In 1952, Chita made her debut on Broadway and soon participated in productions such as "Guys and Dolls" and "Can-Can." It was in 1957 that she achieved great success with her participation in the Broadway musical "West Side Story" and her portrayal of the character Anita. Interestingly, this role later earned another actress, Rita Moreno, an Oscar in the film adaptation of the musical. In December 1957, Chita married dancer Tony Mordente and later gave birth to their daughter Lisa. Her involvement in "West Side Story" was so crucial that the show's premiere was postponed to allow Chita to prepare for childbirth and recover postpartum.
Television and Tony Award
In 1981, Chita appeared in a television version of the musical "Pippin," which garnered attention from daytime television viewers and experts. She continued to perform in theater productions, and in 1993, she was awarded a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role in "Kiss of the Spider Woman." Chita Rivera frequently made appearances on various television programs while simultaneously performing on Broadway. She later received another Tony Award nomination.
Chita's creative work continues to captivate fans of the arts, showcasing her talent and leaving a lasting impact on the world of theater.
