Chita Rivera
Milestones
- Birthplace: Washington, DC, USA
- Birthday: January 23, 1933
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2005
Headlined "Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life"; earned a Tony nomination
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2001
Had rare dramatic role on stage in the play "Venecia", adapted and staged by Arthur Laurents
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2001
Reunited with Kander & Ebb to headline the musical "The Visit"; opened in Chicago in October
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2001
Starred in the stage musical "Casper"
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2000
Starred in the Paper Mill Playhouse revival of "Anything Goes"
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1999
Headlined a Las Vegas production of "Chicago" playing role of Roxie Hart
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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
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1987
Appeared in rare dramatic role on primetime TV in a supporting role in the CBS TV-movie, "Mayflower Madam", starring Candice Bergen
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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
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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
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1983
Played the Queen in the musical "Merlin", starring magician Doug Henning
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1981
Reprised role of Rosie in the short-lived flop sequel "Bring Back Birdie"
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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"
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1975
With Gwen Verdon, headlined the Bob Fosse-John Kander-Fred Ebb musical vaudeville "Chicago"; cast as "merry murderess" Velma Kelly
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1973
Played a dramatic role in the TV-movie, "The Marcus-Nelson Murders", a pilot for the series, "Kojak"
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1972
Had rare non-singing stage role in Philadelphia production of "Born Yesterday"
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1969
Feature film acting debut, as Nickie in the film version of the Broadway musical, "Sweet Charity"
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1967 to 1968
Toured USA and Canada in title role of "Sweet Charity"
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1964
Had leading role in "Bajour", choreographed by Michael Bennett
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1960
Co-starred as Rosie in the hit Broadway musical "Bye Bye Birdie"; also reprised role in London in 1961
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1957
Breakthrough stage role, Anita in "West Side Story"; reprised part in London production in 1958
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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
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1953
Was briefly featured in "Guys and Dolls" before moving to the chorus of "Can-Can"
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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
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Appeared in nightclubs around the USA
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Appeared on "The New Dick Van Dyke Show" in a recurring role as Connie Richardson, who, along with husband Richard (played by Richard Dawson), was the next-door neighbor to Van Dyke's character
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Last Broadway show for seven years, "Jerry's Girls", a revue spotlighting the music of Jerry Herman
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Was active on TV variety shows of the late 1950s and early 1960s; also made occasional dramatic appearances on such anthology shows as "The Outer Limits" (as Mrs. Dame in the episode, "The Bellero Shield")
Upcoming Appearances
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