Biography
Dynamic Latina dancer-singer-actress, a staple of Broadway musicals for four decades. Shortly after studying for several years at George Balanchine's American School of Ballet, Rivera made her Broadway debut in "Call Me Madam" (1952). A sinuous dancer very much in the vein standardized by Jerome Robbins and later Bob Fosse, Rivera brought her fiery energy to many Broadway and regional productions, including originating the role of Anita in …
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Career Milestones
| Appeared in nightclubs around the USA | ||
| 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 | ||
| Last Broadway show for seven years, "Jerry's Girls", a revue spotlighting the music of Jerry Herman | ||
| 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") | ||
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 | |
1953 | Was briefly featured in "Guys and Dolls" before moving to the chorus of "Can-Can" | |
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 | |
1957 | Breakthrough stage role, Anita in "West Side Story"; reprised part in London production in 1958 | |
1960 | Co-starred as Rosie in the hit Broadway musical "Bye Bye Birdie"; also reprised role in London in 1961 | |
1964 | Had leading role in "Bajour", choreographed by Michael Bennett | |
1967 | Toured USA and Canada in title role of "Sweet Charity" | |
1969 | Feature film acting debut, as Nickie in the film version of the Broadway musical, "Sweet Charity" | |
1972 | Had rare non-singing stage role in Philadelphia production of "Born Yesterday" | |
1973 | Played a dramatic role in the TV-movie, "The Marcus-Nelson Murders", a pilot for the series, "Kojak" | |
1975 | With Gwen Verdon, headlined the Bob Fosse-John Kander-Fred Ebb musical vaudeville "Chicago"; cast as "merry murderess" Velma Kelly | |
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" | |
1981 | Reprised role of Rosie in the short-lived flop sequel "Bring Back Birdie" | |
1983 | Played the Queen in the musical "Merlin", starring magician Doug Henning | |
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 | |
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 | |
1987 | Appeared in rare dramatic role on primetime TV in a supporting role in the CBS TV-movie, "Mayflower Madam", starring Candice Bergen | |
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 | |
1999 | Headlined a Las Vegas production of "Chicago" playing role of Roxie Hart | |
2000 | Starred in the Paper Mill Playhouse revival of "Anything Goes" | |
2001 | Had rare dramatic role on stage in the play "Venecia", adapted and staged by Arthur Laurents | |
2001 | Reunited with Kander & Ebb to headline the musical "The Visit"; opened in Chicago in October | |
2001 | Starred in the stage musical "Casper" | |
2005 | Headlined "Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life"; earned a Tony nomination | |
Awards
1984 | Tony Award for Actress (Musical) |
1993 | Tony Award for Actress (Musical) |