01/30/2024
Today, we’re devastated by the loss of the great Chita Rivera. She was an icon of the American theatre, a singularly powerful, irrepressible force of nature whose artistry inspired many of her generation’s greatest writers, composers, and choreographers. Over the course of an awe-inspiring career that spanned seven decades, she created some of the most beloved characters in Broadway history. She was the recipient of three Tony Awards, including a special Tony for Lifetime Achievement and two Tonys for her roles in musicals by the legendary writing team of McNally, Kander, and Ebb: The Rink and Kiss of the Spider Woman. Terrence gave a heartfelt tribute to Chita when she received a Kennedy Center Honor in 2002, and he said, “I think the secret of Chita’s artistry is her humanity.”
Chita was a brilliant light in the Broadway community and a dear friend to Terrence and Tom. Her legacy is extraordinary. She will be remembered for her radiant charisma as a performer, her profound commitment to the theatre, and her unfailingly generous spirit.
