Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero Anderson was born on January 23, 1933, and is professionally known as Chita Rivera.
Rivera was born in Washington, D.C., the daughter of Katherine (Anderson), a government clerk, and Pedro Julio Figueroa del Rivero, a clarinetist and saxophonist for the United States Navy Band.
Her father was Puerto Rican and her mother was of Scottish and Italian descent. Rivera is one of five children. Rivera was seven years old when her mother was widowed and went to work at The Pentagon.
Chita Rivera is an American actress, singer, and dancer best known for originating roles in Broadway musicals including Anita in West Side Story, Velma Kelly in Chicago, and the title role in Kiss of the Spider Woman.
She is a ten-time Tony Award nominee and a three-time Tony Award recipient, including one for Lifetime Achievement.
She is the first Latina and the first Latino American to receive a Kennedy Center Honor and is a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Her autobiography, Chita: A Memoir, was published in 2023.
What nationality is Chita Rivera?
Chita Rivera’s nationality is American
What awards did Chita Rivera win?
Awards
Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
1993, 1984 · Kiss of the Spider Woman, The Rink
Kennedy Center Honors
2002
Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement
2018
Drama League Award for Distinguished Performance
2015 · The Visit
Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical
1993, 1984 · Kiss of the Spider Woman, The Rink
Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical
1994 · Kiss of the Spider Woman
Helen Hayes Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Musical
2009 · The Visit
The Helen Hayes Tribute, sponsored by Jaylee Mead
1996