Broadway legend Chita Rivera dies aged 91-Rishma Dosani-Entertainment – Metro

Broadway legend Chita Rivera has died at the age of 91(Picture: Getty)

Chita Rivera has died at the age of 91.

The star, most known for her incredible Broadway stints in West Side Story and Chicago, died earlier today.

She is said to have died peacefully in New York following a brief illness – the news was confirmed to Deadline by her daughter, Lisa Mordente.

Her close friend, Merle Frimark, also shared a statement with People Magazine, which read: ‘It is with immense personal sorrow that I announce the death of the beloved Broadway icon Chita Rivera.

‘My dear friend of over 40 years was 91.’

Rivera’s cause of death has yet to be confirmed.

Tributes poured in for Chita after her death (Picture: FilmMagic)

The Washington-born star attended the School of American Ballet before coming to fame in the early 1950s, and landed roles in Broadway productions including Guys and Dolls, Can-Can and Mr Wonderful – alongside Sammy David Jr.

In 1957, she was catapulted to superstardom when she appeared as Anita in West Side Story in New York, before traveling to the UK for the role.

As well as a hugely successful stint in West Side Story, Rivera landed the role of the original Velma Kelly in the 1975 production of Chicago – and earned a Tony Award for her efforts.

She quickly cemented her status as a stage icon, landing a string of Tony nominations over the years, and went on to win two trophies for The Rink and Kiss of the Spider Woman.

Chita was nominated for a string of Tony awards throughout her career, winning two (Picture: FilmMagic)

As well as those gongs, she was awarded the lifetime achievement in theatre title at the 2018 ceremony.

Rivera also made her presence felt on the screen – making a cameo in the cinematic adaption of Chicago in 2002.

She most recently starred in 2021 movie Tick, Tick… Boom, beside Andrew Garfield, Vanessa Hudgens and Alexandra Shipp.

This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

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