On January 30, 2024, Latina Broadway legend Chita Rivera died at 91. She was best known for her role as Anita in the original 1957 Broadway cast of West Side Story—but her contributions to the world of theater spanned more than 50 years.
"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," her rep, Merle Frimark, said in a statement, per People.
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Chita's daughter, Lisa Mordente, revealed the performer died in New York "after a brief illness." Her statement continued, "She is also survived by her siblings Julio, Armando, and Lola del Rivero (her older sister Carmen predeceased her), along with her many nieces, nephews, and friends. Her funeral will be private. A memorial service will be announced in due course."
In the wake of Chita's death, let's take a closer look at her life and the impact she made in theater as a Latina performer