Broadway legend Chita Rivera dies at 91

by Lesley J. Vos Image: insidethegates.org

The legendary performer, who graced the stage in over 20 Broadway musicals across six decades, died at the age of 91.

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Chita Rivera was more than just a performer; she embodied the essence of Broadway.

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She was everything Broadway was meant to be. Spontaneous, compelling, and talented as hell for decades. Once you saw her, you never forgot her.

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Despite her iconic status on Broadway, Rivera’s beginnings were humble and unlooked for.

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Rivera’s journey to Broadway was a twist of fate. While accompanying a friend to an audition for “Call Me Madam,” Rivera ended up being the one cast in the show. This pivotal moment marked the end of her ballet career and the beginning of her Broadway legacy.

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Rivera’s career had its ups and downs, including a severe taxi accident in 1986 that shattered her left leg. Defying doctors’ predictions, she continued to perform, albeit differently.

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Chita Rivera’s passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy as a Broadway legend, a pioneer of the triple-threat performer, and an inspiration to many, will undoubtedly live on.

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