Chita Rivera, Broadway Legend Known for 'West Side Story,' Dead at 91
Broadway legend Chita Rivera has died at 91. She originated roles in "West Side Story" and "Chicago" and got her first Tony nod for "Bye Bye Birdie."
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Broadway legend Chita Rivera has died at 91. She originated roles in "West Side Story" and "Chicago" and got her first Tony nod for "Bye Bye Birdie."
During her career, she appeared in more than 20 Broadway musicals, including originating the role of Anita in West Side Story and Velma Kelly in Chicago.
Chita Rivera dazzled audiences for nearly six decades, memorably playing Anita in West Side Story and Velma Kelly in Chicago
Her dancing sometimes overshadowed her thrillingly dramatic way with a song: husky yet clarion, unaffected but full of comment and character.
Both Jones and Rivera played murderess Velma Kelly in Chicago. Jones played her in the 2003 film adaptation of the musical after Rivera originated the role on Broadway.