Who Is Chita Rivera? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on January 23, 1933, Chita Rivera is an iconic figure in the world of performing arts. With a career spanning over six decades, Rivera has made her mark on Broadway, receiving various accolades, including Tony Awards and a Kennedy Center Honor. Her remarkable contributions have sealed her legacy as one of the greatest performers of her generation. As of 2025, Rivera is 92 years old.
Occupation | Memoirist |
---|---|
Date of Birth | January 23, 1933 |
Age | 91 Years |
Birth Place | Washington, D.C., U.S. |
Horoscope | Aquarius |
Country | U.S |
Date of death | 30 January, 2024 |
Died Place | New York City, U.S. |
Popularity
Chita Rivera's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Chita Rivera stands at a petite height of 5 feet 2 inches (1.57 m). Throughout her career, she has maintained a slender figure, weighing approximately 110 pounds (50 kg). Her body measurements are often noted for their elegance and poise, which complement her dynamic performances.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Chita Rivera has experienced love and companionship throughout her life. In recent years, she has remained private about her personal relationships. As of 2025, details about her current boyfriend or partner are not publicly disclosed, reflecting her preference for keeping her love life out of the spotlight. She was previously married to dancer and choreographer Tony Mordente, but the couple divorced in 1986. She has two daughters, Lisa and Michele, who have supported her through the years.
on January 23, 1933, the daughter of Katherine (née Anderson), a government clerk, and Pedro Julio Figueroa del Rivero, a clarinetist and saxophonist for the U.S. Navy Band. His family names are of Galician origin. Her mother was of Scottish, Irish, and African-American descent. Rivera was one of five children.
Rivera was seven years old when her mother was widowed and went to work at The Pentagon.
Net Worth and Salary
Chita Rivera's extensive career in theater, film, and television has resulted in a substantial net worth. As of 2025, her estimated net worth is around $5 million. This figure includes earnings from her Broadway performances, touring shows, and various acting roles. Her continued influence and demand in the entertainment industry suggest her financial success will likely grow.
Career, Business, and Investments
Chita Rivera's career began in the early 1950s, and she quickly rose to fame with her groundbreaking performances in iconic musicals such as "West Side Story," "Chicago," and "Kiss of the Spider Woman." Rivera's talent has not only made her a celebrated performer but also an inspiration for many aspiring artists.
In addition to her performances, Rivera has ventured into business by producing and investing in various projects that promote arts education. Her commitment to the performing arts continues to inspire many, and she remains an active figure in promoting theater and dance.
In 1993, Rivera received Tony and Drama Desk awards for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her dual portrayal of Aurora and Spider Woman in the musical Kiss of the Spider Woman, written by Kander and Ebb. Rivera later participated in the London edition of Kander and Ebb's long-running revival of Chicago, this time in the role of Roxie Hart.
Rivera starred in the Goodman Theatre production of the musical The Visit (also by Kander and Ebb) as Claire Zachanassian in 2001. In 2002, she became a Kennedy Center Honoree.
In 2003, Rivera returned to Broadway in the 2003 revival of Nine as Liliane La Fleur and received her eighth career Tony Award nomination (Best Featured Actress in a Musical) and fourth Drama Desk Award nomination (Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical). She appeared with Antonio Banderas. She later appeared on the revival's cast album.
Social Network
As a well-respected figure in the entertainment world, Chita Rivera has a significant presence on social media. She often shares updates with her fans on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where she connects with followers and other artists. Her engaging posts reflect her personalities, such as her love for dance, her daughters, and her journey in the arts.
After making her Broadway debut as a dancer in Guys and Dolls (1950), she went on to originate roles in Broadway musicals such as Anita in West Side Story (1957), Velma Kelly in Chicago (1975), and the title role in Kiss of the Spider Woman (1993).
She was a ten-time Tony Award nominee, winning the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical twice for her roles in The Rink (1984) and Kiss of the Spider Woman (1993).
She was Tony-nominated for her roles in Bye Bye Birdie (1961), Chicago (1975), Bring Back Birdie (1981), Merlin (1983), Jerry's Girls (1986), Nine (2003), Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life (2005), and The Visit (2015).
Education
Chita Rivera's education has significantly shaped her career. She attended the Washington School of Ballet and later the Juilliard School, where she honed her skills in dance, singing, and acting. Her training laid the foundation for her illustrious career, allowing her to become a versatile performer able to tackle a variety of roles in the entertainment industry.
Rivera was nominated for the Tony Award ten times, twice for Best Featured Actress in a Musical and eight times for Best Actress in a Musical. Rivera's eight nominations in the latter category is the current record for nominations in that category. In 2009, she was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.
Rivera was honored as The New Jewish Home's Eight Over Eighty Gala 2016 honoree. She was awarded an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Florida in 2018.