Chita Rivera was a national treasure. After more than 65 years in show business, this musical theater legend never stopped going strong — even making her Carnegie Hall headlining solo debut at age 83.
The 10-time Tony Award nominee and two-time winner was the first Latina to receive a Kennedy Center Honor, and in 2009, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, alongside Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Sen. Ted Kennedy and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
In this conversation with Growing Bolder, Chita talked about her one-night event, Chita Nowadays, and why it was a celebration of her passion for living in the moment.
Chita, who originated the roles of Anita in West Side Story and Velma in Chicago, also looked back on her remarkable career, sharing some of her favorite roles and reflecting on how many of the issues she tackled through her work remain just as relevant — and troubling — today.
She also shared her commitment to inspiring others, younger and older alike, to stay passionate, engaged, and involved in life.
