Chita Rivera is a national treasure. After more than 65 years in show business, this musical theater goddess is still going strong. In fact, at the age of 83, she’s about to make her Carnegie Hall-headlining solo debut.
The 10-time Tony Award nominee and two-time winner is 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.
She talks to Growing Bolder about her upcoming one-night event, Chita Nowadays, and why it’s 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 looks back on her amazing career, talking about some of her favorite roles and explains how so many of the issues she’s tackled in her roles are still just as relevant — and troubling — today.
She also shares her commitment to inspiring and encouraging others, whether they’re younger or older, to stay passionated, engaged and involved in life.
Click here to find out more about Chita’s upcoming Carnegie Hall performance.
