Chita Rivera Dies at 91 Chita Rivera, the Broadway legend and Latina trailblazer has died at age 91. She was best known for her energetic performances in such Broadway musicals as West Side Story, Chicago, and Kiss of the Spider Woman. She also appeared in many notable films and TV shows including big screen adaptations of the musicals Sweet Charity and Chicago. Born Delores Conchita Figueroa in Washington D.C., she was a trained ballerina, dancer, singer and actress who received numerous accolades during her lifetime including ten Tony nominations, two Tony Awards, two Drama Desk Awards, and a Drama League Award. She was the first Latina and the first Latino American to receive a Kennedy Center Honor in 2002, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009. President Obama presented her that prestigious Award, the Nation's highest civilian honor, given to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. She also won a Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2018 in recognition of her long-running 60 year career on Broadway.
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