Chita Rivera Dies at 91: Tony-Winning Broadway Icon Famous for Roles in West Side Story and Guys and Dolls Dies

Chita Rivera has died at the age of 91.

The Tony-winning actress had a long list of Broadway credits spanning more than seventy years, and was a recipient of the prestigious Kennedy Center Honor.

No cause of death has been announced at this time, but her friend Merle Frimark confirmed the sad news of her death in a statement on Tuesday.

“It is with immense personal sadness that I announce the death of beloved Broadway icon Chita Rivera. My dear friend of over 40 years was 91,” Frimark said.

Born Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero Anderson – the American star was known professionally as Chita Rivera, who played roles in Broadway musicals including Anita in West Side Story, Velma Kelly in Chicago and the title role in Kiss of the Spider Woman.

Thanks to her involvement in such iconic musicals, Rivera has amassed ten Tony Award nominees, three of which she won, including one for Lifetime Achievement.