“The West Side” story is iconic. It’s so iconic that it has a tonne of Broadway and film adaptations. Even Steven Spielberg released his version in 2021.
But one has to wonder who played the very first version of one of the lead characters- Anita? And where is she? What happened to her?
Chita Rivera/Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero Anderson, a renowned Broadway icon and 10-time Tony Award nominee, was the first actress to portray Anita. She played the character in the Broadway production of “West Side Story” in 1957. Born on January 23, 1933, Rivera passed away at the age of 91 on January 30, 2024, following a brief illness.
Who Portrayed Anita First in West Side Story?
Chita Rivera/Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero Anderson, a Broadway legend and a 10-time Tony Award nominee, portrayed Anita first in “West Side Story” on Broadway in 1957.
Rivera, known for her immense charisma, had a career that spanned over seven decades. She was born on January 23, 1933, to a Puerto Rican father and a mother of Irish and African-American descent. She had her big break with Anita.
Her portrayal of the character was iconic, earning her acclaim in the theater world.
Her legacy in “West Side Story” continued when another Puerto Rican actress, Rita Moreno, played Anita in the 1961 film adaptation alongside Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer.
Rivera’s memoirs revealed that she felt a touch of resentment when she saw Rita Moreno on the big screen as Anita. But Moreno never felt anything but gratitude.
When Chita Rivera passed away on January 30, 2024, at the age of 91, after battling a short-term illness, Moreno gushed about the late Broadway star in a heartfelt tribute.
She acknowledged Rivera’s eternal talent and recalled how their paths sometimes intertwined as they were “sometimes mistaken for each other,” which she considered a badge of honor.
That’s not all. The other actresses who played Anita after her in various adaptations of “West Side Story” also gave her the flowers she deserved.
Debbie Allen, who portrayed Anita in the Broadway revival of “West Side Story” in 1980, earned a Tony Award nomination for it. She expressed her gratitude for Chita Rivera on Instagram, saying:
“My Mentor, My Friend, Our Goddess of Inspiration and Joy — Thank You. Every moment of your life has been a treasure of what is possible. I will miss touching you, but I will forever hear your laughter and hold that baton of power you tossed my way.”
Ariana DeBose, who played Anita in the 2021 film adaptation and won an Oscar for her role, admired Rivera and wrote on her Instagram:
“In truth, she made me nervous. To be in her presence was to behold greatness. I always got the sense that she had great expectations, but none greater than the ones she held herself to… Rest well, Queen.”
Chita Rivera’s journey to stardom began when she was just 11 years old. Her mother recognized her restless spirit and enrolled her in dance classes.
She was a self-taught singer and actress. At 15, Rivera’s charisma caught the eye of a scout who offered her a scholarship to study in New York. At only 17, she made her debut, and at 24, she became Anita in “West Side Story.”
Throughout her illustrious career, Rivera graced the Broadway stage in numerous musicals, including Merlin, Guys and Dolls, Can-Can, Nine, and Kiss of the Spider Woman.
Her association with West Side Story also led to a personal connection when she met Tony Mordente, a dancer, on the same stage. They married in 1957 and had a daughter, Lisa Mordente, in 1958. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in divorce in 1966.
In 1986, Chita Rivera faced a severe setback when a traffic accident in New York left her with a severely injured leg. Her determination led her through two surgeries, 18 screws, and intense rehabilitation to return to dancing, although she believed she never fully recovered.
Rivera’s career remained vibrant until 2015, when she received her last Tony Award nomination for her role in The Visit, making her the most nominated performer for a Tony Award, sharing the record with Julie Harris and Audra McDonald.
Which Anita that came after Rivera does her justice the best? Which other performance of Rivera is the most memorable to you?
Let us know in the comments below.
