Legendary stage actor and dancer Chita Rivera died January 30 following a short illness. Here, we take a look back at her career with production photos from her decades-long career. 

Rivera made her Broadway debut as a dancer in the original Broadway production of Guys and Dolls. Throughout her vast career, she has starred in the original Broadway productions of West Side Story, Can-Can, Seventh Heaven, and more.

Nominated for Tony Awards for her roles in Bye Bye Birdie, Chicago, Bring Back Birdie, Merlin, Jerry's Girls, Nine, Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life, and The Visit, she won the award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her performances in The Rink and Kiss of the Spider Woman.

Rivera was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009 by President Barack Obama. In 2002, she received the Kennedy Center Honors, becoming the first Hispanic woman ever chosen to receive the award.

In 2018, Rivera was awarded a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement. Take a look at photos from her numerous Broadway shows below.

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Celebrate Broadway Legend Chita Rivera

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