Chita Rivera, revered and pioneering Tony-winning dancer and singer, dies at 91

Chita Rivera first gained wide notice in 1957 as Anita in the original production of 'West Side Story'. Photo: AFP

Chita Rivera, the dynamic dancer, singer and actress who garnered 10 Tony nominations, winning twice, in a long Broadway career that forged a path for Latina artists and shrugged off a near-fatal car accident, died Tuesday. She was 91.

Rivera's death was announced by her daughter, Lisa Mordente, who said she died in New York after a brief illness.