Is Chita Rivera Jewish? This is a commonly asked question about the actress. However, she is Roman Catholic. Rivera is a prominent American actress, dancer, and singer, widely recognized as one of the most iconic figures in the history of American musical theater. She was born in Washington, D.C. on January 23, 1933, and began her career as a performer in the early 1950s.

Rivera is best known for her work in Broadway musicals such as “West Side Story,” “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Chicago,” and “The Rink,” among others. She has also appeared in various films and television programs. Despite her advanced age, Rivera continues to act and is regarded as an inspiration by many in the entertainment world. She has also been involved in numerous charity concerts and performances to raise donations for organizations such as Hurricane Katrina assistance and the battle against breast cancer, using her platform to raise awareness about important issues and support charitable causes.

Chita Rivera’s Religion

Chita Rivera is not Jewish. She practices Roman Catholicism. In 1957, she married Tony Mordente, a fellow West Side Story dancer. Her significant role in the musical led to the postponement of the London production of West Side Story until she gave birth to their daughter Lisa in 1958. Rivera and Mordente separated in 1966, and she has maintained her religious beliefs and practices despite her busy career in the entertainment industry.

Throughout her career, Rivera has received numerous honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and two Tony Awards for Best Leading Actress in a Musical. She is also known for her humanitarian efforts, supporting charities such as Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the Actors Fund, which aids individuals in the performing arts and entertainment industries.

Rivera received the Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre in 2001 and used the opportunity to raise funds for the National Dance Institute (NDI), a non-profit organization that teaches dance to children, mainly in underprivileged areas. She has additionally been a vocal advocate for arts preservation and education, serving on the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities and acting as the spokesperson for the Kennedy Center’s Arts in Education program.

Chita Rivera’s Ethnicity and Family Background

Chita Rivera was born in Washington, D.C., on January 23, 1933, to a Puerto Rican father and a Scottish-Italian mother. Raised Catholic, she has spoken about how her religion has influenced her life and career. Her father, Pedro Julio Figueroa Rivera, was a government clerk and musician, while her mother, Katherine Anderson, was a teacher. Rivera had three brothers, one of whom was the late musician and conductor Armando Anthony Corea, better known as Chick Corea.

During her childhood, Rivera faced persecution due to her mixed race and has since been a vocal advocate for diversity and representation in the arts. Despite her challenges, her childhood instilled in her a strong work ethic and a passion for her craft, ultimately leading to her successful career as an actress and singer.

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