Ariana DeBose, remembering the late West Side Story star, presented a Chita Rivera tribute at the Tony Awards. At the end of the homage, the awards show host would take the stage and recreate the iconic “America” musical number.
“In January, we lost one of theaters’ brightest lights, the irreplaceable Chita Rivera,” DeBose said as she took the stage with her voice cracking.
Rivera was remembered by Brian Stokes Mitchell, Audra McDonald, and Bebe Neuwirth.
“Anyone who knew Chita had a great friend and an even greater role model,” Mitchell said. “Everything I know about being a Broadway lead, I learned from [Chita]. The iconic characters that she created are unforgettable.”
RELATED: 2024 Tony Awards Winners List
Mitchell then took everyone down memory lane, remembering Rivera’s roles like Rose in Bye Bye Birdie, Velma Kelly in Chicago, and Anita in West Side Story.
“Chita redefined what it meant to be a Latina in showbusiness,” Mitchell added. “She inspired generations of women. If she could do it, they could do it.”
RELATED: ‘Wicked’ Stars Idina Menzel & Cynthia Erivo Bring Their “Green Girl Power” To The 2024 Tony Awards
DeBose returned to the stage in the iconic lilac dress and said, “I literally would not be here without Chita blazing the trail for all who follow. Because of her, I am. Chita from all of us, we will always love you.”
DeBose played Anita in the 2021 West Side Story remake directed by Steven Spielberg.
Rivera died on January 30 of this year at the age of 91 following a brief illness.
Watch DeBose’s tribute in the video below.
Ariana DeBose pays tribute to Chita Rivera #TonyAwards pic.twitter.com/pBiVIwLvxm
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) June 17, 2024
The post Ariana DeBose Pays Tribute To Chita Rivera At Tony Awards: “I Literally Would Not Be Here Without Chita Blazing The Trail” appeared first on Deadline.
