The 2024 Tony Awards mounted a poignant tribute to the late Chita Rivera through Ariana DeBose.
DeBose, who returned to host the annual award show for the third time, shared how important Rivera was to her.
"In January, we lost one of theaters' brightest lights, the irreplaceable Chita Rivera," DeBose said onstage. "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 then burst out on a dance number of West Side Story's "America" with a company of dancers, recreating the iconic dance piece Rivera had danced in the original 1957 Broadway production of the iconic musical.
In 2021, DeBose was cast in Steven Spielberg's adaptation of the movie musical as Anita, the role that Rivera had originated on Broadway. DeBose's performance was lauded by critics, earning her a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture, a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress - Motion Picture, a BAFTA Award for Best Film Actress in a Supporting Role, and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
READ MORE: Broadway Mourns as Legendary Chita Rivera of 'West Side Story' Passes Away at 91
Notably, DeBose became the first Queer Latina to win an Academy Award and the second to win an Award playing the same actress. In 1961, Rita Moreno won the same award for playing Anita in the 1961 movie adaptation of the same musical.
Elsewhere in the tribute performance, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Audra McDonald, and Bebe Neuwirth also remembered Rivera's legacy and impact on Broadway.
"Anyone who knew Chita had a great friend and an even greater role model. Everything I know about being a Broadway lead, I learned from [Chita]. The iconic characters that she created are unforgettable," Mitchell said. "Chita redefined what it meant to be a Latina in showbusiness. She inspired generations of women. If she could do it, they could do it."
Ariana DeBose pays tribute to Chita Rivera #TonyAwards pic.twitter.com/pBiVIwLvxm
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) June 17, 2024
Aside from Anita in West Side Story, Rivera also originated the roles of Rose in Bye Bye Birdie, Velma Kelly in Chicago, Aurora in Kiss of the Spiderwoman, and Anna in The Rink.
Rivera was nominated for ten Tony Awards and won two for Best Actress in a Musical and a Tony for Lifetime Achievement.
READ MORE: Chita Rivera's Cause of Death Revealed: Broadway Icon Dead at 91
