Let me tell you about the legendary Chita Rivera, a three-time Tony Award winner who lit up Broadway stages starting back in the 1950s. This powerhouse originated the iconic role of Anita in the 1957 production of West Side Story. That show not only cemented her place in theater history but also introduced her to her future husband, Tony Mordente. The couple enjoyed a marriage that spanned nearly a decade before they parted ways in 1966. But their story didn’t end there—they maintained a respectful and cordial relationship long after their divorce.
Chita Rivera’s Ex-Husband: Who Was Tony Mordente?
Chita and Tony tied the knot in 1957, right after starring in the groundbreaking musical that would later become one of the most celebrated film adaptations of all time. The couple welcomed their only child, Lisa Mordente, into the world in July 1958. Both Chita and Tony went on to reprise their roles in the West End production of West Side Story after Lisa’s birth, bringing the magic of the show to London audiences.
In 1961, Tony was cast as Action in the West Side Story film, which took home 10 Academy Awards. He reunited with Chita again in Bye Bye Birdie the same year, where he served as an understudy while she dazzled audiences as the female lead, Rosie Alvarez. The family frequently traveled to England during Lisa’s early years, performing and building a life across the pond.
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“My daughter was just a year old the first time we went to England, and the second time, with Bye Bye Birdie, she was three,” Chita shared with The Cinematic Journal in June 2020. “Both shows were massive hits, and the audiences were incredible. It wasn’t just about working in England—it was about living there, having neighbors, and creating a life. We’ve made countless friends over there, and it’s always felt like a second home.”
The couple eventually divorced in 1966, five years after their run in Bye Bye Birdie, but they managed to keep their relationship amicable. Tony continued to thrive in the entertainment industry, landing minor roles on Broadway, film, and television. He also worked as a choreographer on several variety shows, including the hit '70s sitcom Rhoda. Later, he landed a recurring role on the acclaimed drama 7th Heaven, appearing in over 30 episodes.
Tony remarried in 1978 to Jean G Fraser, and the couple had one child together. Meanwhile, Chita never remarried but continued to shine as a Broadway legend. Their marriage was immortalized in her 2005 musical, Chita Rivera: The Dancer’s Life. Tony even attended the opening of this show at the Schoenfeld Theatre in New York alongside their daughter, Lisa.
In 2007, the former couple reunited on the red carpet at the 19th Annual Gypsy of the Year competition, where the original cast members of West Side Story came together. Chita spoke fondly of her ex-husband in a 2020 interview, recalling how Tony “literally flew” through the air during rehearsals for the production over 60 years ago, as reported by Playbill. Their friendship endured throughout their busy careers as they co-parented Lisa, who followed in their footsteps as an actress.
When Did Chita Rivera Pass Away?
Chita’s passing was announced on January 30, 2024, at the age of 91. Her friend Merle Frimark paid tribute to her in a heartfelt statement, saying, “It is with immense personal sorrow that I announce the death of the beloved Broadway icon Chita Rivera. My dear friend of over 40 years was 91.”
