The legendary Broadway icon, Chita Rivera, was a force of nature whose performances in shows like West Side Story and Bye Bye Birdie became unforgettable. Beyond her glittering stage career, she was a proud mother to her daughter, Lisa Mordente, born in 1958. Chita’s legacy extends far beyond the footlights, as she was not only a trailblazer in theater but also an incredible mom who instilled timeless values in her child.
Meet Lisa Mordente: The Talented Daughter of Broadway Powerhouse Chita Rivera
Chita met her future husband, West Side Story co-star Tony Mordente, and they tied the knot in 1957. The union brought Lisa into the world a year later, right in the heart of New York City. Though their marriage ended in 1966, Lisa grew up surrounded by the magic of theater, just like her parents. Her journey into the entertainment world began in the late '70s when she carved out her own niche on the small and big screens.
One of Lisa's early breakout roles came in the ABC sitcom Viva Valdez in 1976, where she played the character Lisa Valdez. Her dancing prowess caught the eye of producers, leading to guest appearances on Starsky and Hutch and a recurring role on Doc. But it was the theater that truly called her name.
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The stage became Lisa’s playground, and her Broadway debut came in the 1978 musical Platinum, where she played Crystal Mason. Her star continued to rise, earning her a Tony nomination for her role in the 1981 production Marlowe. Lisa didn’t stop there—she expanded her talents into choreography, working on Sister Act in 1992 and collaborating with the legendary Liza Minnelli on the music video for "The Day After That." She even teamed up with comedian Adam Sandler to record the song "Crazy Love" in 1996.
Lisa’s success is a testament to her mother’s guidance. Chita always emphasized the importance of balancing showbiz with real life.
"She taught me the difference between showbiz life and real life and [how] never the twain shall meet," Lisa shared with The Washington Times in December 2002. "We had dinner at 4 p.m. every day at the table with placemats and no TV. There was Mom, and there was the lady I would sit in the orchestra pit and watch onstage. I never got the two mixed up."
Chita passed away on January 30, 2024, at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire countless fans and performers alike.
“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,” said her close friend Merle Frimark in a statement reported by People.
Was Lisa Mordente Ever Married?
Just like her parents, who met and fell in love on Broadway, Lisa found her own love story in the theater world. She married Jersey Boys actor Donnie Kehr in 1993, with actor Chad Lowe serving as best man. Though details of their split remain private, their shared passion for performing clearly brought them together.
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Donnie’s career in theater is as impressive as his former wife’s. His Broadway credits include Billy Elliot, The Who’s Tommy, and The Mystery of Edwin Drood. He’s also appeared in iconic films like Wall Street and Chaplin and popular TV series such as House of Cards, Gotham, and Quantico.
