Chita Rivera, the actress and singer who paved the way for many Latinas with her triumph on Broadway, dies. Rivera, known for roles such as Anita in the original production of the musical 'West Side Story', was 91 years old.
Rivera's death was announced by his daughter, Lisa Mordente, who said he died in New York after a brief illness. In August 2009, Rivera was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor the United States can bestow on a civilian.