Theater

Ariana DeBose tears up over West Side Story star Chita Rivera's death: 'Because she was, I am'

DeBose and Rivera both had impactful roles in different versions of "West Side Story," with the former getting emotional as she remembered her foremother.

By

Joey Nolfi

Published on January 31, 2024 10:06AM EST

One day after the death of Chita Rivera — her foremother in West Side Story excellence — Oscar-winning actress Ariana DeBose got emotional discussing the musical icon's legacy in a live TV interview.

“The first time I hosted the Tonys, we had the privilege of presenting Best Musical together that year. She welcomed me to the sisterhood," the 33-year-old told Live's Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos of Rivera, who died Tuesday at age 91, decades after first portraying Anita — the role DeBose won her Oscar for in Steven Spielberg's 2021 film — in the 1957 Broadway edition of the classic story.

DeBose then paused to collect herself as tears welled in her eyes.

"Woo, I’m not crying this morning," she said. "She was a force of nature, and she showed so many of us what was possible, especially for dancers. She broke barriers. Because she was, I am. We all miss her a great deal, but we work very hard to keep her legacy alive and do it very well."

Chita Rivera and Ariana DeBose speak onstage during the 75th Annual Tony Awards — Chita Rivera and Ariana DeBose.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

DeBose previously shared memories of Rivera to social media following news of the Tony-winning icon's death, calling her a "force" of inspiration in the industry.

"In truth she made me nervous. To be in her presence was to behold greatness," DeBose wrote. "I always got the sense that she had great expectations, but none greater than the ones she held herself to…I am heartbroken and yet ever inspired as she showed so many of us what was possible. Rest well Queen. #ChitaRivera."

Ariana DeBose cries remembering Chita Rivera on Live With Kelly and Mark — Ariana DeBose and Chita Rivera.
ABC; Bruce Glikas/Getty Images

Rita Moreno, who portrayed Anita in the 1961 film adaptation of West Side Story (for which she also won an Academy Award), told EW in a statement that Rivera's legacy was "eternal."

"I remember seeing her for the first time in Mr. Wonderful and exclaiming, 'Oh my God, who is that?' When I found out that this astonishing creature was one of my people, I crowed with pride," Moreno's statement continued. "Over the years, we were sometimes mistaken for each other, which I always viewed as a badge of honor. She was the essence of Broadway. As I write this, I am raising a glass to this remarkable woman and friend. Chita, amiga, Salud!"

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Ariana DeBose tears up over West Side Story star Chita Rivera's death: 'Because she was, I am'

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