The entertainment community was heartbroken by the death of the iconic Chita Rivera on Jan. 30, 2023. Many stars reached out on social media to share memories of the actress, singer, and dancer, including GENERAL HOSPITAL alum John Stamos (ex-Blackie).
In addition to his acting, Stamos is also a talented musician and singer, and has appeared in numerous musicals throughout his career. In 2009, he starred as Albert Peterson in the Broadway revival of Bye Bye Birdie, the role originally played by Dick Van Dyke back in 1960 opposite Rivera as Rose Alvarez.
“Rosie and Albert,” Stamos captioned the pic of them together. “I adored Chita Rivera, a longtime friend and Broadway legend, she was an inspiration to me for her immense talent and resilience. However, her career also illuminates a lesser-known aspect: her iconic roles, like Anita in West Side Story and Rosie in Bye Bye Birdie, were recast in film adaptations or major revivals.
“This trend, where Chita’s groundbreaking theater work didn’t lead to film opportunities,” he continued, “showcases systemic issues in entertainment. Nonetheless, these instances do not diminish her legacy but rather underscore the significant path she paved for future performers. RIP, sweet Chita.”
During her extensive career, Rivera originated roles like Anita in West Side Story, Velma Kelly in Chicago, and Aurora in Kiss of the Spider Woman. She earned 10 Tony Award nominations for her work, taking home the Best Actress in a Musical twice (for The Rink and Kiss of the Spider Woman). But as Stamos mentioned, her opportunities in film and television never came close to her unforgettable success on stage.
