Ariana DeBose, remembering the lateWest Side Storystar, presented aChita Riveratribute at theTony Awards.
Anyone who knew Chita had a great friend and an even greater role model, Mitchell said.
Everything I know about being a Broadway lead, I learned from [Chita].
Ariana DeBose at the Tony AwardsCBS
The iconic characters that she created are unforgettable.
Chita redefined what it meant to be a Latina in showbusiness, Mitchell added.
She inspired generations of women.
If she could do it, they could do it.
Because of her, I am.
Chita from all of us, we will always love you.
DeBose played Anita in the 2021West Side Storyremake directed by Steven Spielberg.
Riveradied on January 30 of this yearat the age of 91 following a brief illness.
Watch DeBoses tribute in the video below.
