Lisa Mordente, the daughter of Chita Rivera, was born in New York in 1958 and grew up witnessing her mother achieve Broadway fame. From an early age, she pursued performing, just like her parents.
Her big break came in 1976 when she made appearances in the television series “Starsky and Hutch” and “Viva Valdez.” She debuted on Broadway in “Platinum” in 1978.
Lisa’s abilities were acknowledged by the Tony Awards, and in 1981, she received a Tony nomination for her performance in “Marlowe.”
For many years, she also served as a choreographer for films and music videos, including Liza Minnelli’s “The Day After That” music video and the film “Sister Act.”
Lisa collaborated with Adam Sandler in the film “Crazy Love” in 1996.
In spite of this, her mother, the well-known Broadway legend Chita Rivera, recently died on January 30, 2024, at the age of 91.
With her remarkable abilities, Rivera adorned the stage for more than 70 years, cemented her reputation as a theatrical great.
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Lisa has always valued and complied with the guidance her mother has provided her.
Lisa revealed in a Washington Times piece that her mother helped her understand the distinction between the real world and the entertainment industry.
This indicates that Lisa’s mother assisted her in realising that the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry are not the same as the ordinary realities of life outside of it.
In addition, Lisa’s mother made sure that family time—rather than watching TV—was always prioritised during supper.
As a result, Lisa had a greater respect for her loved ones and her ability to forge strong bonds with them.
Nonetheless, Lisa’s mother was a crucial figure in raising her daughter and assisting her in navigating the challenges of the entertainment industry.
She helped Lisa learn how to remain grounded and true to herself despite fame and money by drawing a line between the celebrity on stage and the mother at home.
The news of Chita’s passing broke on January 30, 2024.
“It is with immense sorrow that I announce the death of Chita Rivera at 91,” said Merle Frimark, as reported by People.
The mother-daughter friendship between Chita and Lisa was marked by an exceptional bond.
Their genuine personal relationships demonstrated that they shared a connection that extended beyond the stage.
With her extensive experience in the entertainment sector, Chita was well-versed in distinguishing between the real world and showbiz.
She was there for Lisa at all times, offering advice and influencing Lisa’s perspective on life. Lisa respected Chita for her insight and leadership.
Being in the company of someone like Chita made her feel fortunate.
Whether they were hanging around or performing together on stage, their friendship remained unshakeable.
In 1957, Chita Rivera wed Tony Mordente, a castmate.
Friends, relatives, and admirers rejoiced in their union because of their mutual love of the performing arts.
A year after being married, the couple brought their daughter Lisa Mordente into the world in the busy city of New York.
Nevertheless, Chita and Tony’s marriage failed, and they got divorced in 1966 despite having similar experiences and a passion for theatre.
Lisa Mordente’s gifted parents influenced her growing up, and she inevitably fell into the performing industry.
She had started to establish a reputation by the late 1970s.
She played Lisa Valdez in the 1976 ABC sitcom “Viva Valdez,” thanks to her charm and talent.
Her performance was well-received by the audience, and she went on to further her career in show business that year, making guest appearances on hit TV shows “Starsky and Hutch” and landing a regular part on “Doc.”
Even though Lisa had early success in television, her artistic soul was most fully realised in theatre.
In the 1978 musical “Platinum,” she entered the Broadway stage and took on the role of Crystal Mason.
Lisa was able to demonstrate her flexibility as a performer—which includes acting, singing, and dancing—during this engagement.
Lisa received praise from critics for her commitment to her work and her commanding theatrical presence.
Her remarkable performance in the play “Marlowe” in 1981 earned her a nomination for a Tony Award, solidifying her reputation as a formidable artist in the theatre.
In addition to her career in theatre and film, Lisa dabbled in choreography.
She contributed to Liza Minnelli’s music video for the song “The Day After That” and worked on the choreography for the 1992 film “Sister Act,” showcasing her talent and inventive vision.
When Lisa worked with popular actor and comedian Adam Sandler to create the song “Crazy Love” in 1996, her artistic career took an unexpected turn.
Her excellent and varied career gained still another dimension with their collaboration.
It’s significant to remember that Chita Rivera spent her entire life in the affection of her loved ones, friends, and supporters.
On January 30, 2024, Chita Rivera, a well-known Broadway star, died at the age of 91.
She was regarded as one of the greatest triple-threat performers of her generation because of her extraordinary talent as a dancer, singer, and actress.
Chita made numerous appearances on stage over her career, making a lasting impression on the theatre industry.
Chita’s demise was a big loss for the entertainment business. Her innumerable appearances and the motivation she offered to young performers, however, ensure that her legacy endures. Many people, especially her loving family, respected and loved her.
Chita was appreciative and humble even in the face of her success and notoriety. Every performance she gave demonstrated her love of the arts and commitment to her craft.
By drawing a distinction between the brilliant Broadway icon and the devoted mother Chita was, Lisa Mordente pays tribute to her mother. Lisa attributes their family’s stability amid the glitz and glitter of entertainment to the morals their mother instilled in them.
Following in her parents’ footsteps, Lisa married actor Donnie Kehr in 1993.
Chad Lowe was the best man for the couple, which added to the specialness of the wedding ceremony.
Lisa and Donnie celebrated because they both had a strong love of performing.
Among Donnie’s noteworthy accomplishments is his role in the Tony Award-nominated musical “Billy Elliot,” which received positive reviews from critics.
Donnie has performed on stage as well as in films, including “Wall Street” and “Gotham.” Their union, however short-lived, embodied Broadway romance.