Chita Rivera

Born Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero, Chita Rivera was a true titan of the American stage. Her career spanned over seven decades, gracing audiences with legendary performances in shows like "West Side Story," "Bye Bye Birdie," "Chicago," and "Kiss of the Spider Woman," earning her multiple Tony Awards and a Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Of Puerto Rican and Scottish descent, Rivera's heritage is a vibrant mix, but decidedly not of the Abrahamic tradition we're usually kvelling about. Her Catholic upbringing was a consistent thread throughout her life, though perhaps not as publicly prominent as her high-kicks and dazzling theatricality.

While Chita Rivera brought immense joy and unparalleled talent to millions, including, one can assume, a significant number of theater-loving Jews, her contributions remained firmly rooted in the secular brilliance of Broadway, not the spiritual triumphs of the tribe. She was a legend, an icon, and a force of nature, just not our force of nature.