Ann Richards

. Bush, recognizing her contributions to American (U.S.) culture. In the 2004 presidential election, Richards endorsed Governor Howard Dean for the Democratic nomination, campaigning on Dean's behalf. In 2002 Chita Rivera became the first female Hispanic to receive the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors award presented by President George W. She talks frequently about this experience, advocating a healthier lifestyle for women at risk of the disease. She received her first Tony in 1984 for her role in The Rink and her second for Best Leading Actress in a Musical in 1993 for her role in Kiss of the Spider Woman. She changed her diet and lifestyle, which has stabilized her bone density. Rivera received two Tony Awards and six additional nominations.

She was diagnosed with osteoporosis in 1996, having lost 3/4 inch in height and broken her hand and ankle. [Quoted at http://www.geocities.com/Broadway/Stage/9942/inthe1226.html]. She was a popular governor, but was unexpectedly defeated in 1994 by George W. Bush. You have long been considered a Broadway legend."" Rivera replied "Oh, God!" and laughed. Bush], he can't help it...He was born with a silver foot in his mouth." In 1990, she ran for Governor of Texas, and won election on November 6, 1990. Indeed "In Theatre" magazine has suggested in an interview by Goerge Horsfall: " You must be tired of the term "legend", but let's get it out of the way. Richards delivered the keynote address to the 1988 Democratic National Convention, a move which put her in the national spotlight with the line "Poor George [H.W. Rivera is widely regarded by theatre aficiandos as a "living legend".

In 1986, she was re-elected without opposition. Rivera is planning on appearing in three plays in 2004: Nine with Antonio Banderas, The Visit and Ballroom. She then was elected State Treasurer in 1982, becoming the first woman elected to statewide office in more than fifty years. She played the role of Nicky in the movie version of Sweet Charity with Shirley MacLaine. In 1976, Richards was elected to Travis County, Texas Commissioner Court, where she served for six years. She went on a national tour with Can-Can. During this time, she had two daughters and two sons. Chita also starred in the Broadway productions of Bye Bye Birdie, Born Yesterday, The Rose Tattoo, Call Me Madam, The Rink, Threepenny Opera, Sweet Charity, Kiss Me Kate, Kiss of the Spider Woman and Zorba.

After graduation, she taught social studies and history at Fulmore Junior High School in Austin, Texas. Her performance was so important for the success of the show that the London production was posponed until after Chita gave birth to the couple's daughter, Lisa. She received a bachelor's degree from Baylor University, and a teaching certificate from the University of Texas. On December 1, 1957, Rivera married dancer Tony Mordente. Richards was born Dorothy Ann Willis in Lakeview, Texas. She grew up in Waco, Texas, and graduated from Waco High School in 1950, marrying her high school sweetheart, David Richards. She was cast as Anita in the Broadway premiere of West Side Story. Years later the role of Anita was to bring fame and an Oscar to another Puerto Rican, Rita Moreno in the film version. Bush, current President of the United States. In 1957, Chita was cast in the role which was destined to make her a Broadway star.

She served as Governor of Texas from 1991 to 1995, when she was defeated by George W. Besides her ballet instructors, Chita considers that she learned a lot from Leonard Bernstein and especially from Gwen Verdon, with whom she participated in the Broadway production of Chicago. She rose to nationwide fame as the keynote speaker at the 1988 Democratic National Convention leading up to the 1988 presidential election. Wonderful with Sammy Davis Jr. Ann Willis Richards (born September 1, 1933) is an American politician from Texas. In 1952, when Chita was 17 years old, she accompanied a friend to the audition for a Broadway production of Call Me Madam and ended up with the role. She followed this by landing roles in other Broadway productions, such as Guys and Dolls, Can-Can, Seventh Heaven and Mr. Among her teachers were Edward Villella, Allegra Kent and Maria Tallchief.