Below, Rivera and McNally share some of their personal memories, as Playbill.com takes a look at their wins and speeches.
Prior to winning my first Tony Award for the John Kander/Fred Ebb/Terrence McNally musical The Rink in 1984, I had been to the Tonys as a nominee four times prior to this, but never got to stand up. When my name was called that year for The Rink, I stood up, made my way to the stage (totally surprised) and said to the audience "It's a good thing I bought the bottom of the dress this year!
Watch Chita's heartfelt speech for The Rink below:
Rivera wins again for Kiss of the Spider Woman in 1993:
Terrence McNally:
My favorite Tony memory is repeated every time I go - win or lose. People don't remember who won or lost very long. I have heard people arguing who won best Supporting This or That when half an hour earlier it was the most burning question in the entire world.
The first time I won a Tony a man came over to me and asked me if it was my second or third Tony win? I don't know what possessed me. I haven't had a drink in 40 years. "Actually, it's my fourth," I told him. He turned to his wife and said, "I told you it wasn't his first." The point of this story is that we are all Tony winners if we want to be. No one else remembers. The moment that envelope is opened and the winner's name is read, we are all forgotten and all that matters is what we do next season. I think that's good and it's certainly healthy.
