In 1960, Rivera was nominated for a Tony Award for creating the role of Rose in "Bye Bye Birdie" opposite Dick Van Dyke. She appeared three times on "The Ed Sullivan Show" and won raves for her performance on Broadway and in London opposite Peter Marshall, but was passed over for the film version where the role was played by Janet Leigh. In 1963, Rivera was a guest on "The Judy Garland Show" and was cast opposite Alfred Drake in "Zenda". The Broadway-bound musical closed on the road but in 1964, Rivera returned to Broadway in "Bajour" and television in "The Outer Limits""."